Vital water in Ethiopia

In the countryside about 13 miles northeast of Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, the vast majority of families make their living from farming. The area is rocky and dry. Lack of water has been the area's biggest challenge in the past, leading to problems such as poor hygiene, disease and food shortages due to small or destroyed harvests.

Two new wells in 2020

Together with the local partner organization Feed the Children Organization, FTCO, Erikshjälpen started a water project in 2017 to drill wells in the area. A drilled well costs approximately 215,000 Swedish kronor (SEK). By utilizing the sun's energy, and providing the wells with solar panel-powered pumps, families and entire villages have sustainably gained access to water that both improves health, develops agriculture and provides new income, as well as giving children better opportunities for education when they do not have to spend several hours every day to fetch water.

In 2020, two wells were completed in the area and are now used by a total of around 130 families, both for domestic and agricultural purposes. The operation and management of the wells has been handed over to the local communities, where teams have been appointed and trained to take care of different aspects of the management.

New income and more nutrition

Before the water project started in 2017, a study in the area showed, among other things, that 95% of families did not sell any crops at the market, as they needed everything they grew to feed their own family. The diet was monotonous and the lack of clean water caused poor hygiene and disease. Many women and children also had to spend a lot of time collecting water. In November 2020, a survey was conducted among families using three of the wells drilled in the project. The survey showed many positive results, including that all school-age children are now attending school. The incidence of diarrhoeal diseases is low. Food has become more varied and therefore more nutritious, which is especially important for growing children. More than 95% of families report that they have sold crops at the market in the past year, thereby earning an income.

Lindström's car has contributed to a change that is of great benefit to children and families today - but also for a long time to come. Access to clean water creates opportunities for good livelihoods and health, but also for children's education and security. It provides the conditions for families and entire communities to lift themselves out of poverty.

Author: Sofia Denzler