FLOWING CHANGE:
THE IMPACT OF IRRIGATION AND CLEAN WATER IN KALU WOREDA.
By Rediate Wujra, Corporate Communications and Public Relations Manager, PSI Ethiopia
In Kalu Woreda, South Wello Zone, Amhara Region, life has taken a transformative turn. For years, water scarcity and a lack of irrigation infrastructure hampered agricultural productivity and limited access to clean water. Today, thanks to an ambitious project, the fields are greener, harvests are fuller, and the future looks brighter.
Agriculture is critical to Ethiopia, contributing 46% of its GDP. Yet for communities like Kalu, where nearly every household depends on farming, water shortages have long stifled growth and opportunity. In 2021, the USAID Transform WASH (T/WASH) Activity was launched to address these challenges with a two-pronged approach: reliable irrigation for farmland and access to clean water for daily needs.
RECLAIMING THE LAND THROUGH IRRIGATION
For local farmers, the irrigation project has been nothing short of life changing. Carefully constructed canals now guide water to fields that were once dry and barren. With this reliable water supply, farmers can grow a wider variety of crops, improve their yields, and boost their incomes. “Agriculture is the main source of income for most households here, and with the reliable water supply, we’ve seen productivity soar,” shares Kassahun Alebachew Ahmed from the Kalu Woreda Agricultural Office.
The project, built with reinforced concrete construction (RCC) for durability, benefits over 162 households across two sections of the kebele, covering more than 91 hectares. Previously, farmers resorted to makeshift solutions like diverting water with plastic materials. Now, robust infrastructure ensures sustainable water distribution for generations to come.
A New Era of Clean Water
On the other side of Kalu Woreda, the Tekake village clean water initiative has brought similar transformation. Years of water scarcity following damage to the water system in 2021 left the community relying on contaminated lake water, increasing the risk of disease. With the installation of a new water pump, generator, and expanded pipeline system, clean water now flows directly to 783 households, while another 1,470 are served through central water points.
The results are evident: healthier families, thriving crops, and the peace of mind that comes with reliable access to life’s most essential resource.
Building these systems was not without hurdles. Transporting materials over 100 kilometers to Woldiya for quality assurance was both costly and time-consuming. Seasonal rains posed additional delays, yet the community’s determination and government support ensured the project’s success. Community members not only participated in construction but also played a vital role in educating others on water conservation practices.
A community committee now manages the operations of both the irrigation and clean water systems. Trained in water management, they are a crucial force in promoting sustainable use and protecting resources for future generations.
A Model of Sustainable Development
The T/WASH Activity in Kalu Woreda stands as a testament to the power of partnership and community-driven change. With strong government support and active involvement from residents, this initiative has created lasting benefits for the community. It highlights how investments in infrastructure can foster resilience, improve livelihoods, and spark sustainable economic growth.
This is more than a story about irrigation and water supply. It’s a story of renewed hope, a shared vision, and a future where opportunity flows as abundantly as the water now sustaining Kalu woreda’s families and livelihoods.
