DOCSLIB.ORG

The Importance, Distribution and Threat of Ethiopian Wetlands

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Importance, Distribution and Threat of Ethiopian Wetlands Journal of Natural Sciences Research www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3186 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0921 (Online) DOI: 10.7176/JNSR Vol.9, No.6, 2019 A Review on: The Importance, Distribution and Threat of Ethiopian Wetlands Feto Haji College of Natural and computational science Department of Biology Madda Walabu University, PO-box 247,Bale Robe, Ethiopia Abstract Ethiopia, like as many countries in the world, has immense wetland resources. The wetlands in Ethiopia include many forms such as lakes, swamps, marshy wetlands, peat wetlands, flood plains, high mountain lakes, natural and manmade ponds. These wetlands have been contributing for the well-being of many Ethiopians for generations and still they are contributing and this will continue for years in the future. Wetlands, according to the Ramsar Convention are defined as “areas of marsh, fen, peat land or water as, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish, or salt including areas of marine water, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters”. In Ethiopia there are large areas of wetlands which are distributed in various parts of the country almost all altitudinal ranges from lowland (the Dallol depression) up to top of high mountains. Wetlands are of enormous socioeconomic and environmental values and attract a number of users that get benefited directly or indirectly. They are source of water, food, reed, medicinal plants and other income generating activities for the rural community.Wetlands generally classified into 3 major classes: freshwater, saltwater and manmade wetlands According to the FAO in 1984, two types of wetlands (swamps and marshes) dominate in Ethiopia and some studies show that based on scattered information, wetlands are estimated to cover about 2% of the total land mass of the country. Though wetlands in the country is poorly studied and recorded more than 40 wetlands are identified as important bird areas for the nation, and these sites support some of the endemic bird life and biodiversity of Ethiopia. The main objective of this paper is to discuss the importance, distribution and threats to wetlands of Ethiopia. Keywords: Wetland, Ramsar convention, wetland management, threat DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/9-6-02 Publication date :March 31 st 2019 1. Introduction Wetlands have been intricately linked with humankind throughout the ages. Evidence of rice culture dates to the earliest age of humans, long before the era of historical records About 40% of the world's population uses rice as a major staple; rice culture currently occupies about 15% of the world's wetland area. Wetlands are valued for high biological productivity; as filters, sinks, and transformers for sediments, nutrients, and pollutants; and as buffers between aquatic systems and human activities on upland areas (Donald, 1993). Wetland ecosystems as suggested by Jos et al., 2006 are a natural resource of global significance and historically, their high level of plant and animal (especially birds) diversity is perhaps the major reason why wetland protection has become a high priority. Various Authors have defined wetlands differently. However as per the Ramsar Convention (1971) wetlands are defined as ‘Areas of marsh, fen, peat land, water whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt and including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters’. According to Fish and Wildlife service (US), Wetlands are “lands transitional between a terrestrial and aquatic system where the water table is usually at or near the surface of the land or the land is covered by shallow water” (Cowardin et al ., 1979). Ethiopia is a country in the horn of Africa with an estimated area of around 1.1 million km 2.It is often referred as the Water Tower of Africa. Around 70,000 km 2 areas are covered with natural inland water bodies including rivers, lakes and associated wetlands (Ayenew, 2009). In Ethiopia these resources are distributed in almost all altitudinal ranges from the Dallol depression up to top of high mountains. However, Shewaye (2008) suggested that, their exact area coverage is not clearly known for two vital reasons. The first one is that they are not studied in detail and the second reason is their changing in size in both in dry and wet seasons (expand in wet season and shrink in dry season). However, some assessments estimate that they may cover about 2% of the land. As per the Ramsar definition, there are different types of wetlands in Ethiopia. These include among others: lakes, swamps, flood plain, natural or artificial ponds, etc. The formation of which is the result of tectonic movements, a continuous process of erosion and human activities. As FEPA’s 2003, described that, the Ethiopian wetlands render social, economic and ecological benefits. These benefits include: the provision of food, water, furniture, dry season grazing for cattle, regulation of hydrological systems, flood control, filtration of water flow and sediment trapping, reeds for