Empowering Communities for Sustainable WASH Access, Improved Health, and Enhanced Livelihoods in Eight Regions of Ethiopia

COWASH IV

COWASH IV has made significant progress in improving WASH services in eight regions across Ethiopia. Through a comprehensive approach which encompasses infrastructure development, community engagement, capacity building and market-based sanitation approaches, COWASH IV has empowered communities to achieve sustainable WASH access, improve health outcomes, and enhance livelihoods.

Project focus areas

WASH Sustainability

Ensuring social, environmental and climate sustainability.

Women Empowerment and Disability Inclusion

Ensuring that WASH interventions are gender-sensitive and inclusive of people with disabilities.

Infrastructure Development

Construction and rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities, including water points, institutional latrines and Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) facilities, as well as facilitating construction of improved household latrines

Community Engagement

Fostering community ownership and participation in WASH activities, promoting behavior change, and raising awareness of hygiene practices.

Capacity Building

Empowering communities and local institutions through training, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing.

Market-Based WASH

Supporting the development of sustainable WASH markets by encouraging private sector engagement and innovation.

Key Achievements

2,093

New community water supply schemes completed, providing access to safe water for 697,759 rural people.

578

Community Water Supply Schemes Rehabilitated

26

WASH Small and Medium microfinance enterprises established or strengthened.

1,158

Micro catchment-based water safety plans implemented, safeguarding water quality at its source and ensuring safe drinking water for communities.

326

School water supply points completed, benefiting 206,020 students.

50

Schools provided with improved latrines benefiting 53,324 students.

108

WASH Saving and Loan Associations established.

143

Health institution water supply points completed.

124

Health institutions equipped with improved latrines.

39

Menstrual hygiene management facilities constructed.

67,597

Individuals participated in capacity development trainings.

30,019

Households equipped with improved latrines.

Partners

Maps

These maps provide a clear visual representation of COWASH IV’S achievements across different regions and project areas.