Awash Basin Water Allocation Strategic Plan

June, 2017
Acronyms
ABWRAA – Awash Basin Water Resources Administration Agency

AWIEDB – Amhara Water Irrigation and Energy Development Bureau

AwBA – Awash Basin Authority

AWIEB – Amhara Water irrigation and energy Bureau

AWRB – Afar Water Resource Bureau

BCM – Billion Cubic Meter

CSA – Central Statistics Agency

EFCCA – Environment, Forest and Climate change Authority

EWTI – Ethiopia Water Technology Institute

EWWCC – Ethiopian Water Works Construction Corporation

FDRE – Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

GTP – Growth and Transformation Plan

HBC – High Basin Council

HRSC – House of representative standing committee

MoWIE – Ministry of Water Irrigation and Electricity

OANRB – Oromia Agriculture and Natural Resource Bureau

OIDA – Oromia Irrigation Development Authority

OLAB – Oromia Land Administration Bureau

OWMEB – Oromia Water, Mineral and Energy Bureau

PET – Potential Evapotranspiration

RHR – Regional House of Representatives

VADA – Valleys Agricultural Development Authority

WBs – Water Bureaus (regional)

WLRC – Water and Land Resource Center

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Contents
Acronyms .............................................................................................................................................. i
List of Figures ..................................................................................................................................... iv
List of Tables ...................................................................................................................................... iv
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................. v
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 1
2. Situation Analysis ......................................................................................................................... 4
2.1. Legal and institutional framework ........................................................................................ 4
2.1.1. Constitution of FDRE (adopted on the 21st of August 1995) ........................................... 4
2.1.2. Water Resources Management Policy (2000) ................................................................... 5
2.1.3. Water Resources Management Proclamation (Proclamation No.197/2000) ..................... 5
2.1.4. Water Resources Management Regulations (Regulation No. 115/2005) .......................... 6
2.1.5. Environmental Policy of Ethiopia (1997) .......................................................................... 6
2.1.6. River Basin Councils and Authorities Proclamation (Proclamation No. 534/2007) ......... 6
2.1.7. Institutional Situation ........................................................................................................ 7
2.2. Significant Pressures ............................................................................................................. 8
2.2.1. Social Pressures ................................................................................................................. 8
2.2.2. Economic Pressures ........................................................................................................... 9
2.2.3. Environmental Pressures ................................................................................................. 10
2.3. Current Situation ................................................................................................................. 11
2.3.1. Basin Planning Areas....................................................................................................... 11
2.3.2. Water Resources Situation............................................................................................... 12
2.3.3. Water demand .................................................................................................................. 13
2.3.4. Water Allocation.............................................................................................................. 16
2.3.5. Water Permits .................................................................................................................. 17
2.3.6. Conflict Issues ................................................................................................................. 18
2.4. Emerging issues................................................................................................................... 20
3. Vision Goals, Objectives and Measures ..................................................................................... 21
3.1. Vision .................................................................................................................................. 21
3.2. Goal ..................................................................................................................................... 21
3.3. Objective ............................................................................................................................. 21

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 3.4. Scope of the plan ................................................................................................................. 21
3.5. Logical framework and Objective tree ................................................................................ 22
4. Water Allocation Strategy Development .................................................................................... 23
4.1. Strategic Priority setting ...................................................................................................... 23
4.2. Identified strategic plan development points ...................................................................... 23
4.3. Strategic actions .................................................................................................................. 28
5. Budget Requirement ............................................................................................................... 28
6. Roles and Responsibilities .......................................................................................................... 35
6.1. National Government .......................................................................................................... 35
6.2. Awash Basin Authority ....................................................................................................... 35
6.3. Regional governments and Bureaus .................................................................................... 35
7. Monitoring and Updating of the Strategy ................................................................................... 36
7.1. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting................................................................................ 36
7.2. Periodic Review and Updating ............................................................................................ 36
References .......................................................................................................................................... 37
8. Appendixes ................................................................................................................................. 38

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List of Figures
Figure 1: Planning Area of Awash River Basin Plan ........................................................................ 12
Figure 2: Comparison of future and current water demand of planning areas in MCM ................... 15

List of Tables
Table 1: Water resources potential per planning Area (Billion cubic meters) .................................. 13
Table 2: Water demand per planning Areas ...................................................................................... 14
Table 3: Description and locations of Multi-purpose Dams proposed in Awash River Basin ......... 15
Table 4 Target and Evaluation criteria............................................................................................... 27
Table 5 Strategic activities with planning area, action owners and collaborators ............................. 29
Table 6: Budget in Million Birr for the Strategic activities with planning area, and action owners . 32

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Executive Summary

There are twelve major river basins in Ethiopia of which Awash Basin is one and the most utilized
river basin so far. Awash basin covers a total area of 114,123 km2 that includes five regional states;
Afar, Amhara, Oromia, SNNP, and Somali two administrative councils, Addis Ababa and Dire
Dawa. Historically, the famous hydroelectric and water supply dams, Aba Samuel (1932), Gefersa
dam (1938) and Koka dam (1960) built in the basin. Similarly irrigation development progressively
growth in the basin particularly, following the construction of Koka dam motivates downstream
irrigation developments like Wonji and Metehara sugar plantations, upper, middle and, lower Awash
state farms with fruits, vegetables and cotton plantations. The irrigation developments in the basin
further flourished for the last three decades with the involvement of the private investors and local
communities in the irrigation system. Due to the intensive irrigation development in the basin
particularly along the Main Awash River line, there is high water stress during the pick irrigation time
(April to June).

In line with the economic development of the basin a number of institutional arrangements were
implemented in the basin. After long challenges the current institutional setup Awash Basin Authority
(AwBA) has been formed with a number of mandates and responsibilities in relation with the basin’s
water resources development and management. In line with its mandate the Basin Authority initiates
this 8 years River Basin Strategies Plan to develop and manage the water resources of the basin. Water
Allocation is one of the six thematic areas of the Basin plan, which targeted to develop and manage
the water resources of the basin.

The basin receives 100 – 1700mm mean annual rainfall with its wide spatial and temporal variation.
According to the annual water balance the basin generate 10.3BCM water for ground water recharge,
4.6BCM water as stream flow, and 3.6BCM water as stored in open water systems that include lakes,
reservoirs and wetlands of the basin. Therefore the water potential of the basin can be accounted as
8.2BCM surface water and 10.3BCM ground water potential with 300m exploration. It is obvious
these water resources potential has temporal and spatial variation over the basin. Particularly, its
temporal variation with 71% and 29% share for rainy season (June –October) and dry season
(November – May) respectively has significance important to direct the water resources development
of the basin to focus on water harvesting and storage structures.

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The water uses in the basin can be categorized as domestic, livestock, irrigated agriculture and
industrial. With these water use categories currently the basin provide annual water needs of
4.114BCM for 18.6 million human populations, 34.4 million livestock population, 199,234ha
irrigated land and different commercial and industrial activities in the basin (AwBA, 2016). If we
compare differ water users the irrigation water use accounts 83% of the total water use of the basin.
With the consideration of the future human and livestock population growth, irrigation and industrial
expansion based on the Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP) the water demand of the basin
estimated as 6.56 B8CM (AWBA, 2016). Therefore, this water allocation strategic plan targeted to
satisfy these demand with the next 8 years.

There had no well-organized water allocation system except constant water releasing (40m3/sec) rules
for Koka reservoirs since the construction of koka dam to produce regulated power throughout the
year. Before, the current integrated water allocation system that developed for the whole basin to
serve as decision support tools with three interfaces: simulation, operation and monitoring (AWBA,
2016). The temporal dynamisms of water demand have to monitor with strict and careful
implementation of water permit system. The current institutional arrangement of the authority
provides a good opportunity to realize a permit and charges system as a means to monitor the
hysterical water uses. In the view of integrated water allocation system and IWRM, the FDRE
Constitution (1995), the Water Resources Management Policy (2000), the Environmental Policy of
Ethiopia (1997), the Water Resources Management Proclamation (197/2000), the Water Resources
Management Regulations (115/2005), the River Basin Councils and Authorities Proclamation
(534/2007), and other related strategic documents are an enabling environments to develop this basin
strategic plan and its implementation.

Water related conflicts in Awash River Basin draw from the water resource base, technical/
engineering factors, policy and institutional issues, communication and information management.
Generally, conflicts in the basin can be categorized broadly as conflicts between users and conflicts
between institutions. The conflict between water users emanate mainly from water stress and water
quality issues and possibly mitigate with the implementation of this integrated water allocation
strategic plan. Conflict between governmental institution mainly emanate from policy, regulatory and
proclamations which directly related to the managing the water resource of the basin. It has to be one

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of the strategic points of the water allocation strategy plan to create enabling environments for all
other actions and actives of the strategy plan.

This situation analysis identifies three major things as emerging issues that may have influences on
the implementation of this strategic plan. The first one is the change of the priority from agricultural
uses to other uses particularly industrial uses. This strategy assumes irrigation water use as a priority
economical use. But if this priority changed to industrial system, the allocation system will alter and
need reviewing. Secondly, the production highly skilled manpower with the current education policy;
30 (social science) to 70 (natural science and engineering) ratio develop professionals that can directly
or indirectly involve in the water resource development. Therefore, this strategic plan shall see this
as a big opportunity in creating a job for these young professionals and soliciting their talent. The
third emerging issue is regarding the Ethiopian vision of stopping to worry about El Niño and La
Niña effects. The strategic plan shall seek to address the issue of stresses caused by this natural
phenomenon.

With the overall situation of the basin, enabling and challenge environment in the basin this water
allocation strategic plan developed to vision realize integrated, equitable, efficient and sustainable
water resources development and transparent management system for social, economic and
environmental uses in Awash River Basin. And targeted to provide water for the full coverage of the
domestic, livestock, environmental and industrial water demand in the basin and forecasted irrigation
(340000ha) water demand with sustainable, equitable and rationally manner. The current and the
forecasted annual water demand for the next 8 years with different water uses (irrigation, domestic,
industry, and livestock) of Awash Basin are estimated as 4.114BCM and 6.56BCM respectively.
Therefore, this water allocation plan targeted to avail this water need through three water development
and management strategies.

 3.271 BCM with the improvement of the existing dams capacity

 1.160 BCM with construction of new dams in the basin
 1.289 BCM saved with water use efficiency improvement in irrigated agricultural system
 1BCM from ground water development
These targets are planned to implemented through four prioritized strategic areas; mitigate conflicts,
develop resources, improved the efficiency of irrigation schemes and establish water administration

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systems with two supportive strategies; capacity building and applied research. The prioritized
strategies further elaborated with 8 major actions, 36 activities and 159 sub activities, which full
distributed over the planning areas and the planning time horizon (2010 -2017). The budget
requirement also analyzed based on the current rates of each sub activities and aggregated as the
whole thematic area as 8.703 Billion Birr.

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1. Introduction

There are twelve major river basins in Ethiopia of which Awash Basin is one and the most utilized
river basin in the country so far. Awash basin covers a total area of 114,123 km2 as parts of Afar,
Amhara, Oromia, SNNP, and Somali regional states, Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa administrative
councils. It is located in the Great Rift Valley with geographic coordinate ranges from 752'12 to
1208'24"N and 37 56'24 to 43 17'24"E. The River basin comprises two major sections as Western
and Eastern sections. The Western section covers 70831km2 and is characterized by river networks
that drain to the Main Awash River. The eastern section is mainly characterized by low lying with
arid to semi-arid ecological character. It comprises 45,389km2, which drains to a desert area around
Lake Abe at Ethiopia- Djibouti Border. Although it is accounted as one basin with the main Awash
River, it does not contribute to the flow of the main river course (Figure 1). The Main Awash River
rises at an elevation of about 3,000m above mean sea level (a.s.l) in the central Ethiopian Highlands,
around Ginchi town and flow North-East direction along the Rift Valley into the Afar triangle where
it terminates in Lake Abe at an elevation of 250 m with the main river flow length about 1,280 km.

