Dear WLRC Partners and Stakeholders,
My greetings to you!
I am thrilled to share with you some messages in this 2023/24 WLRC Annual Book, which not only presents a documentation of accomplishments but also manifests the laudable commitments of the WLRC staff and leadership, partners, stakeholders and the communities in the project areas. Amid complex global dynamics and heightened insecurity, we have upheld our mission, and commitments to realize our goal and vision by integrating the values of strong partnerships and community ownership of project activities and harnessing the huge opportunities availed by advances in ICT and the cyber space.
This year, we reached significant milestones that underscore our progress. We successfully completed some of our projects, achieving the pre-set objectives that strengthened our partnerships and bolstered the trust of funding organizations. Projects like Improving Water Security for the Poor (REACH), the Water Security and Sustainable Development Hub (GCRF), Ethio-Water Audit, Cluster of Cooperatives (CLOC), and SLM-KMIS were concluded with glaring success. Huge knowledge was generated and shared with stakeholders. State-of-the-art knowledge management platform was created for Sustainable Land management and handed-in to the MoA. Activities planned under the ongoing projects such as Kunzila Integrated Landscape Management and WaSH (ILMWA) and Climate-smart Water Management and Sustainable Development for Food and Agriculture in East Africa (WATDEV) were accomplished well with exemplary deliverables. Mid-term evaluation of progress with implementing the WLRC Strategic Plan 2022 – 2026 was conducted by an external Consulting firm, which witnessed significant steps on the right track and highlighted areas that call for further improvement. Through research, training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing mechanisms, we introduced innovative development insights, reinforcing WLRC’s role as a knowledge hub for sustainable water and land management in the Broader Horn of Africa. Tremendous works were done in terms of outreach, communication and networking.
Another key highlight of 2023/24 is our success in resource mobilization. Among the many competitive project proposals written by the researchers, Basin Management Support for Resilient Inclusive Growth and Harmonized Transformation for National IWRM Program (BRIGHT Project) and Traceability Systems and Landscape Approaches for Sustainable Coffee Trade (CARE for Value and Sustainability Project) were approved. These projects were designed to be implemented aligned with national programs such as the Ten Year Home-Grown Development Program (TYDP), the National Integrated Water Resource Management Program (NIWRMP), and regional and international frameworks. Collaborative implementation with consortium members has further demonstrated the dedication and ingenuity of WLRC staff, whose passion drives our success.
In an era of rapid change and disruption, becoming adaptable is critical for institutions to thrive. In this regard, despite tensions in the project area, we ensured continued implementation of the planned development activities through locally attuned management and strategic adaptation that ensured continued implementation of the Kunzila Integrated Landscape Management and WASH (ILMWA) Project. A similar approach has been applied to maintain progress in our learning watersheds and scientific monitoring stations. WLRC’s hybrid research and development approach, rooted in innovation, inclusivity, collaboration, and strong community involvement enabled it to continue relevant and effective amid uncertainties.
As we move forward, our priorities are clear: doing research and development on water, land, climate, socio-economic governance, and knowledge management – factoring into our work sustainability, innovation, and resilience-building and transformation. By embedding environmental, social, and economic sustainability in our endeavors to realise sustainable resource management, cutting-edge solutions, and expand our reach and impact to more communities.
Evidently, such meaningful contributions were driven by the invaluable support and collective effort of our partners and stakeholders. I extend my gratitude to our Board of Trustees for their visionary leadership; to our staff for their vigilant dedication; to our partners for their financial support; and to the communities in the project areas for embracing the projects. I thank all for the trust and responsibility you bestowed in us!
This WLRC 2023/24 Annual Book reflects what we have achieved together and reminds us of the ardent engagements ahead. Let it inspire us to continue striving for excellence and increased impact. With a shared vision and determination, we can contribute more to efforts to shape a brighter future for all.
Thank you!
Gete Zeleke, PhD
Director General, WLRC December 2024