thatching, crafts or 7 Journal of Natural Sciences Research www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3186 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0921 (Online) DOI: 10.7176/JNSR Vol.9, No.6, 2019 floor covering, provision of medicinal plants, fishery resources, permanent source for irrigation, recreation and tourist areas, phytoplankton and zooplanktons organisms as useful sources of nutrient products, cultural and ethical values, etc. According to EFAP (1989), Ethiopia, with its different geological formations and climatic conditions is endowed with considerable water resources. Wetland ecosystems, including twelve river basins, eight major lakes, many swamps, floodplains and man-made reservoirs and about 110 billion cubic meters of water runs off annually from the above sources (Leykun, 2003 & Finlayson et al ., 1999). 2. Literature Review 2.1 Importance of Wetlands Wetlands provide multiple ecosystem services such as storing and regulating water flows and water quality, providing unique habitats to flora and fauna, and regulating micro-climatic conditions (Teferi et al., 2010). As shown in (Illueca and Rast, 1996), Freshwater resources are a finite, but global consumption rates are known to increase from 2- 3% every year and Africa uses only 4% of its renewable freshwater resources because of the uneven distribution of water resources over the continent, At the same time, (UNEP, 2006) describe that, access to water is affected by its quality and much of Africa’s water may be unsuitable for consumption by its people. These regional patterns are also evident in Ethiopia, where water resources are unevenly distributed and only a quarter of its population has access to safe water and sanitation. Wetlands are said to perform “hydrological functions” to “act like a sponge “, soaking up water during wet periods and releasing it during dry periods. (Bucher et al., 1993), reports there for wetland conservation is made in terms of ecosystem functioning, which result in a wide range of values including ground water recharge and discharge, sediment stabilization and water quality. According to Nyman (2011), the wetland function includes the following details: Flood conveyance : Wetlands associated with rivers and floodplain often form natural floodways that convey floodwater from upstream to downstream sites. Protection from storm waves and erosion : Coastal wetlands and inland wetlands located adjacent to large lakes and rivers reduce the impact of storm tides and waves before they reach the uplands. Sediment control : Wetlands filter sediment from floodwaters; this function can become saturated. Habitat for fish and shellfish : Wetlands are essential spawning and nursery habitat that support commercial and personal fish and shellfish harvesting for human and animal food, especially in coastal waters, as well as for rare and endangered fish and shellfish. Habitat for water birds and other wildlife : Coastal and inland wetlands provide essential breeding, nesting, migratory, and non-breeding habitat for numerous species of waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians; some of these species are robust enough to support hunting whereas others are rare and endangered. Recreation : Wetlands are the sites for fishing, hunting, and non-consumptive use of wildlife and fish. Source of water supply : Wetlands are important in the transmission and quality of ground and surface water. Timber production : Under the proper management, forested wetlands are an important source of timber, but additional care will be needed in coastal wetland forests because of subsidence and/or sea-level rise. Preservation of historic and archaeological values : Some wetlands are of archeological interest, particularly those located near Native American settlements. Education and research : Wetlands provide significant educational opportunities for nature observation and scientific study. Open space and aesthetic value : Coastal and inland wetlands are areas of great diversity and beauty that provide open space for recreation and visual enjoyment Water quality improvement: Wetlands contribute to improving water quality by removing excess nutrients and many chemical contaminants. 2.2 Wetlands in Ethiopia As per Abebe (2008), Ethiopia is a country in North-Eastern Africa lying between 8º 00’ N and 38º 00’ E. Its area covers an estimated 1,127,000 km 2 of which some 7,444 km 2 is covered by water. Ethiopia has 5,311 km of frontiers (line between two countries) that it shares with Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia and Sudan. Detailed inventory of the wetland resource base of Ethiopia is not carried out yet. However, based on scattered information, wetlands are estimated to cover about 2% of the total land mass of the country. The wetlands are distributed across all agro-ecological zones of the country from high altitude alpine lakes to lowland wetlands. Except coastal wetlands, all the other wetland types are found in Ethiopia which consists of flood plains, lakes, swamps/marshes, swamp forests and human made wetlands. The widely recognized wetland types are however, swamps and marshes, which together account for about 0.16% of the country’s total area (EPA, 2004).
