Tigray President Tsegay, Ambassador Kjemprud and Mekelle University President Mitku Haile in conversation with villagers in Raya Valley. Photo: Øystein Nedrebø/Royal Norwegian Embassy in Addis AbabaUpon invitation from Tigray regional President Tsegay Berhe, the Norwegian Embassy and the NCA visited Raya valley in January. Ambassador Jens-Petter Kjemprud and NCA Country Representative Hans Birkeland witnessed first hand the impact of four consecutive failed rainy seasons as well as the positive changes brought by newly drilled wells.
Several wells are yet to be operational and the NCA together with the Tigray regional government have made plans for expanding irrigated land through the use of underground water resource potentials. The project was recently granted financial support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
NOK 7 million (approx. USD 1.2 million, ETB 17 million) will be used to enhance food security at household level through introducing modern irrigation and improved agricultural practice; increase access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities improved in project areas; and enhance communities’ capacity in irrigation and water supply use, management and operation, and sanitation.
Read more about the Embassy’s visit to Tigray in January 2010 here.