Where RiPPLE works

Ethiopia is a federation of nine states (or regions) and two chartered cities. In recent years, a programme of decentralisation has given regional governments increasing autonomy. The regional Bureaux of Water Resources and Bureaux of Health are responsible for water supply and sanitation programmes at the regional level, and are therefore an important focus for RiPPLE.

Zones, woredas and kebeles

Regions are subdivided into zones, zones into woredas and woredas into kebeles. In most regions, zones do not have an administrative function and woredas are the key level of local government. Woreda Water Offices/Desks are responsible for implementation and planning of water supply schemes at the local level. The kebele is the smallest administrative unit, roughly equating to a neighbourhood.

RiPPLE is working in three regions: Oromia, Benishangul-Gumuz and the Southern Nations, Nationalities and People's Region (SNNPR). RiPPLE will works in two woredas in each region.

Within East Hareghe zone, Oromia, RiPPLE is operational in Babile and Goro-gutu, with a regional office in Harar.  In SNNPR, RiPPLE works in Mirab Abaya and Alaba with an office established in Awasa. For Benishangul-Gumuz, woreda offices are based in Kurmuk and Menge woredas, with a regional office in Assosa. 

How were these regions and woredas selected?

Existing relationships, demand for RiPPLE research and support from regional government determined the selection of regions for RiPPLE to work in. Towards the end of 2006, RiPPLE carried out scoping studies to identify potential research locations and themes.  Findings from the scoping visits led to the development of the research themes and components.  Following this, woredas were selected based on four criteria: logistics, presence of implementing partners, diversity and zero conflict zones.  For more details, please see the infosheet on Region and woreda selection.

Page last updated 11 Jul 2008