Transforming Water Data into Solutions: DIWASA Stakeholders in Action
When co-identification and co-design of end-user applications ends, the real work begins applying newly acquired skills to solve pressing challenges. For stakeholders of the Digital Innovations for Water Secure Africa (DIWASA) initiative in Ethiopia, this means transforming knowledge into impactful, data-driven solutions. Armed with tools like the Digital Earth Africa (DE Africa) sandbox and IWMI’s tailored water data products, these changemakers are addressing critical water security challenges with dedication, collaboration, and innovation.
From Knowledge to Solutions
DIWASA, led by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), is at the forefront of strengthening water security across Africa through digital innovations. Now in its second phase (2023–2027), the project focuses on enhancing the availability, accessibility, and application of water data to address water-related challenges.
In Ethiopia, this mission came to life through end-user applications that leverage data and tools generated/developed through DIWASA. As part of this, joint identification of use cases (user applications) and two stakeholder engagement workshops were conducted in April and August 2024. These sessions brought together 17 organizations, including the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), the Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE), and Basin Administration Offices. Participants gained hands-on experience with advanced tools such as the DE Africa sandbox, which combines satellite imagery with cutting-edge analytics to produce actionable insights.
By the end of the August workshop, participants were organized into four teams, each tasked with addressing a pressing water security issue. Weekly meetings, expert guidance, and collaborative support helped transform their ideas into actionable solutions.
Stories from the Field: Innovations in Action through end-user applications
Use case 1: Mapping Irrigated and Rainfed Lands
For Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture, inconsistent and outdated data on irrigated and rainfed lands has long hindered effective water resource management. Through the DE Africa sandbox, the team is developing tools to address these challenges, mapping irrigated areas, monitoring seasonal variations, and assessing water consumption.
Mulugeta Melesse, an irrigation engineer with the Ministry, emphasizes the importance of this work: “Working on this use case has significantly enhanced our ability to address water security challenges. For years, we’ve struggled with inconsistent reports and data gaps. Now, we can develop efficient water allocation plans, predict yields, monitor water usage, and even identify areas vulnerable to drought and climate change.”
This information is critical for informed decision-making and proactive water management strategies. Beyond addressing immediate needs, the team’s efforts also support long-term goals such as assessing historical changes in agricultural practices. 
Use case 2: Monitoring Flood-Prone Areas
Flooding poses a severe threat to communities across Ethiopia, particularly in regions like the Lower Omo Basin. Using tools developed through the DE Africa sandbox, the Ministry of Water and Energy team is mapping historical flood-prone areas and creating actionable data to inform disaster risk management strategies following the steps developed by the CGIAR Research Initiative on Fragility, Conflict, and Migration (FCM). The FCM flood mapping method utilizes satellite imagery from multiple sources and encourages community participation in creating reference flood maps to calibrate flood detection algorithms.
Meron Tesfaye, representing the Ministry, highlights the significance of this initiative: “By analyzing earth observation and satellite data, we’ve identified flood-prone areas that were previously poorly understood. This tool has the potential to save lives by contributing to early warning systems and informing the design of resilient infrastructure.”
The data generated through this use case is already being integrated into broader initiatives like the World Bank’s Ethiopia Flood Management Project (EFMP), which aims to benefit nearly 34 million people. “Our findings are being applied to areas like Dasenech Woreda, where high flood risks demand urgent attention. This is a critical step in supporting vulnerable communities,” adds Meron.
Use case 3: Tracking Lake Levels and Addressing Soil Salinity
Other teams have focused on tracking variations in lake levels within the Ethiopian Rift Valley Basin and monitoring soil salinity in irrigation-intensive regions. Both challenges are critical to sustainable water management and agricultural productivity.
A salinity monitoring tool developed by one group has already garnered attention from private farming companies. The monitoring tool identifies salinity affected areas and informs identification of mitigation measures for soil degradation. This tool is not only enhancing productivity but also empowering farmers to manage their land more sustainably.
Similarly, the lake level tracking project is sparking discussions within Basin Administration Offices about how to integrate these insights into broader water resource strategies. These projects exemplify how collaborative innovation can lead to meaningful solutions for Ethiopia’s water security.
Ongoing Support and Collaboration
DIWASA’s work doesn’t end with end-user application development and training. IWMI continues to provide comprehensive, ongoing support to stakeholders. Weekly meetings and monthly webinars create opportunities for teams to share progress, troubleshoot challenges, and refine their tools.
IWMI experts play an active role in guiding teams through technical hurdles and ensuring their solutions are practical and scalable. Field data collection further strengthens the accuracy of remote sensing insights, while the DE Africa team provides regular feedback, incorporating use cases into their real-world applications repository.
Building a Continental Network
Ethiopia’s achievements are part of DIWASA’s broader vision. Similar use cases are being developed in Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Volta basin, with Zambia set to join in 2025. A Community of Practice Workshop planned for next year will bring together innovators from across Africa to share lessons and inspire solutions.
Why It Matters
DIWASA demonstrates the transformative power of technology, training, and determination. Tools like those developed in Ethiopia not only address immediate challenges but also serve as templates for solving similar problems across the continent.
Reflecting on the project’s impact, Mulugeta Melesse remarks: “We’re now empowered to make data-driven decisions that benefit the environment, economy, and communities. This work is about more than data—it’s about creating a sustainable future.”
The Road Ahead
As these projects progress, their ripple effects will be felt across Ethiopia and beyond. By improving agricultural yields, protecting vulnerable communities, and empowering policymakers with reliable data, DIWASA is paving the way for a water-secure future in Africa.
For Ethiopia’s DIWASA stakeholders, this is just the beginning of a transformative journey—one that highlights the power of collaboration and innovation to solve the continent’s most pressing challenges.
Acknowledgement
This work was supported by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley charitable trust, and the Norwegian Government under the project titled ‘Learning Support for a Sub-Saharan Africa Multi-Country Climate Resilience Program for Food Security,’ and by the donors who fund the CGIAR Research Initiative on Fragility, Conflict, and Migration (FCM), through their contributions to the CGIAR Trust Fund.