The Anglo-Ethiopian Society
Lecture - Small Scale Irrigation Gap-Analysis Mapping for Ethiopia
Rupert Douglas-Bate
Tuesday 28th August 2018
7:00pm, Khalili Lecture Theatre, Main Building, SOAS, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG - Public lecture (all welcome)
Global MapAid (GMA) was initiated as a social enterprise to supply specialist maps to key End Users working to alleviate poverty. The focus is to map poverty hotspots by capturing data on gaps and needs that lead to sustainable job creation, such as vocational education, credit and business mentoring. However, as needed drought, irrigation, food security, migration, health and deforestation may also be mapped.
Lack of rainfall is an ongoing concern in Ethiopia, and the country is currently facing what may be the worst drought in 30 years, with negative impacts being more strongly felt in high-risk households located in the pastoral areas of the lowlands and the high-density parts of the highlands (IFAD 2014). GMA aims to help reduce poverty by mapping agro credit, which is vital for irrigation. Supporting and aiding increased access to credit is a key driver in terms of lowering risk around food security and livelihoods. The maps will enable everyone, especially the aid sector, to easily see what is happening and so that thoughtful feedback loops can occur and irrigation support can go to the farmers that need it most.
As a result of GMA's earlier economic mapping in Ethiopia, they have made friends in the government university system who will lead the project for an irrigation support map, focused on economic support for irrigation. GMA have also teamed up with several local agricultural NGOs and charities.
Capacity at the venue is limited, so please reserve your place soon to avoid disappointment.