Horn of Africa Groundwater Project

Adaptation Need

The Horn of Africa is one of the world’s most climate vulnerable and fragile regions, facing relentless droughts, floods, food insecurity, and acute water scarcity. In just the past decade, it has weathered three major droughts, and 2023 floods displaced over two million people. Climate change is intensifying rainfall extremes and heat, overwhelming already fragile systems. With surface water increasingly unreliable, groundwater has become the region’s lifeline—for drinking, farming, and livestock. But rising demand, weak institutions, and poor management put it at risk. Resilient groundwater systems require stronger institutions, localized climate data, climate-smart design, and inclusive strategies that serve women, pastoralists, and other vulnerable groups.

GCA’s Added Value

GCA’s technical assistance will provide actionable guidance for groundwater resource management and the development of climate-resilient groundwater infrastructure. The focus is on target areas in Ethiopia and Kenya, where climate impacts are intensifying pressure on water systems. GCA will conduct climate stress tests on existing and planned rural groundwater supply infrastructure and help identify tailored adaptation measures to strengthen resilience at the scheme level. The resulting support package will include a set of tools and guidelines to inform the design and implementation of climate-resilient groundwater systems—benefiting both the current and future phases of the program. In addition, GCA will deliver a capacity-building masterclass for public officials and utility managers on climate-resilient water management.