Client: US Geological Survey, USAID, New Mexico State University

Opportunity

From 2011 to 2014, East Africa experienced the worst drought in 60 years, causing water shortages and famine for millions of people.

Solution

In an effort to bring immediate relief and provide a more lasting solution to the drought in the region, Hydro Nova provided water intelligence services to the USGS/USAID for a rapid groundwater assessment in the Ogaden Basin Area (57,000 km2) of eastern Ethiopia. We applied a unique combination of geospatial and hydrophysical technologies to explore shallow and deep aquifers and deliver actionable insights on viable water targets.

Outcome

Since completion in 2013, the project has greatly improved the conditions for vulnerable communities in the region. Our intelligence services have increased the cost-effectiveness and accuracy of groundwater well drilling in this highly arid region to nearly 90%. We also identified a new important aquifer reserve – the Karamara – that has the potential to help protect populations from water scarcity and spur new developments in small-scale farming and food security.