Awash Basin is the most developed basin in Ethiopia due to availability of suitable land and water
resources for the development of irrigated agriculture (infrastructure and market accessibility).
Historically, the first hydroelectric dam built in the Awash Basin, Aba Samuel dam in 1932, which
had a capacity to produce 6MW power. This was followed Koka dam with a capacity of 1860MCM
in 1960, which also the part of Awash River basin. The construction of Koka dam motivates irrigation
development in the basin. Wonji and Metehara sugar plantations, upper, middle and, lower Awash
state farms with fruits, vegetables and cotton plantations have been the well-known large scale
irrigation systems in the basin for over 50 years. The irrigation developments in the basin further
flourished for the last two decades with the involvement of the private investors and local
communities in the irrigation system. The current studies confirmed that the irrigated land in the basin
reach about 200,000ha (AWBA, 2016). Due to the intensive irrigation development in the basin
particularly along the Main Awash River line, there is high water stress during the pick irrigation time
(April to June). On the other hand flooding has been observed especially downstream of Koka dam
during rainy season (July to September).

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In line was the economic development of the basin a number of institutional arrangements were
implemented in the basin. Although, Awash Valley Authority (AVA), which was established in 1962
to plan and develop the water resources of the basin was the first river basin based organization in the
country, the institutional turnover according to the socio-political situation of the country hadn’t
support it to deliver its full mandate. After long challenges the current institutional setup Awash Basin
Authority (AwBA) has been formed with a number of mandates and responsibilities in relation with
of the basin’s water resources development and management. According to its establishment
proclamation as Federal institute to plan, develop and manage the water resources of the basin, the
Authority initiates to develop 8 years River Basin Plan to develop and manage the water resources of
the basin in line with the Ethiopian Water Resources Management (EWRM) regulation of 2004,
which was developed based on the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The
regulation boldly states “water is natural endowment commonly owned by all the people of Ethiopia,
all Ethiopian citizen shall have access to sufficient water of acceptable quality to satisfy basic human
needs, water shall be recognized both as economic and social good, it shall be managed, with
decentralized, participatory approach as well as integrated framework to ensure social equity,
economic efficient, system reliability and sustainability”.

Water Allocation thematic area is one of the six thematic area of the Basin plan, which have started
to develop since 2008 E.C based on the concept, principles and procedures of Integrated Water
Resources Management (IWRM). Water allocation is the process of developing, managing and
sharing of the limited water resource among different computing uses based on the principles of
Integrated Water Resources management (IWRM). In simple terms, water allocation is the
mechanism for determining who, how much, from which locations, when, and for what purpose.
Water allocation plans and agreements have taken on increasing significance in resolving
international, regional and local conflicts over development and access to water (R. Speed, et.al.
2013). Globally, water allocation objectives have evolved over time, and different approaches have
emerged for calculating, defining and managing water resources. Ultimately though, water resources
allocation has remained the process of deciding who is entitled to the available water. The water
policy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE 2001) also suggested adopting the
water allocation should follow the principle that shall not be made on permanent basis, rather it has
to vary on an agreed time horizon that fits best with the socioeconomic development plans, especially

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pertinent to water resources that are subjected to appraisals and revisions in light of new
developments. Again the growing competition for water resources in Awash River Basin enforces
water allocation to be one of the thematic areas in the river basin plan that addresses the emerging
challenges and maintain sustainable development.

Therefore, this document organized the Water allocation thematic area of the Awash River basin plan
to ensure integrated, equitable, and efficient water development and management for sustainable
social, economic and environmental development in Awash River Basin.

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2. Situation Analysis
2.1. Legal and institutional framework

River basin plan in general, Water Allocation in particular as multi-phase and multi-owner activity,
its development process has to be in accordance with policies, proclamations, regulations and
institutional arrangements developed in the country. Therefore, the review of the constitution of
FDRE and other related policies and proclamations in relation to water allocation has significant role
in its development and implementation. With this frame, any water allocation plan development shall
consult the FDRE Constitution (1995), the Water Resources Management Policy (WRMP), the
Environmental Policy of Ethiopia (EPE), the Water Resources Management Proclamation
(Proclamation No.197/2000), the Water Resources Management Regulations (Regulation No.
115/2005), the River Basin Councils and Authorities Proclamation (Proclamation No. 534/2007), and
other related strategic documents to draw out the supportive articles of WAP. Here some of the
Legislative, Policy and Legal aspects pertinent to the development of WAP are highlighted as follows:

2.1.1. Constitution of FDRE (adopted on the 21st of August 1995)

The concept of environmental rights and sustainable development are entrenched in articles 43, 44
and 92 of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) Constitution. The articles present the
rights of the citizens to improved living standard and sustainable development (Art.43.1), to be
consulted with respect to policies and projects affecting their community (Art. 43.2), and to live in a
clean and healthy environment (Art. 44.1).Environmental objectives where government is obliged to
endeavor to ensure that all Ethiopians live in a clean and healthy environment is given in Article 92.

Article-40 of the constitution presents the public ownership of both rural and urban land as well as all
natural resources. Similarly, Article 51.5 explains the mandate of the Federal government to enact
laws for the utilization and conservation of land and other natural resources including water resources
of the country and Article 52.2d presents the Regional States’ mandate to administer land and other
natural resources in accordance with Federal laws. As an exception, water bodies linking two or more
States or crossing the boundaries of the national territorial jurisdiction are administered by the Federal
government (Art. 51.11), while Regional states administer water resources which are located entirely
within a certain region (e.g. ground water, lakes etc.…)

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 2.1.2. Water Resources Management Policy (2000)

This policy is ratified by the federal Ministry of water, irrigation and Electricity. The issue of water
allocation planning and its sustainable use is directly addressed in the objective of WRMP of the
country which states “…to enhance and promote all national efforts towards the efficient, equitable
and optimum utilization of the available water resources of the country for significant socio-economic
development on a sustainable basis”.

The fundamental principles of the policy which are expected to be respected while WAP is developed
are:
 Water is a natural endowment commonly owned by all the people of Ethiopia;
 Every Ethiopian citizen shall have access to sufficient water of acceptable quality to satisfy
basic human needs;
 Water shall be recognized both as an economic and social good;
 Water resources development shall be underpinned on rural-centered, decentralized
management, participatory approach as well as integrated framework;
 Management of water resource shall ensure social equity, economic efficiency, system
reliability and sustainability; and
 The participation of all stakeholders, user communities especially of women shall be promoted
in water management.

2.1.3. Water Resources Management Proclamation (Proclamation No.197/2000)

This Proclamation is currently the basic legal instrument governing the management, planning,
utilization and protection of water resources in Ethiopia. It has laid down the general conditions that
need to be fulfilled for anyone wishing to use water resources for different purposes on the basis of
water use permit. The fundamental principles of the Proclamation which are expected to be considered
while WAP is developed are
 The integrated Basin Master Plan Studies and Water Resources legislative frame work shall serve
as a point of reference and ensure that any water resource is put to the highest social and economic
benefit of the people of Ethiopia,

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 The social and economic development programs, investment plans and programs and water
resources development activity of any Person, shall be based on the country's Water Policy, the
relevant Basin Master Plan Studies and Water Resources laws.
 The Supervising body shall ensure and administer that the management of any water resource is
put to the highest social and economic benefits of the Ethiopian people in accordance with the
provisions of the Ethiopian Water Resources Policy, Basin, Master Plan Studies and Water
Resources laws.
 Management of the water resources of Ethiopia shall be in accordance with a permit system

2.1.4. Water Resources Management Regulations (Regulation No. 115/2005)

This Regulation was issued by the Council of Ministers; and its objective is to provide detailed
provisions for the effective implementation of the Proclamation (Proclamation No.197/2000). It
provides in detail the main requirements for the issuance of permits for different uses of water;
construction works; waste water discharge, the conditions for the issuance, renewal, revocation etc.
of such permits, and fees for application for permits as well as the requirements of water charges to
be paid for different uses of water. Thus the WAP preparation shall consult this document for its
stated regulations inclusion.

2.1.5. Environmental Policy of Ethiopia (1997)

The EPE incorporated sector specific environmental policy provisions for water resources and related
sectors. Among others, the specific policy guideline aims to subject all major water conservation,
development and management projects to the environmental impact assessment process, protection
of the interface between water bodies and land, and integrate the rehabilitation and protection of
wetlands and upstream forests into conservation, development and management of water resources.

2.1.6. River Basin Councils and Authorities Proclamation (Proclamation No. 534/2007)

The aim of this proclamation is to decentralize water resources planning and management functions
to River Basin Organizations (RBOs) at the basin level so that most of the functions of the Federal
government delegated to such a two-tier organizational set-up of RBO, Basin High Councils (BHC)
and River (Lakes) Basin Authorities (R (L) BA). Following this proclamation, the Council of
Ministers established by regulations the R/LBA for Abay and Awash Basin and recently RVLB

6
authority and basin councils. MoWIE delegated a substantial portion of its administrative power to
these river basin organizations. The main responsibilities of Basin Council and Authority include:
 Knowledge-building to allow informed decision-making;
 Information exchange and networking with stakeholders to build a shared vision;
 Coordination of planning to ensure a framework for IWRM;
 Regulation and enforcement of water use for sustainable and equitable development.
The BHC is the highest policy and strategic decision-making body, whereas R (L) BA is be the
administrative/technical arm of the respective Basin High Councils. As to Article 6 of the
Proclamation, powers and responsibilities of BHCs pertinent to WAP are:
 To examine and decide on water allocation rules and principles in normal times and in times of
water shortage as well as in times of drought or flooding,
 To ensure high level coordination among stakeholders for the implementation of Integrated
Water Resources Management (IWRM) in the basin, and
 To propose to the Government the rate of water charges to be paid by water users in the basin.
However, these water allocation strategic plan support policies and proclamations face interpretations
challenges in the process of their implementation. It will create a conflict scenario between
stakeholders administering the waters in the sub basin. The gaps in competence of institutional
arrangement, managing and monitoring the basin development will create a potential conflict between
owners of the resource as well as between users of the resource. Accordingly a thorough
understanding of these policies, proclamations and regulations for clear mandate setting shall be the
first activity of the strategic plan. The activity is expected to indicate the possible traces of power
issues, transparency, trust building and conflicts among the binding policies, regulations,
proclamations and the traditional water rights that exist within the basin’s societies. The activity is
expected to ultimately suggest the possible application of policies, proclamations, regulations and
traditional as well as UN water rights of the societies.

2.1.7. Institutional Situation

Awash Valley Authority (AVA) formed in 1962 was the first river basin in the country to be
developed and placed under the management of a single organization with responsibility for planning
and development of water and other resources. The Authority had far reaching powers to plan and
co-ordinate the development of the Basin’s resources, including the allocation of water rights, issuing

7
of permits and the collection of water use charges. In 1977 when the Valleys Agricultural
Development Authority (VADA) was set-up in the country with responsibility to administer land and
water resources development throughout the country, the Awash Valley Authority also merged with
it. Lately in 1981, the various valley organizations were disbanded and incorporated into a new
National Water Resources Commission (NWRC). In 1987, the Ethiopian Valleys Development
Studies Authority was established to oversee the preparation of a series of master plans for the
different river basins in the country. Then lately in 1994 the federal Ministry of Water Resources was
established to take responsibility for the water sector throughout the country. In 1998, the Awash
Basin Water Resources Administration Agency (ABWRAA) was established and given responsibility
for the management of surface water resources within the Basin.

