Arba Minch University Water Technology Institute (AWTI) hosted the kick-off workshop of the Accelerating the Adoption of Water Retention, Recharge, and Reuse (ACCEL-3R) Project and a stakeholder engagement forum on June 22, 2026, at its Main Campus. The project promotes the 3R approach: retention, recharge, and reuse of water resources to improve soil moisture management, strengthen drought resilience, enhance agricultural productivity, and contribute to food and water security. Click here to see more photos.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Teklu Wegayehu, Vice President for Research and Cooperation, noted that water is fundamental to public health, agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social well-being. Despite significant investments, however, many communities still face challenges in water access, infrastructure management, and sustainable resource use, he said. Dr. Teklu explained that the ACCEL-3R Project will promote water retention, recharge, and reuse practices to improve soil moisture management, strengthen drought resilience, enhance agricultural productivity, and support food and water security. He added that AMU is proud to be among the implementing partners of this timely initiative.
Briefing participants on the ACCEL-3R Project, Dr. Tamiru Teseme, Scientific Director of AWTI, noted that Ethiopia faces a severe water paradox. Although often referred to as the “Water Tower of Africa,” the country remains water-scarce in terms of managed per capita water supply for agriculture due to the uneven distribution of water across space and time. As a center of excellence in water education and research, AWTI is committed to generating knowledge, building human capacity, and advancing evidence-based solutions to strengthen national water security, he said. Dr. Tamiru called on stakeholders to bridge high-level hydrological science with the realities of smallholder farmers across the Horn of Africa to enhance water security, climate resilience, and drought preparedness. He further noted that AWTI has made significant contributions to Ethiopia’s water sector and is proud to serve as one of the projects’s implementing partners.
Dr. Demelash Wondimagegnehu, Project Coordinator, presented the ACCEL-3R Project’s work packages and key activities, outlining AMU’s responsibilities within the implementing consortium. He explained that the initiative is centered on the water-food nexus - the close interdependence between water resources and agricultural production. He noted that managing water and agriculture as separate sectors often leads to inefficient resource use and environmental degradation, making an integrated approach essential for sustainable development, food security, and resilient livelihoods. Dr. Demelash further explained that the project’s 3R approach: Retention, Recharge, and Reuse will help smallholder farmers adapt to increasingly erratic rainfall and drought by combining watershed management with localized water storage systems to mitigate climate-induced drought impacts, rehabilitate degraded landscapes, and extend agricultural production into the dry season. He also announced that the project will support one PhD candidate at AMU through a collaborative program involving VU Amsterdam (VUA), ILRI, and ICARDA, with joint supervision and full funding provided by the project.
Dr. Marthe Wens of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA) presented an overview of the ACCEL-3R Project and led an interactive discussion with stakeholders on its objectives, expected outcomes, and opportunities. Mr. Yohannes Simeneh from AWTI’s Faculty of Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering also shared findings from his research on existing 3R practices in Gamo Zone, based on field survey data and scientific literature.
Dr. Abeyou Wale from the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) outlined ICARDA’s work packages and key activities under the ACCEL-3R Project, emphasizing the institution’s role in advancing sustainable water and agricultural management practices. Ms. Hagerework Desalegn from AMU’s School of Law presented on “Why Governance Matters: The Human Side of the Water-Food Nexus,” highlighting the importance of governance in addressing water and food security challenges and engaging participants in reflection and experience sharing.
As part of the workshop, participants conducted a field visit to Chano Dorga, coordinated by KEHAZ Agro Services PLC and the Gamo Zone Agriculture Department, where they observed local agricultural and water management practices and discussed potential areas for project intervention. The event was attended by representatives from ICARDA, ILRI (virtually), the Gamo Zone Agriculture Department, the Gamo Zone Irrigation and Lowlands Development Office, the Gamo Development Association, Arba Minch Agricultural Research Center, Konso Mekane Yesus Development and Social Services Commission, KEHAZ Agro Services PLC, as well as academic staff and researchers from Arba Minch University. Dr. Samuel Dagalo, AWTI senior researcher and project member, anchored the event.
Arba Minch University
Spring of Wisdom!
For more Information Follow us on:-
Website - https://www.amu.edu.et/
Telegram - https://t.me/arbaminch_university
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ArbaMinchUniversityccd/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOO_nclhMo8M3r74OyPBlVA
Public and International Relations Executive
