College of engineering and technology

Department of water resources and irrigation engineering

Project Title : local water governance Study in case of Awash River

Gambella,Ethiopia

Submission date may, 2025

Name of The student

Gemechu Fakada

ID NO

0359

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1 Introduction

The Awash River (sometimes spelled Awaash; Oromo: Awaash OR Hawaas,

Amharic: ዐዋሽ, Afar: Hawaash We'ayot, Somali: Webiga Dir, Italian: Auasc) is a
major river of Ethiopia. Its course is entirely contained within the boundaries of
Ethiopia and empties into a chain of interconnected lakes that begin with Lake
Gargori and end with Lake Abbe (or Abhe Bad) on the border with Djibouti, about
100 kilometres (62 mi) from the head of the Gulf of Tadjoura. The Awash River is
the principal stream of an endorheic drainage basin covering parts of the Amhara,
Oromia and Somali Regions, as well as the southern half of the Afar Region. The
Awash River basin, spanning 23 administrative zones, covers 10% of Ethiopia's
area.

Figure 1.1 Awash River

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1.1 Hydrological pattern of Awash river (basin)

The Awash River, originating in the highlands west of Addis Ababa, exhibits a
distinct hydrological pattern characterized by bimodal rainfall in the Middle and
Lower Awash, and unimodal rainfall in the Upper Awash. High streamflow
variability, particularly during the MAM and JJAS periods, is observed, with low
river flows during the dry season and increased flows during the rainy season.
Studies indicate decreasing rainfall trends and an increasing annual streamflow
trend in some areas, while other areas show decreasing trends in the MAM
period.

1.2 Features of the Awash River Hydrology:

Bimodal vs. Unimodal Rainfall:The Middle and Lower Awash experience bimodal
rainfall (two rainy seasons), while the Upper Awash exhibits unimodal
rainfall.High Streamflow Variability:The river flow varies significantly, especially
during the MAM and JJAS periods.

Dry Season Low Flows:River flows are typically low during the dry season and
increase during the rainy season.

Decreasing Rainfall Trends:Some areas in the basin show decreasing trends in

annual rainfall, particularly during the MAM and JJAS periods.

Increasing Streamflow Trends:In some areas, there is an increasing trend in

annual streamflow.

Climate Change Impacts:Climate change is expected to affect future river

discharge projections, potentially altering flow regimes.

Water Scarcity:The Awash River Basin faces water stress, with high water demand
during the irrigation season and potential for water shortages.

Hydrological Balance:The lower Awash River Basin has a delicate hydrological

balance, where inflows and outflows are balanced in a normal year, but this
balance can be affected by human activities and climate change.

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Evapotranspiration:A significant portion of rainfall is lost through
evapotranspiration in the basin. Runoff:A portion of the rainfall also contributes
to runoff, which feeds the river.

2 water quality of Awash river

The water quality in the Awash River basin is generally poor, especially in the
upper basin. The upper basin scores poorly in both drinking and irrigation water
quality indices, while the middle/lower basin also scores poorly for drinking water
quality, according to a study using Canadian water quality indices. This is due to
pollution from various sources in the basin, including industrial and agricultural
waste.

2.1 Pollution Sources:

The Awash River basin is affected by various types of pollution, including

industrial and agricultural waste, and wastewater from Addis Ababa, which
contributes to water quality issues.

Water Quality Indices:The Canadian water quality indices for the upper basin
indicate poor drinking water quality (index of 34.79) and marginal irrigation water
quality (index of 46.39). The middle/lower basin also shows poor drinking water
quality (index of 32.25) and marginal irrigation water quality (index of 62.78).

2.2 Specific Concerns:Heavy Metals: Some studies have found high concentrations
of heavy metals like manganese (Mn) in the upstream areas of the river,
exceeding WHO guidelines, according to a study on contaminants of emerging
concern in the Awash River basin. Nitrates: Nitrate levels in the river water are
also reported to be above the allowable limits.

