Solar Irrigation Scheme Opens in Somali Region to Ease Drought Pressure

Tens of thousands of families in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas of Gode are gaining access to water, improving crop and livestock production, and diversifying household incomes following the inauguration of a solar-powered scheme.

The scheme is part of the “Climate Proofing Food Security in Ethiopia’s Drought Prone Lowland Areas” project, known as IFTIIN, literally translated into “Light” in the Somali language. Funded by the German government through KfW Development Bank and implemented by WFP with local partners and communities, the project is meant to expand water access, raise production and reduce the dependence of vulnerable households on humanitarian assistance.

Representatives from the World Food Programme (WFP), the federal government, the German Embassy and KfW Development Bank opened the site today, April 24, 2026, as part of an effort to strengthen food security in one of Ethiopia’s drought-prone lowland areas.

“This investment is designed to help drought-prone communities better withstand climate shocks and boost year-round food production,” said Zlatan Milišić, WFP representative and country director in Ethiopia.

Between 2024 and 2025, the Gode site generated 17.5 million Br in production value, demonstrating higher household income and stronger market participation. The figure showed that the scheme had already begun supporting production before its formal inauguration, turning water access into a more predictable source of crops, fodder and cash earnings for agro-pastoral communities whose livelihoods depend on both farming and livestock.

“WFP's vision in Ethiopia is to support the Government's shift toward resilient, self-reliant food systems,” Milišić said. “Investments in irrigation, markets and livelihoods through IFTIIN could help communities absorb climate shocks and reduce long-term dependence on humanitarian assistance.”

The Gode scheme draws water from the Shebelle River and uses solar power to make farming more reliable throughout the year. This has enabled producers to cultivate a broader mix of food crops, cash crops and fodder, an important shift in an area where dependence on rainfall has long exposed households to recurring shocks.

Ethiopia has been trying to build resilience as recurrent droughts and floods continue to weaken agricultural productivity and deepen food insecurity, particularly in lowland areas that depend heavily on rainfall. Under IFTIIN, WFP has constructed 17 irrigation schemes to expand water access and increase the production of crops and fodder. The project has also built 13 ponds that collect an average of 150 million litres of water a year for livestock, along with 29 dykes designed to protect communities from floods and support vegetation regeneration.

Farmers receive basic tools, improved seeds, extension support and training intended to raise yields. The project also links farmers with markets and traders through aggregation, post-harvest handling and market-oriented crop planning, helping convert production into income.

German officials see the investment as part of a broader push to help Ethiopia reduce vulnerability to climate shocks and lessen reliance on emergency aid.

“The German government supports Ethiopia's efforts to build climate-resilient food systems because food security is fundamental for the long-term development of the country by reducing dependency on humanitarian assistance,” said Ferdinand von Weyhe (PhD), Germany's deputy ambassador to Ethiopia.

According to Jonas Dylla, director of the KfW Office in Addis Abeba, the partnership is helping communities “build lasting resilience and withstand climate shocks.”

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