Modeling Water Availability and Use

The Challenge

Human impact together with changing climate is significantly affecting natural resources – especially water – in the Ziway Catchment. Being a closed basin, Ziway is highly sensitive to natural and human impacts. Yet, there is a high level of unregulated water abstraction by smallholder farmers and big investments (such as flower farms) that significantly threaten ecosystems and biodiversity of the area. It is therefore important to understand mechanisms and processes that can mediate between uncontrolled resources use, such as unlimited water abstraction, and activities dealing with investment and poverty reduction at macro as well as micro levels.

Clearly understanding the situation in the area, this project aims to develop and pilot a water allocation plan for the Ziway Catchment. Design and implementation of this water allocation plan will solve the fundamental lack of understanding of water resource allocation between sectors as well as competing uses and users within the basin. An understanding of available water resources that anticipate future increase in demand and limitations impacted by climate change is also vital for sustainable development of the Catchment and for better water resource use that can avoid future conflicts.

The Horn of Africa Regional Environmental Centre and Network (HoA-REC&N) has enlisted the help of scientist Stéphanie Horion to develop land use/land cover maps for the Ziway Catchment of Ethiopia. In collaboration with a HoA-REC&N consultant, Stephanie will use these inputs to create a hydrological model designed to contribute to the sustainable use of water resources in that region. This model may then be used to develop manuals for improving water allocation mechanisms at the local system level. The goal of this project is that access to and management of agricultural water resources will improve the livelihoods of stakeholders (smallholder farmers and investors, women and womens’ groups, and other vulnerable populations).

After completion, the project will develop a socially equitable water allocation plan that will be put forward to relevant government offices and the wider community to consider accepting and implementing which will also address ecosystem water flow requirements.