June 3/2024

Today, H.E. Dr. Abraham Belay, Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands, and H.E. Dr. Birhanu Lenjiso, State Minister of Irrigation Development Sector, welcomed Mr. Giovanni Munoz, Chief of the East and Southern Africa Service, Farayi Zimudzi, FAO Representative in Ethiopia, and delegates to discuss ongoing areas of engagement. Key topics included receiving technical support for our upcoming flagship projects and developing irrigation codes and standards. Excitingly, #FAO has agreed to consider supporting the integration of GIS-based MIS systems into our flagship programs, enhancing our data management capabilities. The delegates also explored other collaboration areas, such as support for irrigation design, construction, operation, and maintenance, as well as assistance with irrigation investment analysis and tariff settings.

This partnership with FAO marks a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance agricultural infrastructure and sustainability.

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with #UNOPs. This historic agreement was entered into by H.E. Aisha Mohammed Mussa (Eng.), (Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands), and Mrs. Worknesh Mekonnen (Director, Ethiopia Multi-Country Office and UNOPs Representative to AU). This collaboration will pave the way for transformative development in the Ethiopian Lowlands, unlocking the untapped resources and ushering in a new era of prosperity and opportunity. Both teams will work hand in hand to mobilize resources for technical assistance, conducting comprehensive feasibility studies, pilots, and scaleups. These initiatives are crucial in identifying and capitalizing on the vast potential of the Ethiopian Lowlands. Both #MILLs and UNOPS share a common vision that the Ethiopian Lowlands are lands of immense opportunity, not scarcity.

Together, we are determined to harness these abundant resources and drive forward the development of our lowlands, with a special focus on irrigation to ensure a flourishing future for our communities.

June 26, 2023, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In a significant milestone towards achieving a sustainable and climate-resilient future, the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands, Ethiopia (MILLs) has joined forces with renowned international non-profit organization, Heifer International. Ethiopia, with its diverse landscape and rich agricultural heritage, recognizes the need for robust initiatives that not only boost productivity but also enhance the resilience of communities in the face of a changing climate. This collaboration with Heifer International marks a new chapter in Ethiopia’s journey towards self-sufficiency and sustainable development.

During the event held at MILLs, an MOU was signed between H.E. Eng. Aisha Mohammed Mussa, Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands and Surita Sandosham, President & CEO of Hiefer International, marking the beginning of this exciting partnership.

Representatives from both parties shared their respective perspectives:
“As we embark on the critical journey towards a sustainable and climate-resilient Ethiopia, our alliance with Heifer International represents a significant benchmark. Jointly, we are committed to developing a comprehensive lowland and pastoral development strategy, reinforcing the effectiveness of our dairy value chains, and driving commercially viable irrigation programs led by the private sector. This partnership goes beyond traditional collaboration; it serves as a beacon of transformative progress, illuminating our steadfast pursuit for a food-sovereign Ethiopia”
H.E. Eng. Aisha Mohammed Mussa

”What differentiates Heifer is our core values that prioritize the smallholder farmer and our dedication to delivering sustainable and marketable solutions tailored to their needs. Our focus is on sustainability and scalability, ensuring long-term impact. We fully embrace the holistic approach advocated by the Minister and remain committed to its implementation.”
Surita Sandosham President and CEO of Heifer International

Under the ownership of the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands (MILLs), the construction of the 5.5 Billion Ethiopian Birr Irrigation Development project is underway in the Raitu and Ginir Woredas of Eastern Bale Zone in the Oromia Region. Upon completion, the project will cover an area of 4,146 hectares and will significantly benefit  more than  9,000 pastoralists and semi-pastoralists.

Located at the border of Raitu and Ginir, the Chelchel river (a tributary of the Weyib River) is the site of the Chelchel Dam Construction Project. The Irrigation Development System will be located in Raitu Woreda. The Chelchel Dam will span across 46.5meters high and 681 meters long with a staggering capacity of 50 million cubic meters of water, covering an area of 341.8 hectares. Furthermore, the water will recede up to a distance of 1.5km.

Upon its completion, Raitu Woreda will be able to harvest crops such as maize,  wheat, millet, papaya, banana, onions, and tomatoes twice or three times a year.

The construction of The Dam and Irrigation Development will primarily involve the construction of a 47.5km main canal, which will be followed by the construction of the left and right sections spanning 21.5km and 22.6km respectively. Moreover, a 35.3km second canal and a third canal covering a distance of 168km will be built.

This project has been divided into two lots: Although the first contractor who was in charge of Lot I terminated their contract, in their place, Alemayehu Ketema General Contractor entered into a contract. They have since taken over and are currently mobilizing the necessary resources, machinery, and manpower to resume the work. As for Lot II, Oromia Construction Corporation (whose contract was renewed twice) is in charge and could face difficulties completing the project on schedule if it doesn’t deploy the required machinery promptly.