Load more

Recommended publications
  • An Analysis of the Afar-Somali Conflict in Ethiopia and Djibouti
    Regional Dynamics of Inter-ethnic Conflicts in the Horn of Africa: An Analysis of the Afar-Somali Conflict in Ethiopia and Djibouti DISSERTATION ZUR ERLANGUNG DER GRADES DES DOKTORS DER PHILOSOPHIE DER UNIVERSTÄT HAMBURG VORGELEGT VON YASIN MOHAMMED YASIN from Assab, Ethiopia HAMBURG 2010 ii Regional Dynamics of Inter-ethnic Conflicts in the Horn of Africa: An Analysis of the Afar-Somali Conflict in Ethiopia and Djibouti by Yasin Mohammed Yasin Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree PHILOSOPHIAE DOCTOR (POLITICAL SCIENCE) in the FACULITY OF BUSINESS, ECONOMICS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES at the UNIVERSITY OF HAMBURG Supervisors Prof. Dr. Cord Jakobeit Prof. Dr. Rainer Tetzlaff HAMBURG 15 December 2010 iii Acknowledgments First and foremost, I would like to thank my doctoral fathers Prof. Dr. Cord Jakobeit and Prof. Dr. Rainer Tetzlaff for their critical comments and kindly encouragement that made it possible for me to complete this PhD project. Particularly, Prof. Jakobeit’s invaluable assistance whenever I needed and his academic follow-up enabled me to carry out the work successfully. I therefore ask Prof. Dr. Cord Jakobeit to accept my sincere thanks. I am also grateful to Prof. Dr. Klaus Mummenhoff and the association, Verein zur Förderung äthiopischer Schüler und Studenten e. V., Osnabruck , for the enthusiastic morale and financial support offered to me in my stay in Hamburg as well as during routine travels between Addis and Hamburg. I also owe much to Dr. Wolbert Smidt for his friendly and academic guidance throughout the research and writing of this dissertation. Special thanks are reserved to the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Hamburg and the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) that provided me comfortable environment during my research work in Hamburg.
    [Show full text]
  • Afar: Insecurity and Delayed Rains Threaten Livestock and People
    EMERGENCIES UNIT FOR UNITED NATIONS ETHIOPIA (UN-EUE) Afar: insecurity and delayed rains threaten livestock and people Assessment Mission: 29 May – 8 June 2002 François Piguet, Field Officer, UN-Emergencies Unit for Ethiopia 1 Introduction and background 1.1 Animals are now dying The Objectives of the mission were to assess the situation in the Afar Region following recent clashes between Afar and Issa and Oromo pastoralists, and focus on security and livestock movement restrictions, wate r and environmental issues, the marketing of livestock as well as “chronic” humanitarian issues. Special attention has been given to all southern parts of Afar region affected by recent ethnic conflicts and erratic small rains, which initiated early pastoralists movements in zone 3 & 5. The assessment also took into account various food security issues, including milk availability while also looking at limited water resources in Eli Daar woreda (Zone 1), where particularly remote kebeles1 suffer from water shortage. High concentrations of animals have been noticed in several locations of Afar region during the current dry season. The most important reason for the present humanitarian emergency crisis in parts of Afar Region and surroundings are the various ethnic conflicts among the Issa, the Kereyu, the Afar and the Ittu. These Dead camel in Doho, Awash-Fantale (photo Francois Piguet conflicts forced pastoralists to change UN-EUE, July 2002 their usual migration patterns and most importantly were denied access to either traditional water points and wells or grazing areas or both together. On top of this rather complex and confuse conflict situation, rains have now been delayed by more than two weeks most likely all over Afar Region and is now causing livestock deaths.
