Sustainable Highland Rivers Management in Ethiopia
Abstract
Ethiopian highlands are sources of water for all citizens and contribute significantly to the water budget of all neighboring countries. The highlands are not only sources of water but also are sustaining nearly 90% of the total population on an area covering about 45% of the country. Currently due to various development activities in the highlands, the water quality and quantity of the rivers is deteriorating from time to time. Thus the country is under demand of standardized, cost effective and rapid assessment methods to evaluate the current ecological status of rivers for proper protection and mitigation measures. Universities and research institutes have been criticized for not being responsive in the development of reliable monitoring system in the area of water resources management. Therefore the purpose of this preparatory project is to prepare a full project proposal in order to strengthen institutional capacities in research and education and deepen participatory management practices in the sphere of highland rivers management in Ethiopia. The overall objective of the full project is to build capacity of the Ethiopian consortium partners to study, monitor and manage highland rivers for healthy environment and sustainable growth. Specific objectives of the proposed project are: • Developing river assessment methods ranging from a simple manually calculated method to computer-aided detail analyses system based on benthic macroinvertebrate community. • Building human capacity of newly established Ambo University and EIAR –NFALRC in the field of recognition and application of criteria for biological indicators in sustainable river management. • Analyzing cause-effect relationship using appropriate case studies and design mechanisms which resolve problems of communities especially women and children. • Supporting the implementation and dissemination of project results by 1) integrating results in education, research and national programs 2) preparing user manuals in local languages for continuous monitoring of flowing water and 3) organizing conferences, trainings and workshops. The proposed project uses a holistic approach to river management, which requires a multi-disciplinary team skilled in natural sciences (limnology, taxonomy, ecology, pollution, geology, etc.) and social sciences (economics, policies etc.). The project includes an intense exchange of knowledge, between the Ethiopian and Austrian partners, between scientists and water managers and between natural and social scientists. The participation of senior researchers and lecturers, who have long-time experience on river management in Austria, is expected to contribute to a scientific background relevant for the region and strengthen education and research systems in higher institutions. The involvement of socio-economic experts from partners and collaborators in Ethiopia will facilitate the implementation of results in a more sustainable ways and speed up dissemination to similar regions in the country.
benthic invertebrates water management
Publikationen
Project staff
Wolfram Graf
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wolfram Graf
wolfram.graf@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-81221
Project Leader
01.03.2014 - 31.07.2014
Anne Hartmann
Dipl.-Ing. Dr.nat.techn. Anne Hartmann
anne.hartmann@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-81208
Project Staff
01.03.2014 - 31.07.2014
Ilse Schwarzinger
Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Ilse Schwarzinger
ilse.schwarzinger@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-10118
Project Staff
01.03.2014 - 31.07.2014
Herwig Waidbacher
Ao.Univ.Prof.i.R. Dr.phil. Herwig Waidbacher
herwig.waidbacher@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-81222
Project Staff
01.03.2014 - 31.07.2014
BOKU partners
External partners
Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research
Aschlew Lakew Haile
partner
Ambo University
Geda Kebede Omcho
partner