The recent re-establishment of the Awash Basin Authority (AwBA) in accordance with the River
Basin Councils and Authorities Proclamation No. 534/2007 has been given the enable environments
for the preparation of this river basin plan. Awash Basin Authority, as one of the River Basin
Authorities in Ethiopia which lead under the River Basin Councils work as facilitating organization
to have resources based plan at river basin scale. However, some of the stakeholders and decision
makers miss-understand the role of the Authority. Some consider it as a simple governmental
organization working on flood and drought mitigation; others consider it as an organization to clear
sediments from large scheme canals and river banks in Awash River, etc…All these misunderstanding
are coming through institutional turnover challenges of the organization. Therefore, the processes of
the development of this basin plan hope solve these gaps and support the Authority to deliver its full
mandated role in the development and management of water resources in the basin.

2.2. Significant Pressures

2.2.1. Social Pressures

According to Population Projection of Ethiopia for All Regions at Wereda Level from 2014 – 2017
of 2013, the total population of Ethiopia was estimated to be 92,206,005. Out of that 20 % (18.3M)
of the total population is found in Awash Basin. Out Of the total population in Awash basin 37.3 %
(6825900) and 62.7% (11474100) resides in rural and urban areas of the basin respectively.

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Related to the rapid population growth and increased water demand in the last few years, the water
resource in the basin has become issues of concern and source of conflicts. Over- and inefficient
utilization triggered by no or limited knowledge of the water resources availability regardless of the
spatial and temporal distribution is significantly facilitating competition and conflicts for water in the
basin. The most common cause of conflicts is upstream and downstream water use conflicts. The
upstream users abstract much water without considering the downstream users. The conflicts could
arise among individuals, communities, groups, clans, districts and so on.

Users abstract excess water triggered by lack of awareness on equity, efficiency and sustainable
development. As a result, some users abstract excess water while others not. Traditional beliefs such
as “water as a gift of nature” are among the challenge that hinders water allocation of the basin.
Implementation of effective water allocation to satisfy the growing and competing water demands of
different uses demands awareness at individual, groups, community and social level.

2.2.2. Economic Pressures

The main driving factors that exacerbate the extent and intensity of the economic pressures in Awash
Basin are expansion of agricultural development, industrialization and lack of integrated approaches
to water resources management system .Due to its strategic location, good accessibility and
availability of land and water resources, awash basin is the most developed basin in the country in
terms of irrigation.

Mechanized sugarcane state farms are widely expanding in Awash basin compared to the other basins
in the country. Wonji Shoa and expansion, Metahara, Middle Awash, Kessem and Tendaho sugar
plantations are among the major ones. Small, medium and large scale private investment agricultural
farms mainly cultivating vegetables and fruits are increasing from time to time. In addition
government resettlement programs which shifted the pastoralists especially in Afar region to mixed
farming system is changing pasture to irrigable lands.

On the other hand the development of many industries, industrial zones, construction of real state,
condominium houses, roads, rail ways and other infrastructures are utilizing more water for
production and other activities which is imposing significant pressures on water resources.

9
In addition to increasing consumption of water there are issues of inefficient water use (poor water
management). releasing and drainage of untreated effluents to the river system (Fertilizer or manure
runoff from farmland, improper disposal of sewage, chemical and industrial waste) and lack of proper
mechanism to allocate water for the users. Poor water management arises from the technologies used
especially surface irrigation method has an efficiency of 40-45% that wastes so much water. These
problems decrease the amount of water to be utilized. Due to high consumption and reduction in
quantity of water, water shortage and other related problems will raise a negative impact in the basin.

2.2.3. Environmental Pressures

Environmental pressure is of paramount importance in the current situation of our country as

industrial based economy is being followed, hence, the adverse effects on the environment are
inevitably going to be extreme unless proper actions start to be undertaken immediately. The extreme
negative consequence of unchecked industrialization on the environment has been experienced in the
world which should be a lesson learnt not to repeat the same mistakes that have already been made
with dire consequences. In addition to the undeniable health effects of severe pollution in current
highly industrially thriving nations a state of conflict over uncontaminated water is also becoming a
common place occurrence. Furthermore, it should be noted that remedial measures if in fact
achievable at the first place are by far more complex and costly than preventive measures,
necessitating actions which take into account undesirable consequences that have to be faced in the
future if appropriate measures are not taken.

There are numerous methods of identification of the necessary environmental flow to maintain
specified values of ecosystems which will have severe adverse effects if not adhered to. Continuous
exploitation of the basin might lead to the depletion of the water body and consequently might result
in serious water stress and irreparable damage to the environment. Hence, this monitoring should be
undertaken continuously to address the various needs arising at various time intervals.

The adverse effect on the environment is manifested in various ways in the Awash Basin. Water
scarcity during dry spells which is resulting in social tension and conflict is one issue. In addition,
water-logging problem is also a serious concern in Becho plain, Gedabassa and Borkona swamp.
Flooding hazards in the Awash Awash, Awash Halidebi, Awash Adaitu and AwashTerminal Planning

10
Areas were also the other threatening phenomena which are critical to the basin. Salinity is also a
potential problem in the middle valley.

During dry-season since there is no sufficient base-flow in the river system for water supply and
associated water quality maintenance for dilution and ecological processes it creates water stress on
the users who abstract water directly from rivers, such as for local water supply, livestock watering
and irrigation, and as important component of environmental flow requirements.

2.3. Current Situation

2.3.1. Basin Planning Areas

Awash River Basin covers a total area of 114,123 km2 with different hydrological, economic, social
and administrative characteristics. Hydrologically, it is divided into 21 sub basins based on the
hydrological boundaries of tributaries and unique hydrological regimes that have significant
contribution for the water system of the basin. Economically, the basin can characterized with
different level urban-rural and agrarian-industrial-service interactions. Socially, the basin holds
different ethnic cultural and living mode groups, and administratively it covers five regional
administrations, Addis Ababa city, and Dire Dawa administration. It clearly indicates the
heterogeneity with one basin planning unit. Therefore, the basin classified into six planning areas
considering the hydrological, administrative, economic and social boundaries (Figure 2).

11
Figure 1: Planning Area of Awash River Basin Plan

2.3.2. Water Resources Situation

Awash River basin receives 100 – 1700mm mean annual rainfall with wide spatial variation and
generates 73.96BCM rain water over the basin area. According to the annual water balance analysis
this rain water distributed to evapotranspiration (55.2BCM), surface runoff (13.9BCM, interflow in
the soil system (0.69BCM) and as base flow (3.85BCM) as basin level. If we reanalysis the water
balance with stream flow condition the three flow system (surface runoff, interflow and base flow)
become the inflow component, the flow to the ground water system and the outflow at the basin outlet
become the outflow component and storages in open water system as the change storage component
of water balance analysis. Accordingly the inflow become the 18.5BCM, the outflow to the ground
water system (recharge to ground water) 10.3BCM and the outflow at outlet of the basin 4.6BCM and
the storage at open water systems that include lakes, reservoirs and wetlands of the basin account

12
3.6BCM. Therefore we account the surface and ground water potential of the basin become 8.2 BCM
and 10.3BCM respectively.

It is obvious these water resources potential has temporal and spatial variation over the basin.
Spatially the sub basins of the basin have different surface and ground water potentials. Here we
summarized the differences per planning area to show the spatial variations of the resources (table 1).
However, it doesn’t mean the resources can share from planning area to planning area. Similarly the
basin water resources has temporal variation with 71% and 29% share for rainy season (June –
October) and dry season (November – May) respectively. As overall rate of stream flow in the basin
has 1.4 liter/sec/km2specific discharge.

Table 1: Water resources potential per planning Area (Billion cubic meters)
River Water Reservoir based Lake, wetland Ground Water
Potential Stored Waters based stored water Potential
Upstream of Koka 1.54 1.36 1.053 2.05
Awash Awash 1.61 0.253 1.24
Awash Haledebi 2.33 0.50 1.175 4.93
Awash Aditu 2.03 1.70 0.191 1.12
Awash Terminal 1.19 0.07
Easter Catchment 2.04 0.89
10.74 3.562 2.67 10.30
4.51

2.3.3. Water demand

The water use types of the basin can be categorized as domestic, livestock, irrigated agriculture, and
industrial. Although, its significance have been reduced time to time since other large hydropower
production developed in the country, Koka hydropower system also one of the use category in the
basin. The other dams (Kessem and Tendaho) also have micro level potential to generate power. In
other perspective since hydropower is a non-consumptive water user, its water needs not counted as
user groups. Therefore, the major water users in the basin are 18.6 million human populations, 34.4
million livestock population, 199234 ha irrigated land and different commercial and industrial
activities. They demand annual water 3.411BCM, 0.298BCM, 0.121BCM and 0.283BCM for
irrigation, domestic, livestock and industrial uses respectively. If we aggregated the total water use

13
demand in the basin it accounted as 4.114BCM (AwBA, 2016). If we compare differ water users the
irrigation water use accounts 83% of the total water use of the basin.

Spatially the water demand system distributed per six planning areas. The irrigation development of
Awash Terminal and Awash-Awash take the largest share 23.98% and 23.44% of the irrigation
development of the basin and take 1057 MCM and 1260MCM basin water respectively. The middle
intensive irrigated areas exist in the Awash-halidibe and Awash-Aditu planning areas with 16.71%
and 16.46% irrigated area share with 643.7 MCM and 393.3 MCM annual water demand respectively.
Less irrigated planning areas are Eastern Catchment and Awash Upstream of Koka take 10.36% and
9.05% share of irrigated area with 358.8 MCM and 400.7(MCM) annual water demand. Actually, the
annual water demand of upstream Koka planning area increase above the its share of irrigation
development is accounted with high urban and industrial uses, particularly in Addis Ababa, which
currently accounted as 38% of the water demand of the planning area. In general the basin has
4113MCM annual water demand, which exceeded the current annual collected capacity by 551MCM.
It is compensated with different uncontrolled sources of water in the basin (Table 2).

Table 2: Water demand per planning Areas

Irrigated Total Population Current Water demand
Planning Area Area (ha) (2016 G.C) (MCM)
Awash US_Koka 18031.23 6499963 400.7
Awash-Awash 46694.63 2661243 1260.2
Awash_Halidebe 33295.75 1669620 643.7
Awash-Aditu 32785.41 2903242 393.3
Awash_Terminal 47781.00 553921 1057
Eastern Catchment 20645.60 4053029 358.8
Total 199233.62 18341018 4113.7
As future situation there is a possibility of human and livestock population growth and irrigation
expansion based on the Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP). The demand assessment study of
the basin confirmed that the irrigation expansion of the basin covers about 338259 ha (MoWE and
FAO, 2013) for the next eight year. And the total water requirement of irrigation, human, livestock
and industrial development estimated as 6.56 BCM (AWBA, 2016).

14
 Figure 2: Comparison of future and current water demand of planning areas in MCM

With the process of Basin water balance modeling seven multipurpose dams are proposed in the
basins. Two of these dams are located on the mainstream line of the Awash River and the other four
are at the four different tributaries. The location of these dams is described in Table 3.