    [Show full text]
  • Ethiopia Access Snapshot - Afar Region and Siti Zone, Somali Region As of 31 January 2020
    Ethiopia Access Snapshot - Afar region and Siti zone, Somali region As of 31 January 2020 Afar region is highly prone to natural disasters Afdera The operating environment is highly compromised, with a high such as droughts and seasonal flooding. Long-- risk for humanitarian operations of becoming politicized. In ErebtiDalol Zone 2 term historical grievances coupled with Bidu March 2019, four aid workers were detained by Afar authorities TIGRAY resource-based tensions between ethnic Afar for having allegedly entered the region illegally. They were KunnebaBerahile and its neighbors i.e. Issa (Somali), and Oromo Megale conducting a humanitarian activity in Sitti zone, and decided to Teru Ittu (Amibara woreda) and Karayu (Awash Fentale woreda) in ERITREA overnight in a village of Undufo kebele. In a separate incident, in Yalo AFAR Kurri Red Sea October 2019, an attack by unidentified armed men in Afambo zone 3, and in areas adjacent to Oromia special zone and Amhara- Afdera Robe Town Aso s a Ethnic Somali IDPZone 2016/2018 4 Zone 2 (Kilbet Rasu) Elidar region, continue to cause casualties and forced displacement, Aba 'Ala woreda, Zone 1, near Djibouti, killed a number of civilians spark- Gulina Goba Town limiting partners’ movements and operations. Overall, Ethnican Oromia IDP 2016/2018 L. Afrera Ye'ch'ew ing outrage across the region and prompting peaceful demon- Awra estimated 50,000 people remain displaced, the majority of whom Erebti strations and temporarily road blockages of the Awash highway SNNP Zone 1 Bidu rely almost entirely on assistance provided by host communities. Semera TIGRAYEwa On the other hand, in 2019, the overflow of Awash River and DJIBOUTI Clashes involving Afar and Somali Issa clan continue along Megale Afele Kola flash floods displaced some 3,300 households across six Dubti boundary areas between Afar’s zone 1 and 3 and Sitti zone.
    [Show full text]
  • October 2020 to May 2021 Food Security Crisis Expected to Continue Despite Timely Start to Deyr Season in Areas of Somali Region
    ETHIOPIA Food Security Outlook October 2020 to May 2021 Food security Crisis expected to continue despite timely start to deyr season in areas of Somali Region KEY MESSAGES • The start of the meher harvest is improving food access in Current food security outcomes, October 2020 many crop-dependent areas and Minimal (IPC Phase 1) outcomes are present. In some areas of Afar, SNNPR, Gambella, where flooding and landslides destroyed crops, households are experiencing Stressed! (IPC Phase 2!) outcomes as humanitarian food assistance is improving food access. In southern, eastern, and some northern areas of the country, Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes and Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes are present. This is due to atypically high reliance on markets as desert locusts and flooding resulted in crop losses. Moreover, households in these areas are expected to have continued below-average purchasing power due to continued high food prices and the weak labor market. • Generally, continued high inflation, the prolonged impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the negative impacts of flooding and desert locusts are expected to continue to Source: FEWS NET negatively affect food access from own crops, livestock production, and markets. Therefore, most poor and very FEWS NET classification is IPC-compatible. IPC-compatible analysis follows key IPC protocols but does not necessarily reflect the consensus of national poor households in the eastern half of the country will most food security partners. likely continue facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes through May 2021. These outcomes are likely to persist beyond the projection period due to the forecast for consecutive below- average rainfall seasons in southern and southeastern pastoral areas.
