LEBIZU to deliver a UNICEF groundwater mapping project across 20 Woredas in the Somali region of Ethiopia
LEBIZU has make partnership with DH Consult to deliver a groundwater mapping project for UNICEF Ethiopia across 20 districts (woredas) in the Somali region. The project will provide the scientific evidence needed to better understand groundwater resources and support more resilient water supply planning in one of Ethiopia’s most drought-prone regions. The project will be completed within 11 months.
For many communities in the Somali region, groundwater is more than a natural resource it is a lifeline. As climate change and recurrent drought continue to place pressure on water supplies, identifying reliable groundwater sources has become increasingly important. This project is designed to help address that challenge by combining modern technology with field-based science to improve groundwater exploration and development.
The project aims to improve understanding of groundwater resources and support climate-resilient water supply planning through an integrated approach combining remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), artificial intelligence (AI), hydrogeological assessment, geophysical investigations, and field verification. The assignment includes reviewing existing groundwater and environmental data, developing groundwater potential maps, identifying priority areas for further investigation, conducting detailed hydrogeological and geophysical assessments, and providing recommendations for sustainable groundwater development. In addition, the project will strengthen local technical capacity through knowledge sharing and training on groundwater mapping, GIS, remote sensing, AI and groundwater data management. The final outputs will include groundwater potential maps, hydrogeological reports, geophysical survey results, recommended groundwater development sites, and digital datasets to support evidence-based decision-making and long-term water resource management in Somali region, Ethiopia.
A partnership for sustainable water resources
This collaboration brings together the complementary strengths of LEBIZU and DH Consult in hydrogeology, groundwater mapping, geophysics, GIS, and remote sensing. Working in partnership with UNICEF Ethiopia, the two organizations are committed to delivering high-quality technical services that support sustainable groundwater development and strengthen water security in Somali Region.
At LEBIZU, we believe that sound science is the foundation of sustainable development. Through this project, we are proud to contribute our expertise to an initiative that will help communities, government institutions, and development partners make informed decisions about one of the region’s most valuable resources, groundwater.
Read related article on groundwater mapping in Ethiopia – From Data to Water: GIS in Ethiopia’s Groundwater Exploration
water is a life. So, let we apply what we know and what we can!!!
This is a highly valuable and timely initiative that will strengthen evidence-based groundwater assessment and resilient water-supply planning across 20 woredas in the Somali Region. GIS and Remote Sensing will play a central role throughout the project by integrating satellite imagery, geological and hydrogeological data, topography, soil, rainfall, land use/land cover, drainage networks, and existing borehole information within a spatial analysis framework.
Advanced GIS techniques can support groundwater potential mapping, spatial database development, thematic mapping, multi-criteria analysis, identification of potential groundwater zones, field survey planning, and prioritization of suitable locations for water infrastructure. Remote sensing and geospatial modelling can further help address data gaps and improve understanding of groundwater availability in this drought-prone region.
The 11-month project provides an excellent opportunity to develop a comprehensive GIS-based groundwater information system that can support UNICEF Ethiopia, regional authorities, and other stakeholders in evidence-based decision-making, water-resource management, drought preparedness, and long-term climate resilience.