Table 3: Description and locations of Multi-purpose Dams proposed in Awash River Basin
No Name of Proposed Name of Nearest Hydrological Coordinates (UTM) woreda
Dam Station
River Easting Northing

1 Melka Kunture Dam Awash Awash @ Melka-Kunture 468,390 954,392 Kersana Malima

2 Middle Awash Dam Awash Awash @ Awash Arba 627,647 990,798 Awash Fentale

3 Borkena Dam Borkena Borkena @ Kombolcha 601,378 1,175,187 Kalu

4 Dire Dawa Dam Dechatu Dechatu @ Dechatu DireDawa

5 Mille Dam Mille Mille @ Mille 647,577 1,283,037 Mile

6 Logiya Dam Logiya Logiya @ Logiya 652,675 1,308,826 Dubti

7 Keleta dam Keleta Awash@keleta 543,841 907,738 Sire Dodota

15
 2.3.4. Water Allocation

Water allocation is the process of sharing a limited water resource among different regions and
competing users. It is a process made necessary when the natural distribution and availability of water
fails to meet the needs of all water users in terms of quantity, quality, timing of availability, or
reliability. In related to the construction of Koka dam, water releasing system was developed to
produce regulated power throughout the year. Although it is varied according to the power need, it
had 40m3/sec constant release rate for all months except July and August. This water releasing system
didn’t support with any allocation system simple the upstream users take the advantage to divert the
water to their field and release their surplus water only.

A number of studies have already been conducted in the basin that could support the water allocation
plan (Berhanu and Yilma 2008, MoWE and FAO, 2013, Berhe et al 2013, AWBA, 2016). The joint
project of ministry of water and Energy (MoWE) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in
2012, have developed water audit model for the water demand and supply of the entire basin. In this
study the spatial and temporal variation of surface water potential in the basin and the gaps to meet
the water demand for various uses were evaluated. This study also inventoried the irrigation water
use of all small, medium and large scale irrigation schemes. This study was the basis for changing the
priority order of the water release of Koka Dam from Hydropower based release to irrigation based
release. Berehe et al (2013) also conducted the water allocation modeling of Awash River Basin,
using MODSIM, through scenario analysis. This study was conducted to analyze the water balance
of the Awash Basin under different levels of irrigation development and also determine the water
allocation in the Upper, Middle and Lower Valleys in the basin. The study also suggested unaccounted
water diversions upstream of Koka and water losses in Gedebessa Swamp should be considered in
the basin planning.

A recent study (AWBA, 2016) has developed an integrated water allocation system to be used as
decision support tools with three interfaces: simulation, operation and monitoring. Current state of
irrigation water demand in the basin has resulted in conflict among the stakeholders of the basin water
thus the study has also included conflict identification and resolution study. The Water allocation
Model developed for the entire basin in addition to existing water sources (surface and ground water
sources) and demands (Agricultural, domestic and municipal, Industrial, and Environmental)

16
identification and quantification conflict among users are well identified. The study clearly indicate
that with current and future water demand of the basin will satisfy if and only if additional water
harvesting and ground water development undertake in different potential areas of the basin. The
water allocation model has also developed scenarios for dry year, normal year and wet year water
allocation and management. In support of the AWBA to view different options for strategic solutions
(like, conjunctive use of ground and surface water sources, improvement of irrigation water use
efficiencies of different users) on the basis of the available water options for analyzing climatic
variations were also included. With its compressive nature it supports this strategic basin plan
development.

2.3.5. Water Permits

The temporal dynamisms of water demand have to monitor with strict and careful implementation of
water permit system. The current institutional arrangement of the authority provides a good
opportunity to rationalize the existing system of permits and charges into a single annually renewable
permit, which entitles the user to extract up to specified flow. The current permit system accounts the
irrigation extraction from the delivery system using two hydro-modules. The first hydro-module is
the use of daily staff gauge measurement at the delivery point for some large irrigation areas and
compute the total amount of water extracted as volumetric based for each production season. The
second one simply use a typical water use rate as 1.0 liters per second per hectare, and multiplied it
with the hectares of the user and the time deliver per season to get the total volume of water delivered.
Both systems have limitation to account the actual water deliver since the first one has on any rating
curve update in relation with the canal modification in the system and not consider the actual time
that the water deliver simple reading takes manually with 24hr duration. For the second one the water
delivery rate varied with the crop type, the technology use and delivery duration, which is not well
accounted in this hydro-module.

The current water permit application fee is ETB 87, but there is no annual renewal fee. In addition,
users are charged3 ETB per 1,000 m³volume of water extracted. One the rate is too low to control
inefficient utilization of water and also not motivate to use efficient and advance technology to save
water. The volume based pricing system doesn’t support effective monitoring on the distribution of
water resources in the Basin and also become difficult to monitor with an increasing number of water

17
users. Moreover, the current permit system doesn’t allow the priority setting for different users
according to the national water use policy.

The cost of the permit and renewal fee would be based on the flow rate and initially should be similar
to the fees that the established users are currently paying (i.e. permit fee and water charges). A
threshold below which no fee is payable could be specified, but the user should still be registered. For
primary and industrial users, a separate tariff scale would be used. This tariff would reflect the level
of security of the supply, so that primary users may pay the highest rate but would also be guaranteed
a supply even in times of drought.

2.3.6. Conflict Issues

Conflict is the driving force for development and innovation in a given resources sharing situation.
And it has advantageous to update ourselves to develop the resources with state of the art of the
technology. Off course we have to mitigate the negative impact of the conflict which leads the
deterioration of the resources of the basin. The noticeable fast paced development of Awash River
Basin, with its unique geographic and administrative dimensions, the paradoxical nature of the origins
of the basins water resources, and spatial distribution of the irrigable land resources poses conflicting
issues on the water resources development and management of the basin. In addition the mandate
distribution over the federal and regional institutions, the past customs on the use of water in the basin
raise conflicting issues. The conflict raised on the use of the basin water can broadly classify as users
based conflict and institutional conflicts. The user based conflict further see with different sectorial
uses and also with upstream and downstream users in the same sector. The institutional base conflict
mostly raised on the mandate to administrate the water resources and to manage the users at the
regional and federal level institution.

In tandem with the international experience, the water related conflict in Awash River Basin draws
from the water resource base, technical/engineering factors, policy and institutional issues, issues of
trust, communication and information management. Primarily, limitations of water resource base, the
quality of the water resource and the allocation of the resource base were observed to be pre-cursors
of conflict in Awash River Basin. Conflicts in the basin can be categorized broadly as conflicts
between users and conflicts between institutions. The conflict between water users emanate mainly
from water stress and water quality issues. And the conflict between governmental institution mainly

18
emanate from policy, regulatory and proclamations which directly related to the managing the water
resource of the basin.

Water stress related conflicts existed among users include conflict among mega state farms, mega
scale private farms, medium to small scale private farms and local farmers in the basin. Basin wide
water balance modeling result informed while there is a promise of surplus water at coarser temporal
scale, conditions of seasonal water stress are noticeable at a finer time scale. The results are point to
a further increasing water stress related conflict scenario if the basin will develop fully without the
necessary structural and technological interventions. The conflict scenario with water stress is further
exacerbated with limitations of the water allocation exercise and the engineering and technical factors
which underpin the efficient operation of the water allocation exercise and water management. Water
quality related conflicts are with the ability of the river system to cure itself decreasing (AWBA,
2016).

Policies, proclamations, regulations and institutional arrangements while designed as preventive

management means to minimize conflict their limitations might at times create a loop hole for conflict
to thrive. The umbrella for all development activities within Awash River Basin is the constitution.
However, interpretations of the definitions of the constitutions and other policy documents and in
some instances the non- succinctness of the terminologies was found to be feeding a conflict scenario
between stakeholders administering the Awash River waters. The gaps in competence of institutional
arrangement in place in planning, managing and monitoring the basin development has created at
times an independent basin water resources use scenario which created a potential conflict between
owners of the resource as well as between users of the resource.

Irrespective of the water related conflict scenario in Awash River Basin, we have a lot of experience
and enabling constitutional framework ensuring equitable use of trans-regional rivers in Ethiopia and
copping the different conflicts in the River Basin. Efficient and transparent communication system,
quality information provides a framework for identifying symptoms and the trends of conflicts are
some of the tools utilized to reduced negative effects of conflicts. In many instances it was observed
that development decisions are not communicated to all the stakeholders properly and most
importantly the community. The project planning and implementation process in the River Basin is
limited in ensuring all the stake owners own the entire process. There appears to be, perhaps not

19
intended, lack of transparency in many project planning scenarios. As a result, there is a palpable
trust/mistrust issue among stakeholders working towards the same cause.

To manage observed water related conflicts as well us future challenges ensuing as a result of the
continued development of Awash River Basin, there is a need for a conflict management strategy
which brings all stakeholder in the same platform towards equitable use and management of the
limited basins water resource. A foundational step towards forging this strategy is to first tackle
conflicts between governmental institutions. Conflict between users could be reduced besides
institutional conflict resolution by ensuring technical interventions.

2.4. Emerging issues

The policy of Ethiopia has clearly indicated that water is allocated on socio-economic benefit basis
after the domestic, livestock and environmental flow allocation. The current economic development
of Ethiopia shows that the agriculture is losing its first GDP contributor to services sectors. This
situation will have two important implications in the water allocation decision making. At first the
hydropower development will be given the first priority for water release where by the irrigation will
depend on the water released for power production. Second irrigation will use further reduced amount
of water as it need to give up its share of water for the industry.
The other emerging issue is the highly skilled manpower coming out of higher institutions with 30
(social science) to 70 (natural science and engineering) ratio. With the current Ethiopian development
these professionals are expected to directly or indirectly involve in the water resource development
sector, as such the strategic plan shall see this as a big opportunity in creating a job for these young
professionals and soliciting their talent. The third emerging issue is regarding the Ethiopian vision of
stopping to worry about El Niño and La Niña effects. The strategic plan shall seek to address the issue
of stresses caused by this natural phenomenon. As predictable they are (at least in the range of six
month prediction) the basin authority shall be ready and cope up with these two natural phenomenon.

20
3. Vision Goals, Objectives and Measures
3.1. Vision
To realize integrated, equitable, efficient and sustainable water resources development and
transparent management system for social, economic and environmental uses in Awash River Basin

3.2. Goal
The water allocation plan of the basin will targeted to provide water for the full coverage of the
domestic, livestock, environmental and industrial water demand in the basin and forecasted irrigation
(340000ha) water demand with sustainable, equitable and rationally manner. The current and the
forecasted annual water demand for the next 8 years with different water uses (irrigation, domestic,
industry, and livestock) of Awash Basin are estimated as 4.114BCM and 6.56BCM respectively.
Therefore, this water allocation plan targeted to avail this water need through three water development
and management strategies.

 3.271 BCM with full storage of the existing dams

 1.160 BCM with construction of new dams in the basin
 1.289 BCM saved with water use efficiency improvement in irrigated agricultural system
 1BCM from ground water development

3.3. Objective
The vision and the targeted sets of water allocation plan can be attained through implementation of
the following objectives

 Develop the entire water resource potential

 Introduce water-saving measures
 Reduce the water related conflict in the basin
 Create Transparent water allocation and permit system
 Build the capacity and develop innovated technologies

3.4. Scope of the plan

This strategic plan outlines the strategic views for 8 planning years from 2010 – 2017 E.C. and cover
the whole basin with six planning areas; namely Awash up-stream Koka, Awash Up stream of Awash
7, Awash Halidebe, Awash Adaitu, Awash Terminal and Eastern catchment. The strategic issues are
detailed with activities and action owners including all relevant stakeholders from Federal and
regional institutions.

