Water and Sanitation

Irrigation canals support food production and conserve resources

Nena Terrell/USAID

A vast majority of Ethiopia’s population lacks adequate access to safe water and proper sanitation facilities. At most, 25 percent of people have access to safe water, while proper sanitation facilities are available to about 12 percent. Inadequate access to safe water and sanitation services negatively impact health and productivity, especially that of children.

The Government of Ethiopia aims to increase access to improved water supply in rural communities and achieve universal access to sanitation. USAID supports these efforts by incorporating water, sanitation and hygiene activities within its health, education, agriculture, humanitarian assistance and democracy and governance programs. Activities include components to promote hygiene education, strengthen communities’ capacity to manage water supply and sanitation schemes, and educate communities on how to use safe water and maintain proper waste disposal and sanitation measures.