HAWASSA — The Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands in Ethiopia has launched the second phase of the Lowland Areas Livelihood Improvement Project, which will extend across eight regions of the country, aiming to significantly enhance the lives of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Abraham Belay, speaking at a project inception workshop in Hawassa city, the initiative comes with a funding of 424 million US dollars and targets 120 districts for its implementation. Belay highlighted the project’s focus on improving soil fertility, animal feed production, and crop and vegetable productivity to support sustainable livelihoods in Ethiopia’s lowland regions.

The minister further emphasized the project’s commitment to mitigating drought impacts through timely climate change information for pastoral communities, thereby supporting their economic and social development. He also noted that the project is set to directly benefit 600,000 households, affecting approximately 3 million family members, with an additional two million residents receiving indirect benefits.

Plans are in place to ensure that 30 to 50 percent of the project’s beneficiaries are youth and women, reinforcing the project’s inclusive approach. The workshop saw participation from stakeholders across various regions, including Dire Dawa City Administration, and the regions of Afar, Benishangul-Gumuz, Oromia, Somali, South Ethiopia, and South West Ethiopia People, alongside representatives from international development partner organizations.