21
 3.5. Logical framework and Objective tree
ed technologies
GENERAL OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVES MEASURES
Store water at full capacity of
existing reservoirs

Surface water harvesting

Develop the entire water

resource potential Develop ground water

Provide water
Enhance water use efficiency
for all types of
water demands
in the basin
with Introduce water use
sustainable, efficiency measures and
equitable and permitting system Establish water use
rationally Administration system
manner

Reduce the water related

conflict in the basin Identify and undertake applied
research areas

Technology innovation,
Build the Capacity and adaptation and dissemination

Promote research/innovation
Mitigate conflict issues and
create awareness

Short and long term Training

22
4. Water Allocation Strategy Development
4.1. Strategic Priority setting

A number of issues were raised in the situation analyses that are relevant to the water allocation
strategic plan development. All issues related to the strategic development are valid but their priority
shall guarantee the success of the plan. This priority is set so that the execution of the prior will
guarantee the success of later development.

– Conflict management: institutional intent for cooperation, collaboration and stewardship

– Institutional coordination(Policy and regulation issue)
– Financing mechanisms
– Stakeholder engagement
– Monitoring and information (transparency)
– Resource development: State of water resources in providing goods and services to the
community and the environment
o Groundwater development
o Surface water resource development
– Water demand monitoring: social and economic outcomes related to water use
o Water supply and sanitation
o Environmental flow
o Irrigation
o Hydropower

4.2. Identified strategic plan development points

From the situation analysis it is evident that problems related to management, resource development
and demand management are the major issues identified as bottlenecks for the water allocation plan
implementation. Accordingly the priority setting has arranged the issues to be handled in their
importance of execution.

Managing Conflicts: - Conflicts in the basin have been classified in to two major classes: conflicts
among water users and conflicts among governmental institutions. The situation analysis has clearly
identified that the conflict among the governmental institutions, which mainly embark from mandate

23
issues shall first be resolved as soon as possible. Every bit of this strategic plan realization depends
on the resolution of this mandate and responsibility related conflicts. Financing, stake holder
engagement and transparency is created after such conflicts are resolved in a coherent and agreed
norms among the governmental institutions. Conflict among the water users can partially be resolved,
when the resource development, demand management, and capacity building activities are performed
according to the action plan suggested in this document.

Water Resource development: - As repeatedly stated in the above sections the current and the
forecasted water demand of the basin (4.114BCM and 6.56BCM respectively) can satisfied with in
the next 8 planning years using for major water resources development strategies that can see from:

 Improving the water availability through improvement of capacities of existing reservoirs,

constructing new water harvesting structures, and developing the groundwater resource.
 Improving the current water use efficiency of irrigated agriculture

Store at full capacity of the exiting reservoirs: - The current storage capacity of the existing three
reservoirs in the basin is 2.307BCM, but it can be possible to raise their capacity to 3.271BCM
through proper water management and maintain some storage loss sections. These can provide water
for 56000 ha additional irrigated area and parts of the domestic, livestock, industrial water uses.

Develop Surface water sources Development: - 1.16BCM additional water can harvested from the
basin at the rainy season using newly constructed three dams (Middle Awash, Melka Kuntre and
Logia dams) on the next 8 years. This water can satisfy part of domestic, livestock, industrial and
additional 41,000ha irrigated land water use demands. .

Develop Ground Water Sources: - It is known that, there are ground water potential areas in the
basin. Therefore, 1.0BCM water sources planned to develop from selected area ground potentials. It
again supports the part of domestic, livestock, industrial water use demands and water to irrigate
23,000ha additional irrigable lands.

Improve water use efficiency: - The irrigation practice in Awash Basin include surface irrigation
system with existing efficiency of 35-40%, syphon, (40-45%), sprinkle (55%) and drip (60%)
(WWDSE, 2013). It makes the overall irrigation system efficiency of the basin to be 44.3%. In the

24
coming eight years, it is planned to cover 67,000ha land by modern irrigation technologies and to
increase the overall efficiency by 10%. It will conserve water to irrigate additional 20,000 ha of land.

The four water resources development strategies will satisfy the overall water needs of the basin
(6.56BCM).

Establish water use administration system: - The water resource development endeavors are
planned in a way they satisfy the projected demand of the community and environment of the basin.
However such demand shall be monitored as directed by the national water resource management
policy. Therefore, the water use administration system of the basin also planned to support the
effective and transparent water development and management system in the basin. In line with the
water use administration process in the next eight years all water users of the basin will be registered
and out them 200,000 ha irrigation water users, 1500 industrial water users and all town water supply
providers will be captured within the permit system of the basin. Besides proper pricing and collection
mechanism is expected to be developed in the upcoming eight years and at least 50% of the total
water resource developed is expected to be allocated with a price tag and the prices are collected
properly.

Capacity development: - In every aspect of the strategic development indicated in the earlier section
of this plan proper capacity shall be built within each and every stakeholder of this plan. The capacity
development can be seen from intellectual and material capacity development. Intellectual capacity
can be built through training and practices. Besides every emerging challenge and opportunity shall
be identified before they start to appear, for the reason, proper research and innovation mechanisms
are properly built.

Research and technology innovation

Research and innovation is an instrumental ongoing activity in the basin (and outside) to contribute
to sustainable, equitable and rational water utilization in Awash and the development of the Basin in
general. Promotion of research and innovation can be done through: 1) identifying research areas; 2)
setting up of pilots and physical models; and 3) adaptation and dissemination of technologies. In line
with these activities, more detailed activities will entail the establishment of an archive with current
and past research, which should be kept up to date over the years. Moreover, challenges in the basin

25
need to be explicitly identified and linked to research activities in order to keep theory and practice
in tandem. In doing so, existing research is supplemented with new relevant studies. Pilot studies to
(field) test new technologies, regulatory instruments and other interventions hitherto untried in the
Awash Basin need to be conducted in a scientifically responsible manner. Hence a manual for pilot-
testing is needed to safeguard the quality of the pilots and minimize the risk of false feedback and
spurious results. This manual has to be kept up to date with experiences gained from pilot-testing.
The concept of pilot-testing may be new to many stakeholders in Awash. Raising awareness is
therefore important, including consulting stakeholders for feedback. Finally, before technologies are
adapted and disseminated, opportunities to this end need to be identified. Twice a year, an overview
of such opportunities can be produced. The chosen opportunities are subsequently prioritized. To
stimulate innovation, an ‘innovation fund’ will be set up that will finance a small number of ideas
which meet certain innovation criteria.

26
Table 4 Target and Evaluation criteria

General
Goal Specific objective Target Evaluation Criteria
objective
Improve capacity of Store with full capacity of existing Satisfy part of domestic, livestock water supply
existing reservoirs reservoir from 2307MCM to needs and additional 56000 ha of land irrigated
3271MCM
Develop Water Develop surface Manage 3 new Harvest additional Satisfy part of domestic, urban, livestock,
Resources water sources 1160 MCM of water from 3 new industrial water supply and additional 41000 ha
dams of land irrigated
Provide Develop Production of 1000 MCM ground Satisfy urban and Industrial water supply and
water for all Groundwater sources water source additional 23000 ha of land irrigated
types of Improve water use Increase the existing irrigation 20,000 ha irrigated land equipped by modern
demands in efficiency in efficiency of the basin by 10% irrigation system
the basin Introduce irrigation schemes
with water-saving Establishing Water Develop water use registers system collect 72.75 million birr per annum, then for
sustainable, measures use administration and register all water users, collect eight year it will generate 582 million birr
equitable system water use charges from 50% of the
and release water
rationally Identify and Identify and conduct applied Research output Implemented
manner undertake applied researches
Promote
Research
Research and
Technology Innovate and technologies Number of adopted and innovated technologies
Innovation
innovation adaptation
disseminate technologies Number of disseminated technologies
and dissemination
Awareness creation Conducting workshops and forums Organized workshops and forums
Capacity
Provide long-term and short term Number of trained man power in long term and
building Training
trainings and experience sharing short term training

27
 4.3. Strategic actions

The actions presented in this Strategy for 2010-2017 focus on development opportunities and the
promotion of ‘optimal and sustainable development’. The preparation of the basin action plan will be
led by the AWBA and implemented through the AWBA Strategic Plan 2010-2017. The national
indicative plans would supplement the prevailing national planning processes by providing
incremental actions necessary to implement the strategy within each region. The incremental actions
will differ from region to region, reflecting different focus areas and priorities. The preparation of the
national indicative plans will be led by Basin High Council Committees in consultation with the
concerned .line agencies. In line with strategic development priorities and identified strategic
development points discussed in the above sections the strategic actions shown in Table 3 is prepared.
It has 8 main actions, 50 activities and about 159 sub activities, which area annexed with respect to
each planning area.

5. Budget Requirement

After the analysis of all the major actions, activities and sub activities of the strategic plan, the budget
requirement for each sub activities were estimated based on the piece rate of each sub activities in
each planning area. In addition the temporal distribution of the budget processed according to the
time line of the activities along the planning horizon (2010 -2017). Finally it aggregated at basin scale
and it accounted as 8,703,000,000 (Eight Billion seven hundred three Million Birr). The detail budget
distribution per major actions, activities and planning area is presented below in table 5 and 6.

28
Table 5 Strategic activities with planning area, action owners and collaborators
Sr.no Main Description of activities unit Upstream Upstream Awash Awash Awash Eastern Action Collaborators
Actions Koka Awash 7 Halidebie Aditu Terminal Catchment Owner
1 Managing Mitigate Conflicting terms % 100 100 100 100 100 100 HBC AWBA, Water
Conflicts and issues in water resource MOWIE, Bureaus,
among policy Proclamation, HRSC, RHR Universities ,
Polices, regulation, Basin Authority Research inst.
regulations proclamation and regulation
and institutes Create awareness and % 100 100 100 100 100 100 HBC, AWBA, WBs,
in Water transparency among decision MOWIE Univ, Res.
Allocation makers and users inst.
system
2 Store water at Study, upgrade, and Maintain No 1 1 1 MOWIE, AWBA, EEP,
full capacity the water storage and delivery AwBA,
of the exiting system of the reservoirs EWWCC-
reservoirs (Koka, Kesem and Tendaho) Dam Admin
Prepare annual dynamic dam No 8 8 8 AWBA MOWIE, EEP
operation rule for Koka, EWWCC-
Kesem and Tendaho Dam Admin
3 Develop Conducting the feasibility No 1 1 1 1 OIDA, AwBA,
Surface water study and detail design for MoWIE, Regional
harvesting New Dams (Melka Kuntre, Regional WBs agriculture
and Delivery Borkena, Mile, Dire dawa … ) bureau
Systems Manage reservoir Water for No 1 2 1 1 MOWIE Regional WBs,
New Dams (M.Kunture, AwBA Regional
Kelete, Mid.Awash, Loggia, OIDA agriculture
Dire dawa ) bureau
Construction of Community No 65 55 60 88 38 35 OIDA, AWBA,
based Water harvesting regional WBs, MOWIE,
structures (Ponds, Haffir dams Regional
and Sediment storage SS dam) Agriculture
Bureau
Finalize construction of No 1 OIDA
Boset-Fentale irrigation AwBA,
project MoWIE

