Empowering Rural Communities with Innovative Water Solutions
There is a high rate of non-functionality of rural water schemes in Ethiopia (up to 17% or even more) due to structural underinvestment in operations and maintenance. The Helvetas model of enhanced private sector (youth enterprise) participation appears to be the most effective option for reducing the non-functionality of rural water schemes.
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Project NameYouth Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Rural Services in Amhara Region (YES-Amhara II)
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Project Phase2024 to 2026
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FundingDonations, contributions, SDC programme contribution
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BudgetCHF 900,000
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Thematic focusWASH Services
Rural Access
WASH & Water Governance
About the Project
The Youth Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Rural Services (YES-Amhara) project, implemented by HELVETAS Ethiopia, aims to address the challenges of poor access to safe drinking water, inadequate sanitation, and unreliable community-managed Water Supply Schemes (WSS) in rural Ethiopia. The project focuses on developing and strengthening Youth Enterprises (YEs) to provide sustainable rural services and improve year-round access to community water points. By fostering community ownership and management through well-functioning Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Committees (WASHCOs) and active community participation, the project creates an enabling environment for affordable and sustainable rural services.
Key Activities and Approaches
The YES-A project has established seven new Youth Enterprises (YEs) in seven districts, comprising 38 members, including 15 women. These enterprises received comprehensive training in entrepreneurship, life skills, business skills, and technical skills, along with apprenticeships relevant to their business operations. To facilitate their operations, the project equipped Youth Enterprises with motorcycles, hand tools, building materials for sheds, office setups, and financial documents. Additionally, a revolving loan fund of ETB 1,750,000 (22,727 CHF) was set up through Cooperative Societies’ Savings and Credit Unions (CoSSCUs) to support the Youth Enterprises in their business endeavors.
Community engagement and capacity building were central to the project's approach. The project supported the legalization of 114 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Committees (WASHCOs), including 54 through scale-out practices by Woreda Water and Energy Offices. These WASHCOs collected ETB 2,435,548 (31,630 CHF) for Operation and Maintenance fees from more than twenty-five thousand users. Training was provided to 10,774 partner staff, Youth Enterprises members, and WASHCO members to enhance their performance in managing water supply systems and promoting hygiene and sanitation practices.
Maintenance and rehabilitation of water supply schemes were also a key focus. Youth Enterprises maintained and rehabilitated 85 Water points, benefiting 140,770 people, including 46,550 women. These enterprises generated a total revenue of 1.6 million ETB (20,000 CHF), with each member earning an average of ETB 4,414 monthly (1.91 CHF daily).
Impact and Future Plans
The YES-A project has made significant strides in improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation in rural Ethiopia. By empowering youth and fostering community ownership, the project has created a sustainable model for rural services. Looking ahead, the project plans to continue supporting YEs and WASHCOs, enhance capacity-building efforts, and explore new business opportunities for YEs, such as liquid soap production.
Harg Mamo 23, while repairing a water pump at Blrbir (village near Sekota town, WagHemera zone of Ethiopia), 2024
