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SUNCASA Integrated Cost-Benefit Analysis for Dire Dawa, Ethiopia | Infographic

Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, faces severe climate risks from floods, soil erosion, and water scarcity. These infographics show the impacts nature-based solutions (NbS) could have on the region based on an integrated cost-benefit analysis.

November 20, 2025

In Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, flash floods, soil erosion, and water scarcity pose serious climate threats, especially for people living in flood-prone urban and rural areas. Through the SUNCASA initiative, the International Institute for Sustainable Development, the World Resources Institute (Africa), and local partners and communities are restoring the Dechatu River catchment with NbS to reduce flooding and erosion, enhance groundwater recharge, and expand agroforestry and urban green spaces. 

A new integrated cost-benefit analysis, which follows the Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre's Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) methodology, highlights the tangible impacts of these NbS interventions. By 2050, they are projected to

  • save USD 1.35 million in avoided flood-related infrastructure damage,
  • avoid USD 930,000 in climate-related health costs, and
  • create nearly 6,900 jobs.

SUNCASA's NbS are strengthening resilience for over 220,000 people in one of Ethiopia's most climate-vulnerable regions. The infographics offer a visual overview of the long-term benefits of SUNCASA's NbS in Dire Dawa, with values presented in U.S. dollars and Ethiopian birrs. Read the full report here.

 

SAVi assessment of Dire Dawa, Ethiopia (USD) infographic.
SAVi assessment of Dire Dawa, Ethiopia (ETB) infographic.