29
Sr.no Main Description of activities unit Upstream Upstream Awash Awash Awash Eastern Action Collaborators
Actions Koka Awash 7 Halidebie Aditu Terminal Catchment Owner
4 Develop Conduct detail study for % 100 100 100 100 100 100 MOWIE, Regional
Ground water ground water potential AWBA WBs, Users
resource assessment
Conduct detail study for No 3 2 3 3 3 3 Water MOWIE,
ground water development Bureaus AWBA
Develop ground water source No 115 125 135 130 70 140 Users, AWBA,
(AdeaBecho, Wonji, Methara, Regional WBs Regional
upper Awash agro industry, Agriculture
Africa juice, Halidebie ) bureau
5 Improve Disseminate Drip technology ha 1500 2350 3000 2250 15750 2010 Users AwBA,
water use (upstream koka, upper Awash, MOWIE, WBs
efficiency in Installing Sprinkler system ha 6650 2000 Users AwBA,
irrigation (Wonji, upper Awash, MOWIE, WBs
schemes Metehara)
Install hydro flume irrigation ha 2050 11700 3000 Users AwBA,
system MOWIE, WBs
Change flood irrigation to ha 4200 8700 5250 6650 8700 1200 Users AwBA,
furrow system MOWIE, WBs
Construct pipes and lined km 470 130 75 75 135 Users AwBA,
canal system (primary and MOWIE, WBs
secondary)
Upgrade and Rehabilitate No 69 35 17 115 Users AwBA,
existing Irrigation Schemes M MOWIE, WBs
Enhance alternate furrow, cut ha 5300 4500 725 8700 800 Users AwBA,
back flow and re-use system MOWIE, WBs
for furrow irrigation
upgrade and modernize No 2 2 Users AwBA,
diversion weirs MOWIE,
RWBs
Improving distribution system No 1 1 1 1 1 1 City Admin. AwBA,
of urban water supply (Water utility) MOWIE, WBs
networks

6 Establishing Water allocation for various MCM 480 1480 750 436 1270 434 AwBA MOWIE, WBs
Water use uses based on Annual rate
administratio Establish water users No 1 1 1 1 1 1 AwBA ,
n system registration system RWBs

30
Sr.no Main Description of activities unit Upstream Upstream Awash Awash Awash Eastern Action Collaborators
Actions Koka Awash 7 Halidebie Aditu Terminal Catchment Owner
Establish Water use permit No 1 1 1 1 1 1 AwBA ,
System RWBs
Collect water delivery fee MCM 240 740 375 218 635 217 AwBA, WBs
Strengthening Existing Water NO 40 35 20 20 20 20 OIDA, AwBA,
user Associations MOWIE
Establishing new Water user NO 55 50 45 45 40 40 OIDA, WBs AwBA,
Associations MOWIE

7 Capacity Deliver multi-timing and type % Universities, AwBA,

100 100 100 100 100 100
building short term trainings WLRC MOWIE,WBs
Provide Long term trainings % Universities, AwBA,
100 100 100 100 100 100
WLRC MOWIE, WBs
Facilitate material needs for % Universities, AwBA,
100 100 100 100 100 100
knowledge development WLRC MOWIE, WBs

8 Promote Identifying researchable issues % AWBA, WBs, Research

Research and and conduct researches on 100 100 100 100 100 100 EWTI inst. Univer.
technology water use efficiency and other
innovation on Technology identification on % AWBA, WBs, Res. inst.
100 100 100 100 100 100
water use water use efficiency and other EWTI universities
efficiency Technology adaptation and % AWBA, WBs, Research
and others evaluation on water use 100 100 100 100 100 100 EWTI inst. Univer.
efficiency and other
Technology dissemination on % AWBA, RWBs, Res.
100 100 100 100 100 100
water use efficiency and other EWTI inst. Univer.

31
 Table 6: Budget in Million Birr for the Strategic activities with planning area, and action owners
Sr.no Main Description of activities The Whole Upstream Upstream Awash Awash Awash Eastern Action
Actions basin Koka Awash 7 Halidebie Aditu Terminal Catchment Owner
2010 -2017 2010 -2017 2010 -2017 2010 -2017 2010 -2017 2010 -2017 2010 -2017
1 Managing Mitigate Conflicting terms and HBC
Conflicts issues in water resource policy MOWIE,
1 1 1 1 1 1
among Proclamation, regulation, Basin 6 HRSC,
Polices, Authority proclamation and RHR
regulations regulation
and institutes Create awareness and HBC
in Water transparency among decision 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 MOWIE
Allocation makers and users
system
Sub Total 12 2 2 2 2 2 2

2 Store water at Study, upgrade, design and MOWIE,

full capacity Maintain the water delivery 36.3 3 3 3 AwBA,
45.3
of the exiting system of the reservoirs (Koka, MEFCC
reservoirs Kesem and Tendaho)
Prepare annual dynamic dam AWBA
9 3 3 3
operation rule for Koka, Kesem
and Tendaho
54.3 39.3 3 6 6
Sub Total
3 Develop Conducting the feasibility study OIDA,
Surface water and detail design for New Dams 7 7 7 7 MoWIE,
harvesting (Melka Kuntre, Borkena, Mile, 28 Regional
and Delivery Dire dawa … ) WBs
Systems Manage reservoir Water for New MOWIE
2 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Dams (M.Kunture, Kelete,
Mid.Awash, Loggia, Dire dawa )
Construction of Community based OIDA,
Water harvesting structures 682 130 110 120 176 76 70 MoWIE,
(Ponds, Haffir dams and Sediment Re. WBs
storage SS dam)
Finalize construction of Boset- 100 40 40 20 OIDA
Fentale irrigation project
Sub Total 1118.6 203 260 161 196 54.6 244

32
Sr.no Main Description of activities The Whole Upstream Upstream Awash Awash Awash Eastern Action
Actions basin Koka Awash 7 Halidebie Aditu Terminal Catchment Owner
2010 -2017 2010 -2017 2010 -2017 2010 -2017 2010 -2017 2010 -2017 2010 -2017
4 Develop Conduct detail study for ground 1 1 1 1 1 1 MOWIE,
6
Ground water water potential assessment AWBA
resource Conduct detail study for ground 55.8 9.3 9.3 9.3 9.3 9.3 9.3 Water
water development Bureaus
Develop ground water source Users,M
(AdeaBecho, Wonji, Methara, 2216.5 356.5 387.5 418.5 403 217 434 OWIE
upper Awash agro industry, R.Water
Africa juice, Halidebie ) Bureaus
Sub Total 2278.3 366.8 397.8 428.8 413.3 227.3 444.3

5 Improve Disseminate Drip technology 120 188 240 180 1417.5 160.8 Users
2306.3
water use (upstream koka, upper Awash,
efficiency in Installing Sprinkler system 530 410 120 Users
irrigation (Wonji, upper Awash, Metehara)
schemes Install hydro flume irrigation 737.5 184.5 550 3 Users
system
Change flood irrigation to furrow 26.1 4.2 8.7 5.25 6.65 0.1 1.2 Users
system
Construct pipes and lined canal 1250 300 325 137.5 125 287.5 75 Users
system (primary and secondary)
Upgrade and Rehabilitate existing 96 16 16 16 16 16 16 Users
Irrigation Schemes M
Enhance alternate furrow, cut Users
29.5 5 5.3 4.5 5.5 5 4.2
back flow and re-use system for
furrow irrigation
upgrade and modernize diversion 22 10 12 Users
weirs
Improving distribution system of City
6 1 1 1 1 1 1
urban water supply networks Administ
ers
Sub Total 5003.4 446.2 1148.5 1086.25 334.15 1730.1 258.2

33
Sr.no Main Description of activities The Whole Upstream Upstream Awash Awash Awash Eastern Action
Actions basin Koka Awash 7 Halidebie Aditu Terminal Catchment Owner
2010 -2017 2010 -2017 2010 -2017 2010 -2017 2010 -2017 2010 -2017 2010 -2017
6 Establishing Water allocation for various uses 12 2 2 2 2 2 2 AwBA
Water use based on Annual rate
administratio Establish water users registration 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 AwBA
n system system
Collect water delivery fee 24 4 4 4 4 4 4 AwBA,
WBs
Strengthening Existing Water user 18 3 3 3 3 3 3 OIDA
Associations
Establishing new Water user 24 4 4 4 4 4 4 OIDA,
Associations R.WBs
Sub Total 181.65 41.6 61.6 22.5 12.47 31.3 12.18
7 Capacity Deliver multi-timing and type Universit
building short term trainings 30 5 5 5 5 5 5 ies,
WLRC
Provide Long term trainings Universit
24 4 4 4 4 4 4 ies,
WLRC
facilitate material needs for Universit
knowledge development 30 5 5 5 5 5 5 ies,
WLRC
84 14 14 14 14 14 14
Sub Total
8 Promote Identifying researchable issues EWTI
Research and and conduct researches 7.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 AWBA
technology
innovation Technology identification EWTI
7.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
water use AWBA
efficiency Technology adaptation and EWTI
6 1 1 1 1 1 1
and others evaluation AWBA
Technology dissemination 36 6 6 6 6 6 6 AWBA
Establishment of current and past AWBA
12 2 2 2 2 2 2
research data base
Sub Total 68.4 11.4 11.4 11.4 11.4 11.4 11.4
Grand Total 8703 1096.7 1850.7 1723.45 984.85 2059.4 987.9

34
6. Roles and Responsibilities

This Strategy is ‘owned’ by different federal and regional institutes as listed in the above table
according to each strategic activity with involvements of many collaborative players and stakeholders
throughout the basin. It will need ‘partnerships’ to be developed, networks to be created and a genuine
desire for transparent and ‘real’ consultation and participation. Private developers and investors will
benefit by following the guidelines and practices in the strategy; civil society and NGO’s will be able
to work closer with the Basin Authority and national agencies as the strategy encourages all players
to be positive and proactive. Establishing networks between the resource management agencies in the
five regions will be very effective ways of achieving practical capacity building not only for this
strategy but for IWRM generally.

6.1. National Government

The primary role in water resource management will always rest with national governments, which
have responsibility for all aspects of policy, strategy, planning and legislative and institutional reform.
Some of the national responsibility may be devolved to regional or local levels, in line with the
constitution, and decentralization system of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Therefore, the
federal government has a responsibility to approve this strategic basin plan and monitoring of its
implementation.

6.2. Awash Basin Authority

Awash Basin Authority as the federal institute is being to organize within key stakeholders in the
basin to develop the strategic plan and for its implementation. The Authority has important role of
translating national policy and strategy into sustainable development and management at basin level,
with a large amount of stakeholder and community involvement, in a form that suits each region.

6.3. Regional governments and Bureaus

The main regional Bureaus involved will be the water resources and Agricultural, natural resources
development Bureaus and Irrigation development agencies. These bureaus/agencies will have the
responsibility to integrate merge the basin wide strategic activities and issues with their regional

35
development plan with the framework of growth and transformation program that guides socio-
economic and sector planning in each region. Developing strong regional networks will expected
among them.

7. Monitoring and Updating of the Strategy

7.1. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

Awash Basin Authority has a role of monitoring water and related resources and publicly reporting
through ‘State of the Basin’ reports and other mechanisms, and this should include progress on how
this IWRM based Basin Strategy Plan is being implemented. The State of the Basin report will be one
of the prime sources of information that informs how well the Strategy is implemented and guides
whether it requires adjustment. In view of the high importance of successful implementation of the
Strategy, the overall process of Strategy implementation and monitoring will be over sighted and
coordinated by the Basin High Council.