    [Show full text]
  • Pre Belg/Sugum 2015 Joint Assessment Report in Zone 1,3 and 5 Woredas of Afar Region
    Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Ethiopia PRE BELG/SUGUM 2015 JOINT ASSESSMENT REPORT IN ZONE 1,3 AND 5 WOREDAS OF AFAR REGION Objectives The objective of the joint Pre Belg/Sugum assessment is to evaluate the performance of the Belg/Sugum 2015 rain in all Zone 1, 3, and 5 woredas of of Afar region and its impact on food security. Methodology Group focussed discussions were made with Wereda Administrations and appropriate line bureaus in all Weredas visited to collect secondary information related to rainfall, pasture conditions, condition of livestock, crop production, availability of water and existing challenges; the status of food distribution (both on PSNP and relief food) and the impediments encountered during distribution, the nutritional status of children, pregnant and lactating mothers in relation to the EOS screening and the progress of implementation of the TSF programme; the progress of implementation of WFP school feeding programme and its impact on the level of class attendance in comparison to the previous years. Executive Summary The Belg/Sugum 2015 rain was delayed onset for 5 weeks and below average with uneven distribution. As a consequence, pastoralists and agro-pastoralists have suffered from shortages of livestock feed and water causing migration to areas in Amhara and areas of the region with better pasture and water. The movement of people and migration of livestock were heavy in Zone 1 and 3. The body condition of livestock in all visited woreda was highly deteriorated. The impact was more serious with sheep and cattle. No significant livestock disease of emergency epidemic nature was reported in the all woredas in the zones as a whole.
    [Show full text]
  • Afar the Impact of Local Conflict on Regional Stability Tadesse Berhe and Yonas Adaye
    Afar The impact of local conflict on regional stability Tadesse Berhe and Yonas Adaye Introduction officials, young people, and women. Regarding the Eritrean side of Afar, the focus group discussions Violent conflict is more the norm than the exception included leadership members of the Red Sea Afar in the Horn of Africa. Conflicts are waged at various Democratic Organization (RSADO), Eritrea Afar levels: state, regional, and local. Conflict involves refugees in Ethiopia, and elders of different clans. various actors: governments, nationalist groups, From the Djibouti side, one higher official and religious groups, and community or identity groups another former member of FRUD participated in with significant backing from external forces. It is a in-depth interviews.2 Document analysis and field common for conflicts in the sub-region to promptly observation were used to the primary data obtained acquire a sub-regional dimension, thus transcending from the field. national borders by attracting kinsmen from across the border. The result is Analysis of the conflict is based on often a flow of refugees, who destabilise the DFID conflict analysis model economic and trade relations between Conflicts in (Strategic Conflict Assessment) as stated neighbouring states, and pose a security in the Centre for Policy Research and threat to the sub-region.1 the sub-region Dialogue’s (CPRD) term of reference. acquire sub- The report has four sections. Section The purpose of this study is to identify regional one provides historical background, the the origins, patterns, proximate causes, context of the conflict and its effect and key determinants of local level dimensions that on sub-regional stability.
    [Show full text]
  • Perception and Attitude of Pastoralists on the Use and Conservation Of
    Tilahun et al. Ecological Processes (2016) 5:18 DOI 10.1186/s13717-016-0062-4 RESEARCH Open Access Perception and attitude of pastoralists on the use and conservation of rangeland resources in Afar Region, Ethiopia Minyahel Tilahun1, Ayana Angassa2,4*, Aster Abebe2 and Alemayehu Mengistu3 Abstract Introduction: Community perception plays a significant role in rangeland resource management. Traditional rangeland management practices by the pastoral communities are based on accumulated knowledge in connection to their local environment. Pastoralism played a vital role in food production and sustaining its inhabitants in arid environment for millennia. However, national policies and development interventions in East African pastoral systems have often overlooked pastoralism while centered on the modernization of agricultural sector for economic development and poverty reduction. Methods: We used household survey, focus group discussion, key informant interview, and individual questionnaire to understand the perceptions and attitude of Afar pastoralists towards rangeland resource use and conservation practices, as well as impacts of development intervention on traditional rangeland resource use and conservation practices. The data were analyzed using index ranking and descriptive statistics. Results: The results showed that livestock holding per household was higher on average (22.90 ± 2.27 Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU)) in the non-intervened woreda than in the intervened woreda (8.30 ± 3.85 TLU). Respondents mentioned that livestock productivity was adversely affected by a number of factors such as invasion of Prosopis juliflora (Dergi Hara), shrinkage in the capacity of rangelands (Beadu and Bebea’), and recurrent droughts. Scarcity of grazing resources attributed to the invasion of Dergi Hara and drought created livestock feed crisis with strong implication on the livelihood of pastoralists.
