Ethiopia belongs to the regions where the lack of economic and technical capabilities is limiting the development of water resources. To tackle these prime challenges, Ethiopia has been implementing the principles of ‘grow green’ as described in its strategy for climate resilient green economy, which late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi termed it necessity and an opportunity to be seized, said Academic Affairs Vice President, Dr Agena Anjulo.
Dr Agena said this inaugurating two-day 14th symposium on ‘Sustainable water resources development: A base for building climate resilient green economy,’ at Main Campus’ newly built auditorium from 27th to 28th June, 2014.
He further states, the strategy to materialize above objective is based on four pillars i.e. to improve crop and livestock production, protect and reestablish forests for its economic and ecosystem services, expand power generation from renewable sources and firmly to latch onto modern and energy-efficient technologies in transport, industry and infrastructure sectors.
On country’s effort in capacity building through education, training and technology transfer, he underlined, Ethiopia’s concerted move to launch several projects to remove limiting factors.
Symposium began with Institute of Technology’s Scientific Director, Dr Negash Wagesho, welcoming the participants, saying, ‘‘This symposium is unique in its kind for acquiring national status with AMU giving it top priority and partners acknowledging its significance over the last decade; high quality of research papers contributed each year testify its importance.’’
Exemplifying water resources scenario in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa University’s hydro-geologist, Prof. Dr Tenalem Ayenewu, in his key-note speech, says, ‘‘Though, Ethiopia is called the water-tower of North-Eastern Africa, but its uneven distribution, water quality challenges and complex geology are hindering the true understanding of ground water resources.’’
‘‘Our water economic scarcity is caused by lack of investment in water. Water resources development is bogged down by problems which are aggravated by changes in climate change. However, he said, road to success lies in knowing the weakness and learn from the mistake.’’
The first day saw the presentation of nine research papers in which AMU had four and 10 were presented on the second day. Scholars from International Water Management Institute, Water Works Design and Supervision Enterprise, Adama and Haramaya Universities, UNESCO-IHE, Sirinka ARC and others participated in the symposium.
IWMI’s Dr Alemseged Tamiru in his paper on ‘Shallow Groundwater irrigation in Dangila woreda of Amhara region in Ethiopia,’ pinpointing the causative factors in his study area says, ‘‘Though, there is high demand of ground water but the existing resources are not quantified, domestic water supply and environmental demands aren’t accounted for and over-exploitation of individual resources and lack of monitoring causing problems in Dangila.’’
Haramaya University’s Semeneh Bessie in his paper on deforestation in Beles sub-basin, said, this region has witnessed rampant deforestation; in 2006, it has forest cover of 1,056187 hectares which drastically declined to 556715 hectares in 2012.
Causes like expansion of agricultural land, over-grazing, unprotected forest fire can be uprooted by regulating large-scale agricultural investment, participatory forest management, establishment of natural/reserve forest protected area and focus on bamboo development etc.
AMU’s Getahun Gebresilassie’s paper on ‘Flood water management in Yanda-Faro Spate irrigation system in Konso,’ has revealed that livelihood of Yanda-Faro farming community is based on farming activity which is influenced by the rainfall availability at upstream for its flood water. To cope with the challenge farmers have introduced water management of water rights and rules and an effective enforcing organizational structure.
Other three AMU researchers Guta Wakbulcho, Ayalkibet Mekonnen and Gima Nigussie presented papers on different issues revolving around the theme of the symposium.
Written and oral feedbacks were taken during the general discussion chaired by Dr Negash, Water Resource Research Centre Director, Dr Mekonnen Ayana and Mr Zerihun.
AMU President, Dr Feleke Woldeyes, in his concluding remark ruing over present scenario, says, ‘‘Though, Ethiopia has rich water resources, but we have suffered a lot from recurrent floods and calamities. It’s saddening to know, despite huge cultivable lands our food production is highly inadequate.’’
He further informed, to stem the rot, government has introduced clear-cut policy on water usage, irrigation and mining to aggressively work in that direction. To achieve sustainable green economy, he said, AMU is contributing a lot through research by its students and staff.’’
Participants also visited an exhibition organized at new PG building by IoT faculty member Mr Tamru Tesseme. Special issue of 13th symposium along with the abstract of papers of 14th symposium was distributed to the participants.
Water Works Design and Supervision Enterprise, SDCSE and German’s Agro Action (World Hunger Aid) have co-sponsored the symposium.
By Philips Joseph