7.2. Periodic Review and Updating

It is anticipated that the scenarios and the IWRM-based Basin Strategy Plan will need to be reviewed
in detail every five years, as new data and information becomes available that may necessitate a
review of the basin dynamics, basin needs and potential, and the national development needs. In this
way, each successive Basin Strategy Plan can be updated in an informed way, adjusting as necessary
the strategy design to ensure that projects, cumulatively, stay within the agreed development space
and are on track towards achieving the strategy’s long term policy objectives.

It is logical to assess progress on the implementation of the strategy, and of its appropriateness for
the next future period, as part of the regular national, regional and basin authority annual planning
processes. And every annual planning process has to be endorsed by the Basin High council for its
addressing the parts and parts of this basin strategic plan. So the present strategy will guide the next
Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP 3). The next formal update would then be considered during
at the end of the year 2017.

36
References

Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, 2016: Awash Basin water allocation modeling and Conflict
Resolution Study. Draft final Report, Work Packages Surface water study, Ground water
study and Water allocation modeling
CSA (2008). Statistical Report of the 2007 Population and Housing Census, Central Statistical
Agency of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
FDRE (1998), Water Works Design & Supervision Enterprise, Council of Minister Regulation No.
42/1998
FDRE (2000), Ethiopian Water Resources Management Proclamation, Proclamation No. 197/2000.
FDRE (2005), Ethiopian Water Resources Management Regulations, Council of Minister Regulation
No. 115/2005
FDRE (2007), River Basin Councils and Authorities Proclamation, Proclamation No. 534/2007
FDRE (2010), Definitions of Powers and Duties of Executive Organs, Proclamation No. 691/2010
Halcrow, Sir William & Partners, 1989. Master Plan for the Development of Surface Water Resources
in the Awash Basin. Final report, Volume 4, Annex A, Climate and Hydrology
MoWIE and FAO (2013) Coping with water scarcity – the role of agriculture: developing a water
audit for Awash basin, part 4: water resources modeling, Ethiopia, GCP/INT/072/ITA
R. Speed, Li Y., T. Le Quesne, G. Pegram and Z. Zhiwei (2013) Basin Water Allocation Planning.
Principles, procedures and approaches for basin allocation planning, UNESCO, Paris.

37
8. Appendixes
Appendix A: Awash Upstream Koka planning area detail action plan

no Sub activities unit Planning Years Total Implementer Region to be

2010 2011 2012 2013- 2010- Action Collaborators implemented
2017 2017 Owner
1 Conducting the feasibility study and % AwBA MOWIE, Oromia
detail design of Melka Kuntre dam 30 70 100 OWMEB, OIDA,
OANRB, OLAB
2 Conduct study Micro dam in Adea % OIDA AwBA, Oromia
Woreda (between Belbela and Wedecha) 50 50 100 OWMEB, OIDA,
OANRB, OLAB
3 Construction of Micro dam in Adea % OIDA MOWIE, OLAB, Oromia
Woreda (between Belbela and Wedecha 40 60 100 OWMEB,
AwBA, OANRB,
4 maintain the water delivery system of % MOWIE AWBA, EEP Oromia
30 70 100
Koka dam
5 Conduct study for upgrading of Koka No MOWIE AWBA, EEP Oromia
1 1
Dam
6 Upgrading the height of Koka Dam No MOWIE AWBA, EEP Oromia
1 1
7 Conduct Bathometric for Koka dam No 1 1 AwBA MOWIE Oromia
8 Conduct study for removal of sediment No MOWIE AWBA, EEP Oromia
1 1
and water hyacinth from Koka Dam
9 Prepare dam operation rule (Water No AWBA MOWIE Oromia
1 1 1 5 8
allocation)
10 Community based Water harvesting No OWMEB, OANRB, OIDA, Oromia
5 10 10 40 65
structures (Ponds and SS dam)
11 Prepare dam operation rule (Water N0 AWBA MOWIE Oromia
1 1 1 5 9
allocation)
12 Conduct detail study for ground water No MOWIE OWMEB, Oromia
10 15 20 50 3 AWBA
development
13 Develop ground water source No OIDA MOWIE, WBs Oromia
11 5 5 10 20
14 Ground water development No 10 15 70 95 OWMEB, MOWIE Oromia

38
no Sub activities unit Planning Years Total Implementer Region to be
2010 2011 2012 2013- 2010- Action Collaborators implemented
2017 2017 Owner
15 Drip technology dissemination Ha Users AwBA, MOWIE, Oromia
120 180 240 900 1500 WBs
16 Change flood irrigation to furrow Ha Users AwBA, MOWIE, Oromia
350 400 400 2800 3950 WBs
irrigation
17 Construct pipes & lined canal system for Km Users AwBA, MOWIE, Oromia
50 80 100 200 430 WBs
main ,primary and secondary
18 Schemes Maintenance upgrade and No Users OIDA, AWBA Oromia
10 12 17 30 69
rehabilitation
19 water distribution for various uses based MCM 400 400 400 3200 4400 AWBA, MOWIE Oromia
on water allocation (priority) WBs
20 establish water users registration system % 15 15 15 55 100 AwBA Water Bureaus Oromia

21 renewing existing permit No 180 280 430 1030 2000 AWBA, Regional WBs Oromia
22 Establish grassroots water use permitting No 100 150 200 500 1000 WBs AWBA, Oromia
23 collect water use fee for 50% water MCM 2000 200 200 1600 18 AWBA, Oromia
release WBs
24 Strengthening Water users association No 50 65 70 350 535 OIDA AwBA, MOWIE Oromia

25 Establish Water Users Association No 15 20 20 30 85 OIDA AwBA, MOWIE Oromia

26 Identifying researchable issues and % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Research Oromia
conduct researches on water allocation centers,
universities
27 select pilot and physical model sites % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Res.cen., Oromia
univ
28 technology adaptation and evaluation % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Res.cen., Oromia
univ
29 disseminate verified technologies % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Res.cen., Oromia
univ
30 awareness creation for stakeholders and % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Res.cen., Oromia
collaborators univ
31 Short and long term training s % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Res.cen., Oromia
univ
32. Monitoring and evaluation Period 2 2 2 10 16 HBC AWBA, Oromia
ic MOWIE, RWBs

39
Appendix B: Awash @ Awash planning area detail action plan
No Sub activities unit Planning Years Total Implementer Region to be
2010 2011 2012 2013- 2010- Action Collaborators implemented
2017 2017 Owner
1 Finalize Detail Design of Keleta No 1 OIDA AwBA Oromia
Dam/Weir
2 Management of Keleta Reservoir No 1 OIDA AwBA Oromia
3 Management of Middle Awash reservoir No 1 MOWIE AWBA, Afar
(BOWR Afar)
4 Finalize Construction of Boset Fentale No 1 1 OIDA AwBA, Oromia
Irr. MoWIE
5 Community based Water harvesting No 5 7 8 35 55 OIDA OWMEB, Oromia, Afar
structures (Ponds and SS dam)
8 Conduct detail study for ground water No 2 1 1 4 MOWIE AWBA Oromia
development in selected sites
9 Develop ground water source by Wonji no 5 10 25 40 Users AWBA, Oromia
sugar cane scheme MOWIE,
OWMEB
10 Develop ground water source by no 8 12 30 50 Users AWBA, Oromia
Metehara sugar cane scheme MOWIE,
OWMEB
11 Develop ground water source by Upper no 5 7 8 20 Users AWBA, Oromia
Awash Agro Industry/Nuraera / MOWIE,
OWMEB
12 Develop ground water source by Africa no 3 5 7 15 Users AWBA, Oromia
Juice MOWIE,
OWMEB

40
No Sub activities unit Planning Years Total Implementer Region to be
2010 2011 2012 2013- 2010- Action Collaborators implemented
2017 2017 Owner
13 Ground water development for water No 5 8 37 50 RWBS MOWIE, Oromia, Afar
supply AWBA
14 Installing drip system for vegetable and ha 50 150 350 1800 2350 Users AwBA, Oromia
fruit MOWIE,
WBs
15 Installing Sprinkler system (Wonji, upper ha 175 3500 525 2450 6650 Users AwBA, Oromia
awash, Metehara ) MOWIE,
WBs
16 install hydro flume ha 150 300 450 1150 2050 Users AwBA, Oromia, Afar
MOWIE,
WBs
17 enhance alternate furrow ,cut back flow ha 350 550 700 3500 5100 Users AwBA, Oromia, Afar
and re-use system for furrow irrigation MOWIE,
WBs
18 change flood irrigation to furrow ha 600 1300 1750 4600 8250 Users AwBA, Oromia, Afar
irrigation MOWIE,
WBs
19 construct pipes & lined canal system km 10 20 25 70 125 Users AwBA, Oromia
transport main ,primary and secondary MOWIE,
canals WBs
20 upgrade and modernize diversion weirs to no 1 1 1 Users AwBA, Oromia,
enhance water distribution MOWIE,
WBs
21 water distribution for various uses based MCM 1200 1200 1200 10000 AwBA MOWIE, Oromia, Afar
on water allocation (priority) WBs
22 establish water users registration system % 15 15 15 55 100 AwBA Water Bureaus Oromia, Afar
23 collect water use fee for 50% release MCM 600 600 600 600 AwBA MOWIE, Oromia, Afar
water WBs

41
No Sub activities unit Planning Years Total Implementer Region to be
2010 2011 2012 2013 - 2010- Action Collaborators implemented
2017 2017 Owner
24 Strengthening Water users association no 50 65 70 350 535 OIDA AWBA, Oromia
MOWIE
25 Establish Water Users Association No 15 20 20 30 85 OIDA Cooperative Oromia
Agency
26 Identifying researchable issues and no 15 15 15 55 AWBA WBs, Res. Oromia
conduct researches on water allocation Cen., univer.
27 Technology identification no 15 15 15 55 AWBA WBs, Res Oromia
centers, univ.
28 Select pilot and physical model sites no 15 15 15 55 AWBA WBs, Res Oromia
centers, univ.
29 Technology adaptation and evaluation no 15 15 15 55 AWBA WBs, Res Oromia
centers, univ.
30 disseminate verified technologies for no 15 15 15 55 AWBA WBs, Res Oromia
uses centers, univ.
31 awareness creation for stakeholders and % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Oromia
collaborators Res.cen., univ
32 Short and long term training s % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Oromia, Afar
Res.cen., univ
33 Monitoring and evaluation Period 2 2 2 10 HBC AWBA, WBs Oromia, Afar
ic MOWIE,

42
 Appendix C: Awash Halidebi planning area detail action plan
No Sub activities unit Planning Years Total Implementer Region to be
2010 2011 2012 2013- 2010- Action Collaborators implemented
2017 2017 Owner
1 Store water at full capacity of Kessem dam. % 70 30 100 MOWIE AWBA Afar
2 dam operation rule No 1 1 1 4 8 AWBA MoWIE Afar
3 Bathymetry for kessem dam No 1 1 AWBA MoWIE Afar

