LEBIZU to Deliver a UNICEF Groundwater Mapping Project Across 20 Woredas in the Somali Region of Ethiopia

LEBIZU has entered into 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.

A Lifeline in a Drought-Prone Region

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.

An Integrated, Science-Based Approach

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
• 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."