The Akobo-Gambella floodplains transboundary development programme is one of the three short-term projects proposed as part of the Baro-Akobo-Sobat multipurpose water resources development study project. The three short-term projects are based on the sustainable development of water resources. They aim at providing inter-sectoral benefits and improving people’s livelihoods in the sub-basin. 

The Akobo-Gambella programme is designed around solar pumping and the provision of water for various uses. This programme is designed to reduce extreme poverty and improve livelihoods in an area of the BAS sub-basin which is highly vulnerable (conflicts over the resources, food insecurity, no access to a safe source of water, etc.). This area currently receives humanitarian aid and the programme focuses on the transition between aid and development. 

The programme includes generic components such as potable water supply, sanitation, livestock watering, capture fisheries, aquaculture, small-scale irrigation and capacity building. The implementation of the programme will include field work to select pilot areas, identify specific needs and refine these generic components.