Dissemination of research results in semi-arid and arid ecosystems with a focus on sustainable water resource management in Ethiopia

Project number: INCO-CT-2006-031694
Duration: 1.10.2006 - 30.9.2007
Coordinator: Willibald Loiskandl and Alexandra Strauss-Sieberth, Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, Austria

Context and Objectives

This SSA focuses on the analysis and dissemination of research results in sustainable, integrated water resource management at river-basin scale within Ethiopia. All activities focus on strategies and actions for enhanced and sustainable economics. Many of the results gained through involved partners are applicable to resolve serious water management problems in Ethiopia. To spread out the information East African institutions with a strong link to extension units are included.

Potential Impact of sustainable water management in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a landlocked country located at the so-called Horn of Africa and is generally divided into a highland zone (>1.500 m.a.s.l) and the lowlands. The total land area is 1,127,127 km2 and the total population is about of 66.5 million. Of these 66.5 million people nearly 90 % are rural and 45 % live below the poverty line (CIA World Fact Book, 2003). 

Ethiopia?s economy is based on agriculture, which accounts for half of GPD, 85 % of exports, and 80 % of total employment. Most of Ethiopia?s agriculture is dependent on rainfalls because of only 5 - 10 % of potentially irrigable land is actually under irrigation. Due to this fact, Ethiopia?s agriculture is highly vulnerable to frequent droughts and erratic rainfalls, although Ethiopia has a vast water resource potential. The potential water data can be summarised:

  • Rainfall varies from about 100 mm per year in the eastern lowlands to 2,400 mm per year in the southwest highlands, with a national average of 744 mm per year
  • Total surface flow resources per year are about 111 km3
  • Numerous lakes, with a total area of more than 7,000 km2
  • Useable groundwater resource is estimated to be 2.6 km3

Activities

  • Convening a workshop at each of the three Ethiopian universities on one of the key water management issues dealt with in the project and an international symposium.
  • Organising scientific competition (Project Plan Award) to generate ideas for implementation of research results and/or new research by motivated Ethiopian researchers
  • Promoting the involvement of women in water management activities
  • Coaching and supervision (both remote and on-site) of the project planners responsible for research and implementation during the SSA
  • Development of an operational model for improving international relations through joint research and technology transfer within Eastern Africa.

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