Give As You Live

Mapping Hope: How WellMapr is Transforming Water Access for Small Farmers in Ethiopia

25/06/2025

At Global MapAid (GMA), we believe that access to clean water is not just a basic human right-it’s a cornerstone for food security, health, gender equality, and climate resilience. Our latest initiative, WellMapr, is an AI-powered tool designed to revolutionize how shallow groundwater is identified and accessed by smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. This blog post outlines the journey of WellMapr, its impact, and how you can support this transformative project.

From Vision to Reality: The Birth of WellMapr

The concept of WellMapr originated from our earlier work in Ethiopia, where we mapped microcredit distribution in Addis Ababa. In 2012, during this project, we received invaluable feedback from the Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency (EATA). They emphasized the need for groundwater mapping to support smallholder farmers. This insight led us to pivot our focus toward developing a tool that could accurately identify shallow groundwater sources.

In 2016, we partnered with Arba Minch University’s Water Technology Institute to initiate groundwater mapping efforts. By 2019, we presented our preliminary findings at the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) symposium in Washington, D.C., posing the question: “Can AI be used to map groundwater?” This query sparked collaborations with AI specialists from George Mason University and geologists from the Czech Geological Survey, culminating in the development of WellMapr.

How WellMapr Works

WellMapr leverages artificial intelligence to analyze various data sets, including satellite imagery, topography, and geological information, to predict the presence of shallow groundwater. The tool generates maps that indicate optimal locations for drilling wells, significantly reducing the risks and costs associated with traditional methods.

The application is accessible via smartphones and PCs, making it a practical resource for NGOs, government agencies, and drilling companies. By providing accurate data, WellMapr enables stakeholders to make informed decisions, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.

Impact on Smallholder Farmers

Ethiopia is home to approximately 47 million smallholder farmers, many of whom face challenges due to unreliable rainfall and limited access to clean water. WellMapr aims to address these issues by facilitating the development of shallow wells, which can have profound impacts:

  • Increased Agricultural Productivity: Access to reliable water sources allows for irrigation, leading to doubled or even tripled crop yields.
  • Improved Health: Clean water reduces the prevalence of waterborne diseases, contributing to better overall health in farming communities.
  • Gender Equality: With nearby water sources, women and children spend less time fetching water, freeing up time for education and other productive activities.
  • Climate Resilience: Enhanced irrigation practices contribute to better soil moisture retention, aiding in carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change effects.

Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals

WellMapr supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  • SDG 1: No Poverty: By increasing agricultural productivity, farmers can generate more income, lifting themselves out of poverty.
  • SDG 2: Zero Hunger: Enhanced irrigation leads to higher food production, contributing to food security.
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Access to clean water reduces disease prevalence.
  • SDG 5: Gender Equality: Reducing the burden of water collection empowers women and girls.
  • SDG 13: Climate Action: Improved water management practices help in climate change mitigation.

The Road Ahead: Pilot Program in Gamo Zone

Our initial pilot program focuses on the Gamo Zone, near Arba Minch University, covering an area of 7,415 square kilometers. The goal is to achieve a 10% increase in irrigated land, benefiting approximately 172,028 people over 2.5 years. This would involve the development of around 28,600 new shallow wells, significantly impacting local communities.

How You Can Help

The development and implementation of WellMapr have been made possible through collaborations with institutions like Arba Minch University, George Mason University, and the Czech Geological Survey. However, continued support is essential to expand the project’s reach and impact.

Donate: Your financial contributions can help fund the development of more wells and the expansion of WellMapr to other regions.

Volunteer: Join our team of dedicated volunteers working on various aspects of the project.

Spread the Word: Share information about WellMapr and Global MapAid with your network to raise awareness.

For more information or to get involved, please visit our website: www.globalmapaid.org

Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia and beyond. Join us in mapping a better future.