Synthesis of Existing Knowledge and Experience on the Provision of ...

<strong>and</strong> traditional methods in ways which empowercommunities as well as ensure the enhanced involvement <strong>of</strong>women. The established management groups receivedtraining on improved water <strong>and</strong> sanitation practices <strong>and</strong> onoperation, management <strong>and</strong> maintenance <strong>of</strong> the systemsdeveloped.• Initiatives do not alter traditional well (ella) managementsystems, but rather try to strengthen the customary systemin place by promoting improved participation <strong>of</strong> women <strong>and</strong>the inclusion <strong>of</strong> other social groups in the managementmodality. The initiative plans to strengthen this approach inlater phases.Innovative approaches by local NGOsPastoralist Concern Association Ethiopia’s (PCAE) introduced the concept <strong>of</strong> Local DevelopmentCommittees (LDCs) in Somali region a decade ago, which are based on traditional institutionalstructures, but also bring in local government. LDCs bring together traditional leaders <strong>and</strong> localgovernment for the purpose <strong>of</strong> dialogue <strong>and</strong> consensus building, <strong>and</strong> are chaired by local elders. Inhomogenous areas like Filtu where there is only one clan, the LDC is made up <strong>of</strong> all the heads <strong>of</strong>sub-clans, along with representatives <strong>of</strong> local administration at the district level <strong>and</strong> also members <strong>of</strong>PCAE. In areas like Dollo where there is more than one clan, heads <strong>of</strong> clans sit on the committeerather than those <strong>of</strong> sub-clans. Once the LDC is formed, a mapping exercise takes place whichidentifies areas with water potential, <strong>and</strong> criteria set for water point site selection. However, thereare challenges to this approach, as sometimes community decisions are at odds with the wishes <strong>of</strong>local administration (Abdida'ad Ibrahim 49 , personal communication).MappingSome NGOs <strong>and</strong> development organizations have recognized the need to better underst<strong>and</strong> whatphysical resources exist <strong>and</strong> where (water resources, water points, including types <strong>and</strong> functionality,pasture <strong>and</strong> other l<strong>and</strong>, settlements/towns, infrastructure such as roads, schools, clinics) in areaswhere they plan to or are already engaged. This is to improve planning <strong>and</strong> decision making, <strong>and</strong> isan approach pioneered among development organizations by GTZ <strong>and</strong> SOS Sahel in Ethiopia.Among development organizations, the Lay Volunteers International Association (LVIA) has puttogether a comprehensive GIS based atlas for parts <strong>of</strong> Borana in Oromia region, which identifiesexisting water resources, water points <strong>and</strong> pasture, among other features. The Food <strong>and</strong> AgricultureOrganization (FAO) has also produced maps on behalf <strong>of</strong> the ECHO-RDD consortium, whichidentify different l<strong>and</strong> uses, surface <strong>and</strong> groundwater resources, different types <strong>of</strong> water points,towns, roads, <strong>and</strong> other features. The International Rescue Commission (IRC) conductscomprehensive surveys <strong>of</strong> all water developments (<strong>and</strong> functionality) in its areas <strong>of</strong> work, like inMieso, Daro Lebu <strong>and</strong> Boke woredas in Oromia region.Some government actors have begun to do the same. The Oromia regional government has recentlyproduced l<strong>and</strong> use maps to guide development decision making for the region. Regional governmentin Somali region has also recently put together a comprehensive assessment <strong>of</strong> all existing waterinfrastructure in the region.49 Executive Director, PCAE.67