In the parched expanse of Ethiopia’s Afar region, where years of conflict and climate shocks have left families with little or no clean water or basic sanitation, Islamic Relief is helping communities rebuild with dignity.
A year after the end of a devastating 2-year conflict in Afar, a sanitation project funded by the European Union and implemented by Islamic Relief and Oxfam, has reached more than 50,000 people.
The project addresses urgent needs caused by war and drought, as well as establishing a foundation for long-term resilience by equipping the community with the knowledge to sustain the sanitation changes.
“What stands out about the project is its flexibility,” said Tagel Wubetu, project lead at Islamic Relief Ethiopia. “It fills urgent gaps in water access while restoring dignity to drought and conflict-affected communities.”
Crisis in the Afar region
The Afar region, located in northeastern Ethiopia, has long been vulnerable to climate shocks such as heatwaves, floods and earthquakes. When violence erupted in 2020, much of the region’s already fragile infrastructure was destroyed. Key districts such as Abaala, Berhale, Megale, Ewa, Teru and Yalo, experienced a near to total collapse of water and sanitation systems.
United Nations reports estimate water access in Afar is only about 41%, far below the national average. Although Ethiopia is rich in water resources, clean water remains out of reach for many in remote regions like Afar.
“Our situation was desperate,” said Mao, a father-of-7 in Ewa district. “We relied on unsafe water and practiced open defecation because we didn’t have better options.”
Sustainable solutions with local impact
The project’s most transformative innovation was the shift from diesel-powered systems to solar-powered water supply. These upgrades have been especially important in a region where electricity is unreliable or entirely unavailable.
“Upgrading to solar-powered systems has drastically cut our operational costs and reduced our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Amin Abdu Ali, head of Ewa district’s Water and Energy Office.
In addition to restoring water access, Islamic Relief built latrines and handwashing stations in schools, health centers and public spaces. Hygiene campaigns have educated communities on safe water handling, sanitation, and disease prevention – key components in improving public health outcomes.
“We’re already seeing positive and measurable improvements in community wellbeing,” Wubetu said. “Recent surveys show increased awareness and healthier habits across the districts.”
Community ownership
A defining feature of the project has been its focus on community ownership. Local sanitation and hygiene committees have been trained to operate and maintain the new infrastructure. Government water officers received technical support and equipment for monitoring water quality, ensuring the systems could be sustained long after project closure.
For families like Mohammed’s, the impact has been deeply personal.
“Now, my daughter can use proper hygiene materials, thanks to your raising awareness and financial support,” he said.
As of May 2025, access to safe water in target areas of Afar is up from 22% to 75%, and access to latrines is up from 3% to 77%.
“These are more than statistics,” Wubetu said. “They represent lives changed, health restored, and hope renewed in communities once left behind.”
“Gedegaya,” Mohammed said, using the Afar term that expresses more than thanks. “[Your aid] means everything.”
Our work in Afar shows that humanitarian aid can lay the groundwork for lasting development, even in regions significantly affected by conflict. Please help Islamic Relief continue to support people in need in Ethiopia and beyond by donating today.
