South Omo (southern Ethiopia) is an area of significant conservational importance, yet severe environmental challenges threaten biodiversity and local pastoralist livelihoods. Water scarcity poses a major challenge, with 26% of the local population lacking access to water, while land degradation and livestock grazing are leading to reduced vegetation growth. Food insecurity and poverty are also serious issues, placing further pressure on fragile ecosystems to sustain local people's needs.

We will support the construction of two sand dams across two communities in South Omo, providing year-round access to clean water (a sand dam can store up to 40 million litres of water which meets WHO drinking standards). Communities will be supported to implement environmental protection measures and implement community-managed tree planting, helping restore degraded land and preserve the natural environment. Farmers will be trained in conservation agriculture and natural resource management.