    [Show full text]
  • Pastoralism and the State Policies in Mid-Awash Valley
    Mrican Arid Lands Working Paper Series ISSN 1102-4488 .. - - - ~. ."." Nordiska Afrikainstitutet (The Scandinavian Ins,titute of African Studies) p O Box 1703, S-751 47 UPPSALA, Sweden Telex 8195077, Telefax 018-69 56 29 .\ ....-- -- .- _.. ".- _ -.. -.. ... African Arid Lands Working Paper Series is published by Nordiska Afrikainstitutet (the Scandinavian Institute of African Studies). Its main objectives is to encourage research and the dissemination of interdisciplinary usable environmental knowledge in the area of dryland management. Editorial board: Mette Bovin, Editor in-chief Susanne Östman, Assistant Editor Anders Hjort af Ornäs, EPOS, Member Anders Närman, Gothenburg University, Member M.A. Mohamed Salih, lSS, The Netherlands, Member Illustration on front: Details from a decorated gourd (in Nigeria 's Traditional Crafts by Alison Hodge) African Arid Lands Working Paper Series No. 1/94 PASTORALISM AND THE STATE POLICIES IN MID­ AWASH VALLEY: THE CASE OF THE AFAR, ETHIOPIA by Ali Said NORDISKA KA!NSTITUTET 2 9 1. !ntroduction This study outlines the conflicts over natural resources caused by the use of irrigation agriculture in an area which has traditionally bes:n used by pastoralists for extensive livestock production. By explaining the nature and magnitude of conflicts, the paper attempts to indicate possibilitles for their resolution. This paper is based en 5 months of field work undertaken from September 1991 to January 1992 and 6 months of desk work as parnal fulfilment for the MSc degree in Resource Management in the Agriculturai University of Norway. The pastoral areas of Ethiopia account for about 61% of the country's total area and constitute around 6 - 10% (2-3 million) of the national population (UNDP/RRC, 1983).
    [Show full text]
  • Impact Evaluation of the Land Administration to Nurture Development Project in Afar, Ethiopia
    IMPACT EVALUATION OF THE LAND ADMINISTRATION TO NURTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN AFAR, ETHIOPIA Report on Baseline Findings This publication was produced at the request of the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared independently by The Cloudburst Group. Photo Credit: Aidan Schneider—The Cloudburst Group Written and prepared by Aleta Starosta, Kate Marple-Cantrell, Stephanie Fenner, Nicole Walter, Aidan Schneider, Ben Ewing, and Heather Huntington. The authors would like to thank John McPeak, Peter Little, and Zemen Haddis for their review and guidance. Prepared for the United States Agency for International Development, USAID Contract Number AID- OAA-TO-13-00019, Evaluation, Research and Communication (ERC) Task Order under Strengthening Tenure and Resource Rights (STARR) IQC No. AID-OAA-I-12-00030. Implemented by: The Cloudburst Group 8400 Corporate Drive, Suite 550 Landover, MD 20785-2238 Impact Evaluation of the Land Administration to Nurture Development Project in Afar, Ethiopia Report on Baseline Findings MARCH 2017 DISCLAIMER The authors' views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government. CONTENTS CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................... I ACRONYMS ................................................................................................................................. III EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Flood Response Plan Ethiopia 2020 Kiremt Season Floods
    FLOOD RESPONSE PLAN ETHIOPIA 2020 KIREMT SEASON FLOODS Flood emergency and displacement in Meteka kebele/Gewane woreda, Afar region, August 2020. Photo taken by OCHA. September 2020 Joint Government – Humanitarian Partners Response Plan CONTEXT Context………………………………………………………………1 Summary of the Flood Situation…………………………3 According to the National Meteorology Agency’s weather Response Strategy………………………………………..……3 forecast for September 2020, the kiremt rain is expected to Operational Delivery………………………………………….4 continue in all zones of Tigray, Benishangul Gumuz, Gambella, East and West Gojjam, North Shewa, Bahir Dar Zuria, Awi, Cluster Operation Delivery Plan………………..……….4 North and South Gonder, North and South Wollo zones in Coordination and Implementation Modalities….14 Amhara, East and West Wollega, Jimma, Illubabor, North West Annex I: Rapid Joint Assessment Shewa and North Shewa zones, Arsi, Bale, East and West Checklists .................................. 