Challenges, Experiences and Opportunities of Water Resource Management in Ethiopia

Abstract

Water is the basis of life and is a driving force for economic and social development and for poverty reduction. Eventhough Ethiopia has an abundant water resources, the country faces challenges in efficiently developing and managing its water resources (unevenly distributed). Between 80-90 percent of Ethiopia’s water resources is found in the four river basins namely, Abay (Blue Nile),Tekeze, Baro-Akobo, and Omo-Gibe in the west and south western part of Ethiopia where the population is no more than 30 to 40 percent. The water policy of Ethiopia provides a conducive environment for having clean and safe water, by giving domestic water supply the highest priority followed by water for livestock . In the past, the absence of a well-defined water policy has been one of the major causes, for the poor performance of water development. The management of water as a critical resource should be done in a sustainable manner taking into account the needs of the present and future generations. In this respect, sustainable management of water resources should take into consideration the principles that water resources management should be decentralized, participatory and community based and conducted at the lowest appropriate level. It is also recognized that women play a central part in the provision, management and safeguarding of water resources and should be represented in decision-making process with regard to water resources management. There is a need to continue to develop its water resources in order for its economic and social development to keep pace with its rapidly growing population. Towards this goal the management approaches and organizational arrangements need to be reviewed to address the critical issue of water resource management.

Keywords: water resource, Ethiopia, management, opportunity, challenges

DOI: 10.7176/JRDM/62-01

Publication date: January 31^st 2020