Due to the extremely low amount of precipitation during the dry season and the absence of an irrigation system in the region near the Keleta River in Oromia state, Ethiopia, only a single harvest per year was possible in most of the cases. In other words, the residents mainly grew grains such as corn, wheat, and barley only once a year during the rainy season. They consumed most of the crops and sold a small amount of the surplus, resulting in low income levels. Additionally, in the case of insufficient precipitation during the rainy season, yields varied or decreased, making residents very vulnerable to climate change.

To improve this vulnerable agricultural environment and the harsh climatic conditions, KOICA built irrigation facilities on 1,100ha of farmland through the Project for Capacity Building on Irrigation and Rural Development in Dodota district, Oromia state, Ethiopia. As a result, the cultivable area has nearly doubled, and double-cropping has become possible. This allows the residents to grow and sell cash crops such as tomatoes, onions, and cabbage that were previously impossible to grow. The amount of agricultural production harvested per unit of the land area is expected to increase more than ten times, which will contribute to helping the residents escape poverty and enhance their quality of life.