Organic Matter: The river's water quality is also affected by high levels of organic
matter, which can reduce dissolved oxygen and harm aquatic life, according to a
comprehensive water quality assessment in the upper Awash River basin.

2.3 Impacts:

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The poor water quality in the Awash River basin has various impacts, including the
biological aquatic environment, potential toxicity, and health risks.

2.4 Climate Change:

Climate change, with its implications for temperature and precipitation, is also a
factor in water availability and quality in the basin.

3.The state water governance of the Awash River in Ethiopia

involves a complex interplay between the central government, regional states,

and various stakeholders. While the Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE) holds
the overarching responsibility, the Awash Basin Authority (AwBA) and Regional
Water Bureaus also play crucial roles in water management. The Awash Basin is
also a key area where the federal system, with regional states having autonomy,
is applied to water resource management.

3.1 Central Government and the AwBA:

The AwBA, established by the Council of Ministers, is delegated significant

administrative power by the MoWE, particularly in areas like integrated water
resources management.

The AwBA operates under a River Basin Organization (RBO) structure, with a Basin
High Council (BHC) for policy and a River Basin Authority (RBA) for
implementation.

3.2 Regional States and Water Bureaus:

While formal delegation of power to Regional States and City States is limited,
Regional and Town Water Bureaus (Zonal and Woreda Water Offices) actively
manage water resources in practice.

These Bureaus are crucial for implementing basin plans, establishing data
systems, and ensuring participation of local stakeholders.

3.3 Stakeholder Involvement:

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Effective water management requires the participation of all Regional States
sharing the basin and strong support from various institutions, including EPAs and
sub-regional bodies.

Coordination gaps exist between the AwBA, Regional States, and other
stakeholders, potentially leading to conflicts, especially between upstream and
downstream users.

4. Challenges and Opportunities:

The Awash Basin is a densely populated area with diverse water uses, including
agriculture, industry, and domestic needs.

Conflicts over water use, particularly between different user groups, are a major
challenge.

The development of a strong coordination mechanism between the AwBA and

Regional States is crucial for effective and sustainable water governance.

The AwBA has the potential to be a powerful administrative organization, but it

needs to build strong links with stakeholders at all levels to ensure ownership and
participation.

4.1 Historical Context:

The Awash River Basin was the first in Ethiopia to adopt modern agriculture in the
1950s.

The Awash Valley Authority (AVA) was established in 1962 as the first institution
responsible for water infrastructure, allocation, and administration.

In essence, the state water governance of the Awash River is a multi-layered

system where central and regional authorities work together to manage water
resources, with a focus on stakeholder participation and coordination to address
challenges and ensure sustainable water use

5 The state water governance of the Awash River in Ethiopia involves a complex
interplay between the central government, regional states, and various

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stakeholders. While the Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE) holds the
overarching responsibility, the Awash Basin Authority (AwBA) and Regional Water
Bureaus also play crucial roles in water management. The Awash Basin is also a
key area where the federal system, with regional states having autonomy, is
applied to water resource management.

5.1 Central Government and the AwBA:

The AwBA, established by the Council of Ministers, is delegated significant

administrative power by the MoWE, particularly in areas like integrated water
resources management.

The AwBA operates under a River Basin Organization (RBO) structure, with a Basin
High Council (BHC) for policy and a River Basin Authority (RBA) for
implementation.

5.2 Regional States and Water Bureaus:

While formal delegation of power to Regional States and City States is limited,
Regional and Town Water Bureaus (Zonal and Woreda Water Offices) actively
manage water resources in practice.

These Bureaus are crucial for implementing basin plans, establishing data
systems, and ensuring participation of local stakeholders.

5.3 Stakeholder Involvement:

Effective water management requires the participation of all Regional States

sharing the basin and strong support from various institutions, including EPAs and
sub-regional bodies.

Coordination gaps exist between the AwBA, Regional States, and other
stakeholders, potentially leading to conflicts, especially between upstream and
downstream users.

