HOPE is initiating projects in Bonke Woreda (region), a remote district in the Gamo Gofa, located in the south-west part of Ethiopia.

Access to water is a critical issue. Clean, or improved sources of water stand at a paltry 14.4%. The majority of the population use ponds, rivers, and unprotected springs as their primary source of water, travelling up to an hour to access water, which is often contaminated, the consequences of which being disease, diarrhoea, dehydration, trachoma, etc. These problems are exacerbated by drought conditions. As a result, all communities HOPE will be working with currently have inadequate water supplies,

As with most rural areas in Southern Ethiopia, the people of Bonke (population 188,000) depend mainly on subsistence agriculture, based on family labour and traditional farming techniques.

Rainfall in the area is erratic and unreliable. The area is highly degraded due to extensive tree cutting for fuel wood. As a result, soil erosion continues to increase with significant topsoil loss.

Access to water is a critical issue. Clean, or improved sources of water stand at a paltry 14.4%. The majority of the population use ponds, rivers, and unprotected springs as their primary source of water, travelling up to an hour to access water, which is often contaminated, the consequences of which being disease, diarrhoea, dehydration, trachoma, etc. These problems are exacerbated by drought conditions. As a result, all communities HOPE will be working with currently have inadequate water supplies,

HOPE Ethiopia carries out project site identification, planning, decision-making, and implementation in partnership with the Ethiopian government and local villages in Bonke. However, no project is carried out until one is requested by the community. Only then will HOPE conduct a technical survey. This ensures the community is fully involved in helping to build necessary infrastructure for a successful implementation of the project, and also willing to take responsibility for the vital ongoing maintenance of the water supply.

HOPE's projects in Bonke will deliver a long-term source of clean water through an infrastructure that is designed to last for many years to come. Additionally, HOPE’s commitment to the people of Bonke means that HOPE field personnel are available to provide additional resources and technical assistance to the community in the future as and when it is needed.