4 Conduct detail study for ground water sources 1 2 3 MOWIE AWBA Afar, Amhara
5 Develop ground water source no 20 30 40 60 150 MOWIE Afar WRB, Afar, Amhara
6 preparing operation rule for the reservoirs no 1 1 1 5 9 AWBA MOWIE Afar
7 Community based Water harvesting structures No 5 10 12 38 60 Regional AWBA, Amhara, Afar
(Ponds and Sediment storage dam) WBS MOWIE
8 Installing drip system for vegetable and fruit ha 240 360 480 1800 2880 Users AwBA, Amhara, Afar
MOWIE, WBs
9 installing Sprinkler irrigation system ha 250 300 400 850 1800 Users AwBA, Afar, Amhara
MOWIE, WBs
10 install hydro flume, Amibara ha 1100 1400 1700 6700 10900 Users AwBA, Afar
MOWIE, WBs
11 enhance alternate furrow ,cut back flow and ha 300 450 600 3000 4350 Users AwBA, Amhara, Afar
re-use system for furrow irrigation MOWIE, WBs
12 change flood irrigation to furrow irrigation ha 350 800 1050 2800 5000 Users AwBA, Amhara, Afar
MOWIE,WBs
13 construct pipes & lined canal system at main, km 5 11 15 40 71 Users AwBA, Afar, Amhara
primary and secondary canals MOWIE,WBs
14 upgrade and modernize diversion weirs to no 1 1 2 Users AwBA, Afar
enhance water distribution MOWIE,WBs
15 water distribution for various uses based on MCM 600 600 600 5100 6900 AWBA MOWIE
water allocation (priority)
16 establish water users registration system % 15 15 15 55 100 AwBA Water Bureaus Afar, Amhara
17 collect water use fee for 50% release water MCM 300 300 300 2550 3450 AwBA, MoWIE Afar, Amhara
WBs

43
No Sub activities unit Planning Years Total Implementer Region to be
2010 2010- 2012 2013- 2010 - Action Collaborators implemented
2017 2017 2017 Owner
18 establish Water users association no 15 15 20 70 120 OIDA AWBA Afar, Amhara
19 Identifying researchable issues and conduct % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Research Afar, Amhara
researches on water allocation centers,
universities
20 Technology identification % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Res.cen. Afar, Amhara
univ.
21 select and set pilot and physical model sites % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Res.cen. Afar, Amhara
univ.
22 technology adaptation and evaluation % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Res.cen. Afar, Amhara
univ.
24 disseminate verified technologies for uses % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Res.cen. Afar, Amhara
univ.
25 Awareness creation for stakeholders and % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Res.cen., Afar, Amhara
collab. univ
26 Short and long term training s % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Res.cen., Afar, Amhara
univ
27 Monitoring and evaluation Periodi 2 2 2 10 16 HBC AWBA, Afar, Amhara
c MOWIE, WBs

44
 Appendix D: Awash Adaitu planning area detail action plan
no Sub activities unit Planning Years Total Implementer Region to be
2010 2011 2012 2013- 2010- Action Collaborators implemented
2017 2017 Owner
1. Conduct detail study for ground water no WBs MOWIE, Afar, Amhara
15 40 45 50 3
development AWBA
2. Develop Ground water source No 20 30 100 150 WBs MOWIE, AWB Afar, Amhara
3. Borkena Dam Feasibility study and design no 1 1 WBs MoWIE Amhara
4. Construction of Borekena dam No 1 1 WBs MoWIE Amhara
5. Community based Water harvesting structures No WBs Agricu Bureaus, Afar, Amhara
10 18 20 40 88
(Ponds and Sediment storage SS dam) AWBA
6 installing drip system for vegetable and fruit ha Users AwBA, Afar, Amhara
200 300 350 1400 2250
farms MOWIE, WBs
7 enhance alternate furrow ,cut back flow and ha Users AwBA, Afar, Amhara
50 75 100 500 725
re-use system for furrow irrigation MOWIE, WBs
8 change flood irrigation to furrow irrigation ha Users AwBA, Afar, Amhara
500 1050 1400 3700 6650
MOWIE, WBs
9 construct pipes & lined canal system transport km Users AwBA, Afar, Amhara
10 15 20 30 75
main primary and secondary canals MOWIE, WBs
7. water distribution for various uses based on MCM AWBA MOWIE, Water Afar, Amhara
400 400 400 3150 4350
water allocation (priority) Bureaus
8 Establish water users registration system % 15 15 15 55 100 AwBA Water Bureaus Afar, Amhara
9 Collect water use fee for 50% release water MCM AWBA, MOWIE Afar, Amhara
200 200 200 1575 2175
WBs
10 Establish Water users association no 5 10 10 30 55 WBs AwBA,MoWIE Afar, Amhara
11 Identifying researchable issues and conduct % AWBA WBs, Res. Afar, Amhara
researches on water allocation
15 15 15 55 100 Cen., univ.
12 Technology identification % AWBA WBs, Res. Afar, Amhara
15 15 15 55 100 Cen., univ.
13 select and set pilot and physical model sites % AWBA WBs, Res. Afar, Amhara
15 15 15 55 100 Cen., univ.
14 technology adaptation and evaluation % AWBA WBs, Res. Afar, Amhara
15 15 15 55 100 Cen., univ.
15 demonstrate technologies for users % AWBA WBs, Res. Afar, Amhara
15 15 15 55 100 Cen., univ.
16 disseminate verified technologies for uses % AWBA WBs, Res. Afar, Amhara
15 15 15 55 100 Cen., univ.

45
no Sub activities unit Planning Years Total Implementer Region to be
2010 2011 2012 2013- 2010- Action Collaborators implemented
2017 2017 Owner
17 awareness creation for stakeholders and % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Afar, Amhara
collaborators Res.cen., univ
18 Short and long term training s % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Afar, Amhara
Res.cen., univ
19 Monitoring and evaluation Periodi HBC AWBA, Afar, Amhara
c
2 2 2 10 16 MOWIE, WBs

46
 Appendix E: Awash Terminal planning area detail action plan
no Sub activities unit Planning Years Total Implementer Region to be
2010 2011 2012 2013- 2010- Action Collaborators implemented
2017 2017 Owner
1. Store water at full capacity of Tendaho dam. MCM 1700 1700 1700 8500 MoWIE AWBA Afar
2 dam operation rule No 1 1 1 4 7 MoWIE AWBA Afar
3 Bathymetry No 1 1 MoWIE AWBA Afar
4 Conduct Detail Study for ground water No MOWIE Regional water Afar, Amhara
10 15 20 38 3
Development Bureaus
5 Ground water Development No MOWIE Regional water Afar, Amhara
5 10 15 40 70
Bureaus
6 Prepare dam operation rule (water allocation) No 1 1 1 5 1 AWBA MOWIE Afar
7 Mange Logiya Dam reservoir water No 1 1 MOWIE Afar Water Bureau Afar
8 Conduct study for Mile Dam/Weir no 1 1 Afar WB AWBA, MOWIE Afar
9 Community based Water harvesting No Water AWBA Amhara, Afar
5 8 10 15 38
structures (Ponds and SS dam) Bureaus
10 installing drip system for vegetable and fruit ha Users AWBA, MOWIE, Amhara
200 300 350 1300 14700
WBs
11 install hydro flume, Tendaho ha User AWBA, MOWIE, Afar
1500 1900 2300 9000 2900
WBs
12 enhance alternate furrow ,cut back flow and ha User AWBA, MOWIE, Amhara, Afar
200 300 400 2000 8250
re-use system for furrow irrigation WBs
13 change flood irrigation to furrow irrigation ha User AWBA, MOWIE, Amhara, Afar
600 1300 1750 4600 8250
WBs
14 construct pipes & lined canal system km AWBA MOWIE, Water Amhara, Afar
10 20 25 75 130
transport main primary and secondary Bureaus
15 water distribution for various uses based on MCM AWBA MOWIE, Water Afar,
1050 1050 1050 8500 11650
water allocation (priority) Bureaus
16 Establish water users registration system % 15 15 15 55 100 AwBA Water Bureaus Amhara, Afar
19 collect water use fee for 50% release MCM AWBA, Amhara, Afar
525 525 525 4250 5825
RWBs
20 establish Water users association no Water AwBA, MOWIE Amhara, Afar
5 6 8 30 49
Bureaus
21 Identifying researchable issues and conduct AWBA WBs, Res. Cen., Amhara, Afar
researches on water allocation
% 15 15 15 55 100 univ
22 Technology identification AWBA WBs, Res. Cen., Amhara, Afar
% 15 15 15 55 100 univ

47
no Sub activities unit Planning Years Total Implementer Region to be
2010 2011 2012 2013- 2010- Action Collaborators implemented
2017 2017 Owner
23 select and set pilot and physical model sites AWBA WBs, Res. Cen., Amhara, Afar
% 15 15 15 55 100 univ
24 technology adaptation and evaluation AWBA WBs, Res. Cen., Amhara, Afar
% 15 15 15 55 100 univ
25 disseminate verified technologies for uses AWBA WBs, Res. Cen., Amhara, Afar
% 15 15 15 55 100 univ
26 awareness creation for stakeholders and coll. % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Res.cen., univ Amhara, Afar

27 Short and long term training s % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Res.cen., univ Amhara, Afar

28 Monitoring and evaluation Periodic HBC AWBA, MOWIE, Amhara, Afar

2 2 2 10 16 WBs

48
Appendix F: Eastern catchment planning area detail action plan
no Sub activities unit Planning Years Total Implementer Region to be
2010 2011 2012 2013- 2010- Action Collaborators implemented
2017 2017 Owner
1 Conduct study for ground water development no 30 40 50 80 3 MoWIE WBs, AWBA Oromia, Somali, DD
2 Develop Ground water source 25 50 125 200 MoWIE WBs, AWBA Oromia, Somali, DD
3 Community based Water harvesting no WBs AWBA Oromia, Somali, DD
5 7 8 15 35
structures (Ponds and SS dam)
4 Conduct study and construct Micro dam No 5 10 15 60 90 W Bs AWBA Oromia, Somali, DD
5 installing drip system for vegetable and fruit ha 200 250 360 1100 1910 Users AWBA, MOWIE Oromia, Somali, DD
6 enhance alternate furrow ,cut back flow and ha Users AWBA, MOWIE Oromia, Somali, DD
50 100 100 500 750
re-use system for furrow irrigation
7 Change flood irrigation to furrow irrigation ha 150 200 250 500 1100 Users AWBA, MOWIE Oromia, Somali, DD
8 Water distribution for various uses based on MCM AWBA MOWIE, Water Oromia, Somali, DD
360 360 360 2900 3980
water allocation (priority) Bureaus
9 Establish water users registration system % 15 15 15 55 100 AwBA Water Bureaus Oromia, Somali, DD
10 Renewing existing permit no 25 75 250 350 AWBA MOWIE, WBs Oromia, Somali, DD
11 collect water use fee for 50% of release water MCM 180 180 180 1450 1990 AWBA MOWIE, WBs Oromia, Somali, DD
12 establish Water users association no 5 10 10 25 50 AWBA MOWIE, WBs Oromia, Somali, DD
13 Identifying researchable issues and conduct % AWBA WBs, Res. Cen., Oromia, Somali, DD
researches on water allocation
15 15 15 55 100 univ
14 Technology identification (hybrid solar) % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Res. Cen., uni Oromia, Somali, DD
15 select and set pilot and physical model sites % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Res. Cen., uni Oromia, Somali, DD
16 technology adaptation and evaluation % AWBA WBs, Res. Cen., Oromia, Somali, DD
15 15 15 55 100 univ
17 disseminate verified technologies for uses % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Res. Cen., uni Oromia, Somali, DD
18 awareness creation for stakeholders and % AWBA WBs, Res.cen., Oromia, Somali, DD
15 15 15 55 100
collaborators univ
19 Short and long term training s % 15 15 15 55 100 AWBA WBs, Res.cen., un Oromia, Somali, DD
20 Monitoring and evaluation Periodic HBC AWBA, MOWIE, Oromia, Somali, DD
2 2 2 10 16 Water Bureaus

49