5.4 Challenges and Opportunities:

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The Awash Basin is a densely populated area with diverse water uses, including
agriculture, industry, and domestic needs.

Conflicts over water use, particularly between different user groups, are a major
challenge.

The development of a strong coordination mechanism between the AwBA and

Regional States is crucial for effective and sustainable water governance.

The AwBA has the potential to be a powerful administrative organization, but it

needs to build strong links with stakeholders at all levels to ensure ownership and
participation.

is a multi-layered system where central and regional authorities work together to

manage water resources, with a focus on stakeholder participation and
coordination to address challenges and ensure sustainable water use

6 Riparian issue of Awash River

The Awash River Basin faces several riparian issues, including land degradation,
high population density, water degradation, and wetland degradation.
Desertification is occurring in the lower basin, while deforestation and
sedimentation are increasing in the highlands. These issues are exacerbated by
factors like over-extraction of water for irrigation, frequent droughts, and the
development of irrigation projects.

6.1 Land Degradation:

6.2 Soil Erosion:

Deforestation and the removal of vegetation in the upper basin lead to soil
erosion, which carries sediment downstream, impacting water quality and river
health.

6.3 Salinization:

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Water logging and improper drainage in irrigation areas can lead to soil
salinization, making it less suitable for agriculture.

6.4 Desertification:

The lower basin is experiencing desertification, with the loss of vegetation and
fertile land.

6.5 Population Pressure and Resource Use:

High Population Density:

The Awash River Basin has a high population density, putting pressure on its
resources, particularly water.

Over-Extraction of Water:

Increased water extraction for irrigation, especially in the upper reaches, can lead
to water scarcity in downstream areas.

Impact on Livelihoods:

Droughts and water scarcity can negatively impact agricultural production and the
livelihoods of people in the basin.

6.6 Water Quality Degradation:

Natural Water Degradation:

The basin experiences natural water degradation, including salinity and high
fluoride levels in groundwater.

6.7 Waste Water Pollution:

Urban and industrial wastewater can pollute the Awash River, impacting water
quality and posing health risks.

Sedimentation:

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Sedimentation from soil erosion can reduce water quality and disrupt river
ecosystems.

6.8 Wetland Degradation:

Draining for Irrigation:

Wetlands are being drained for irrigation, which can disrupt ecosystem functions
and reduce biodiversity.

Salinization and Pollution:

Wetlands can be affected by salinization and pollution from agricultural runoff

and wastewater.

6.9 Other Challenges:

Flooding:

The basin experiences frequent flooding during the rainy season, which can
damage infrastructure and agricultural lands.

6.10 Water Conflicts:

Upstream-downstream conflicts over water resources are common in the basin.

Food Insecurity:

Frequent droughts and water scarcity can lead to food insecurity, especially in the
middle and lower basins.

7 institutional issues about Awash River

The Awash River Basin in Ethiopia faces significant institutional challenges related
to water management, including conflicts between users and institutions,
inadequate enforcement of water use permits and licenses, and a shift in water
use priorities. These challenges affect both water quality and access, particularly
for smallholder farmers and downstream users.

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7.1 Conflicts between users:

The Awash River Basin experiences water stress and water quality issues, leading
to conflicts between different user groups like agriculture, industry, and urban
populations.

7.2 Conflicts between institutions:

Policy, regulatory, and proclamation issues between governmental institutions

can hinder effective water resource management.

7.3 Inadequate enforcement:

Lack of enforcement of water use permits and licenses allows powerful

stakeholders to dominate water resources, while others, like smallholder farmers,
are disadvantaged.

7 4 Priority shifts:

Changes in water use priorities, particularly the shift from agricultural to industrial
uses, can further exacerbate water scarcity and conflicts.

Water quality issues:

Industrial and agricultural activities, including the discharge of effluents and

agrochemicals, compromise water quality and impact downstream users.

8 Conclusion.

In this project we studied about Water stream Awash river , including it'is
Hadrological pattern, State of it's water quality, State of it's water gavornance
riparian issues and instutitional issues.

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