Arba Minch University, in partnership with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), officially launched the three-year SMART WASH Project -“Innovation in the Management of Water Infrastructures and Food Security in Ethiopia” - on June 19, 2026, at the University’s Main Campus. Click here to see more photos.
The SMART WASH Project seeks to enhance climate resilience, public health, and food security in rural Ethiopia by integrating sustainable water supply systems with community-led agricultural practices. Through innovations such as QGIS-based digital mapping and resilient agroecological approaches, the 36-month initiative will strengthen institutional data governance while promoting local food and seed sovereignty. The project will be implemented in six woredas: Demba Gofa, Geze Gofa, Zala, and Oyida in the Gofa Zone of the South Ethiopia Region, and Cheha and Ezha in the Gurage Zone of the Central Ethiopia Region.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Dr. Teklu Wogayehu, Vice President for Research and Cooperation, highlighted AMU’s commitment to strengthening education, research, and community engagement through partnerships with local, national, and international institutions. He noted that the SMART WASH Project is a timely initiative that will contribute to improving water infrastructure management, sanitation, hygiene, and food security through innovation, capacity building, and participatory approaches. Emphasizing the critical role of water in public health, agricultural productivity, and sustainable development, Dr. Teklu underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to address emerging challenges and build more resilient communities and institutions.
Dr. Tamiru Teseme, Scientific Director of Arba Minch Water Technology Institute (AWTI), noted that the initiative brings together universities, development partners, government institutions, and international agencies to advance water infrastructure management, WASH services, and food security in Ethiopia. He highlighted the Institute’s longstanding contributions to water resources development, sanitation, irrigation engineering, hydrology, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing that collaboration remains central to its success and creates shared value for all stakeholders.
Mrs. Beatrice Geraci of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation described the SMART WASH Project as a reflection of the strong partnership between Italy and Ethiopia. She noted that the initiative is built on two key pillars: improving access to clean water and WASH services through the rehabilitation and construction of water facilities, community training, and hygiene promotion; and strengthening food security and agricultural resilience through climate-smart agriculture, community seed systems, and the empowerment of women and youth through cooperatives. According to Mrs. Geraci, the project aims to build resilient communities and sustainable livelihoods capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change.
Mr. Hailu Tadesse, Deputy Country Director of Comunita Volontari per il Mondo (CVM), noted that CVM Ethiopia has been implementing humanitarian and development programs across the country for more than 47 years in close collaboration with government institutions, communities, and development partners. He emphasized that the success of the SMART WASH Project will depend on strong partnerships and the active engagement of all stakeholders, including government bodies, development partners, technical experts, community leaders, and beneficiary communities.
Presenting an overview of the initiative, Dr. Demelash Wondimeneh, SMART WASH Project Coordinator from AMU-AWTI, explained that the project focuses on water supply, sanitation and hygiene, irrigation development, food security, and digital water management systems in six target woredas across the Gofa and Gurage zones. He noted that the project is organized into three components: water supply and sanitation; food security and irrigation; and GIS-based data management and monitoring systems. As part of its contribution, AMU will lead capacity-building activities by training staff and local technical experts in GIS and related technologies. Funded by the Italian Government with a total budget of €3.6 million, the project allocates €74,000 to AMU for its implementation responsibilities.
Representatives of international and local non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and technical partners, including AMU, Wolkite University, Hydroaid, and CAFC S.P.A. attended the launch event and reaffirmed their commitment to the successful implementation of the SMART WASH Project.
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