17 Hararge zones in Oromia, Jigjiga zone in Somali, Hadiya, Gurage, Wolayita, Dawuro, Gamo Gofa, Keffa, Bench Maji, 1,017,854 Gedio, Segen, South Omo zones in SNNP, Harari and Sidama regions, as well as in Dire Dawa and Addis Ababa cities. Heavy Number of people affected rainfall is also likely to occur in some parts of the country. Meanwhile, Siti, Fik, Degahabur, and Gode zones in Somali region, and the Southern Oromia zones will likely receive near 292,863 normal rainfall during the month. Number of people displaced Heavy and prolonged kiremt rains led to flooding and landslide incidents in Afar, Oromia, Gambella, SNNP, Somali and Amhara regions in June and September. Latest National Disaster Risk Management Commission (NDRMC) reports US$ 48.0 indicate that close to 1,017,854 people are affected and Requirements 292,863 people are displaced by floods across the country.
    [Show full text]
  • E4392 V2 Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (Eepco) Alalobad-Tendaho Geothermal Power Development Project
    E4392 V2 Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) Alalobad-Tendaho Geothermal Power Development Project ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Public Disclosure Authorized OF GEOTHERMAL SECTOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FOR Public Disclosure Authorized ALALOBAD TENDAHO GEOTHERMAL PROJECT SITE BY ETHIOPIAN ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION Public Disclosure Authorized DECEMBER 2013 Public Disclosure Authorized i Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) Alalobad-Tendaho Geothermal Power Development Project TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................... IV I. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 1 I.1. Background ....................................................................................................... 1 I.2. Policy, Legal, Institutional and Administrative Frameworks ...................... 9 II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION........................................................................... 29 III. PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ....................................................................... 31 IV. BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ..................................... 33 V. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO ECONOMIC IMPACT ..................... 48 VI. MITIGATION MEASURES ......................................................................... 59 VIII. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND DISCLOSURE ..................................... 67 IX. SYNTHESIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ...................................... 81 X.
    [Show full text]
  • THE WATER of the AWASH RIVER BASIN a FUTURE CHALLENGE to ETHIOPIA Fig.1 the Main River Basins in Ethiopia
    THE WATER OF THE AWASH RIVER BASIN A FUTURE CHALLENGE TO ETHIOPIA Fig.1 The main river basins in Ethiopia. Girma Taddese1 , Kai Sonder2 & 3 Don Peden [email protected],/[email protected] , It is a dilemma why Ethiopia is starving while it has huge amount of surface water and perennial rivers. 2 [email protected] & [email protected] It appeared that in the past Ethiopia was only utilizing the Awash River Basin for irrigation development, it accounts for 48% of the national irrigation schemes (FAO, 1995). Thus it is timely to assess the complex situation of the Awash River Basin. ILRI P.O.Box 5689 Addis Ababa Ethiopia Summary The Awash River Basin faces land degradation, high population density, natural water degradation 12 salinity and wetland degradation. Already desertification has started at lower Awash River Basin. In the high land part deforestation andsedimentation has increased in the past three decades. As more water is 10 drawn from the river there could be drastic climate and ecological changes which endanger the basin 8 habitat and h uman livelihood. Draining the wetlands for irrigation could imbalance the sustainability of the basin. 6 (million) 4 Number affected Introduction 2 Over View 0 1965 1969 1973 1977 1978 1979 1983 1984 1985 1987 1989 1990 1991 1992 2003 Currently Ethiopia’s agriculture depends on rainfall with limited use of water resources for irrigation. Drought years At approximately 50% of the GDP, agriculture, most of it based on rain-fed small -holder systems and livestock, contributes by far the largest part of the economy and is currently growing on average 5% Fig.
    [Show full text]