RTI partners with USAID on new project to provide climate resilient WASH services in Ethiopia

RTI-led project will provide 825,000 people with safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene products and services  

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — RTI International, a nonprofit research institute and leading international development organization, has been selected by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to implement the $45 million, five-year USAID Climate Resilient Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (CR WASH) Activity in Ethiopia. 

“We are excited to expand our partnership with USAID to increase access to sustainable and improved WASH services through this new Activity in Ethiopia,” said Jennifer Kovolski, director of water services within RTI’s international development group. “The Activity will create a cycle of climate resilient water supply, sanitation and hygiene services across four lowland regions, with an engaged private sector that empowers women and provides safe and sustainable WASH services to all.” 

The Ethiopian lowlands face severe challenges that limit the accessibility of water and sanitation services. Hydrological impacts from climate change have prolonged droughts and increased flash floods while protracted conflict has elevated humanitarian needs. Disease outbreak and the drying of water points exacerbate these issues, especially for women and girls. 

The USAID CR WASH Activity is well positioned to capitalize on recent Government of Ethiopia commitments to the lowlands and pastoralist communities, increasing private sector engagement in service delivery and improving accountability among citizens, service providers and policymakers to sustain reliable and equitable WASH services. 

The Activity will expand access to improved water supply and sanitation through investments, piloting and scaling innovative service and business models, and building strategic partnerships. 

Key objectives of the Activity:

• Professionalize and expand quality climate resilient water services
• Increase sustainable access to and use of sanitation and hygiene (with menstrual hygiene health) products and services
• Improve gender power dynamics
• Strengthen enabling environment for climate-resilient WASH services 

Read more about RTI’s work in water, sanitation, and hygiene