By the end of March in the current Ethiopian fiscal year, the construction of the project has reached 13.8% in Lot I and 74.75% in Lot II.

A total of 509 citizens, comprising 430 men and 79 women, were employed on a temporary and permanent basis as part of the project. The project has faced several challenges including capacity of sub-contractors, shortage of labor & shortage of machinery.  As a result, discussions were held with the concerned stakeholders to devise solutions in order to address these challenges.

The project commenced in December 2012 (E.C.) and is scheduled for completion by the end of the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year.

Addis Ababa, Tuesday, March 21, 2023 – Power for All organized a collaborative meeting among advocates of the Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) at the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands (MILLs) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting aimed to bring together development and implementing partners and foundations working within the PURE space, to join forces on addressing obstructs and capacity needs to activate the PURE market potential in Ethiopia.

By providing reliable energy sources, PURE interventions can support economic development and help lift people out of impoverishment and #endenergypovertyfaster. However, implementing PURE interventions can be challenging. There are often significant logistical and technical challenges, as well as challenges related to financing and capacity building. This is why collaboration between development partners, implementing partners, and the government is critical for the success of PURE initiatives.

MILLs has demonstrated how Ethiopian agriculture has been heavily reliant on low levels of technology and diesel-powered pumps for irrigation, resulting in various drawbacks including, but not limited to, high costs, volatility, unavailability of diesel, low productivity, food insecurity, pollution all which lead to the lack of access to water for irrigation. During his presentation, Hizkyas Dufera, Senior Advisor to the Minister presented the ongoing development of the National Irrigation Strategy (NIS) and announced the Ministry’s plan to expand its solar-powered cold storage facilities and hydroponics initiatives.

The ministry is taking steps towards promoting PURE in Ethiopia by expanding existing plans and collaborating with private sector entities. This is an important step because renewable energy has the potential to enhance agricultural practices in Ethiopia by boosting efficiency and sustainability. By leveraging renewable energy to power agriculture, Ethiopia will reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and subsequently contribute to global efforts aimed at tackling climate change. The involvement of senior representatives from the Ministry is a positive development and underscores the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors in the success of PURE.

Moreover, attendants from the private sector presented their initiatives and ongoing projects that specifically highlight tackling several of the aforementioned challenges.

Overall, several key topics were discussed, such as addressing capacity gaps, carbon markets, securing financing, creating awareness, and enhancing agricultural market linkages. The meeting also aimed to identify strategies and potential collaborations to activate the PURE space in Ethiopia and promote the use of renewable energy resources in agriculture and how it can lead to increased productivity and profitability for farmers.

Tesfaye Hailu, Country Director for Power for All in Ethiopia, concluded the meeting with an announcement that Power for All will soon issue a Call for Action inviting private actors, partners, and financiers to participate.

officials from the Ministry H.E. . Aisha Mohammed Mussa, H.E. Dr. Birhanu M Lenjiso , Hizkyas Dufera , Mr. Saroj Kumar Jha (Global Director for WorldBank Group’s Water Global Practice) along with other WB delegates convened a meeting to explore strategies to enhance MILLs operations and have agreed to develop an #irrigation focused country program.

We are grateful for our continued partnership.

The Regional government of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ in Wolaita Zone initiated the Weybo Irrigation Development project in November 2021 G.C., aimed at harnessing the potential of the Weybo River for agricultural purposes. The project started with an estimated cost of 2.44 Billion Ethiopian Birr and is currently underway. Once completed, the irrigation system will cover an area of 3,429 hectares, providing ample opportunities for farming and cultivation.

This project is located in the Wolaita Zone Administration. The dam is being constructed in the Boloso Sore Woreda with the Irrigation Infrastructure spanning across the Boloso Sore Woreda and Boloso Bombie Woreda. The project is expected to have an astonishing impact; directly or indirectly benefiting more than 12,000 farmers located in 4(Four) Kebeles in the Boloso  Sore and 7(Seven) Kebeles in Boloso Bombie areas.

The dam measures 660 meters in length and 32.7 meters  in height, and cascades water over an area of 640hectares which is expected to foster fish production and serve as a significant draw for tourism.

Upon its full completion, the project will be capable of holding 60 million cubic meters of water.  By the end of March 2021 G.C., 11.3% of the project has been completed.

This project faces several challenges including over exaggerated compensations, payment delays, and limited capacity of contractors and consulting firms. To address these issues, there have been repeated discussions with the concerned stakeholders to find solutions.

This project is divided into two lots; Lot I (Construction of Dam and Related Structures) which is carried out by South Water Works Construction Enterprise, and Lot II (Construction of Irrigation Land) which is being carried out through a joint venture between Cross Land Construction  PLC and Oromia Construction Corporation.

The supervising engineer overseeing this project is South Design and Construction Supervision Enterprise.