WALLAGA UNIVERSITY
RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER V/PRESIDENT OFFICE
RESEARCH DIRECTORATE OFFICE
Research Concept Note/ Synopsis
Application on Theme Number: 1 (one) Tittle of the Theme: Evaluating the Impacts of
Integrated Watershed Development Practices in Dabus River Sub-basin on Agricultural
Productivity, Food Security, and Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam(GERD)
Sustainability, Western Ethiopia
Sub-theme Number: 1.3 Title of the Sub-theme: Conservation and Proper Use of Natural
Resource
Title of the project: Integrated assessment and optimization of water resources to enhance
Agricultural Productivity in the Dabus River Sub-basin watershed, Western Ethiopia
Prepared by:
No Name Specialization Affiliations
1 Yadesa Wakena (PI) Hydraulic Engineering Wallaga university
2 Tola Gelata (CI) Watershed management Wallaga university
3 Dr. Wandimu (CI) Environmental & NRM Wallaga university
4 Jira Asefa (CI) Geomatics Engineering Wallaga university
October 2025
Gimbi, Oromia, Ethiopia
Table of Contents Page
1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................................3
2. Statement of the Problem..................................................................................................................4
3. Objectives...........................................................................................................................................4
3.1 General Objective........................................................................................................................4
3.2 Specific Objectives.......................................................................................................................4
4. Methodology.......................................................................................................................................5
4.1 Study Area Description...............................................................................................................5
4.2 Data Collection.............................................................................................................................5
4.3 Data Analysis and Modeling.......................................................................................................5
4.4 Stakeholder Engagement............................................................................................................6
5. Beneficiaries of the Study..................................................................................................................6
Primary Beneficiaries........................................................................................................................6
Secondary Beneficiaries....................................................................................................................6
6. Expected Outcomes...........................................................................................................................6
7. Estimated Budget...........................................................................................................................6
8. Project Duration................................................................................................................................7
1. Introduction
Water resources play a central role in supporting agriculture, which remains the backbone of
Ethiopia’s economy. Over 80% of the population depends on rainfed agriculture, making the
sector highly vulnerable to climate variability and water scarcity (Awulachew et al., 2007;
Alemayehu et al., 2020). Sustainable water resource management is therefore vital to achieving
food security and poverty reduction.
The Dabus Sub-Basin, part of the Blue Nile (Abay) Basin, possesses substantial water and land
resources, yet agricultural productivity remains low. Inadequate irrigation infrastructure,
inefficient water use, and poor basin-level planning contribute to low yields and resource
degradation (Yilma & Awulachew, 2009). Integrating hydrological, agricultural, and socio-
economic assessments offers a promising pathway to optimize water allocation and improve crop
production (McCartney et al., 2012).
This study aims to develop an integrated water resource assessment and optimization framework
to enhance agricultural productivity and promote sustainable basin management in the Dabus
Sub-Basin.
2. Statement of the Problem
Although the Dabus Sub-Basin receives considerable rainfall, water availability fluctuates
seasonally and spatially, leading to recurrent droughts and low agricultural productivity
(Teshome et al., 2018). The lack of efficient irrigation systems and water-use optimization
models intensifies the problem.
Key issues include:
Inefficient water allocation among agricultural users due to limited planning tools.
Declining water productivity caused by over-reliance on rain fed systems and
traditional irrigation methods.
Weak institutional frameworks for integrated water resource management (IWRM)
(Haileslassie et al., 2016).
Limited understanding of the link between hydrological dynamics and agricultural
water demand. Without a data-driven, integrated water management approach, the basin’s
agricultural potential will remain underutilized, increasing susceptibility to food
insecurity and land degradation.
3. Objectives
3.1 General Objective
To assess and optimize water resource utilization for enhanced agricultural productivity and
sustainable basin management in the Dabus Sub-Basin, Ethiopia.
3.2 Specific Objectives
1. To assess current patterns of agricultural water use and productivity levels.
2. To model and optimize water resource allocation for efficient agricultural production.
3. To propose integrated water management strategies for sustainable agricultural
development.
4. To strengthen local institutional capacity and stakeholder engagement in IWRM.
4. Methodology
4.1 Study Area Description
The Dabus Sub-Basin, located in western Ethiopia, forms part of the Abay (Blue Nile) Basin. It
is characterized by a humid to sub-humid climate with average annual rainfall ranging between
1,400–1,800 mm. The basin’s mixed crop-livestock systems depend heavily on rainfall, with
limited irrigation coverage (Alemayehu et al., 2020).
4.2 Data Collection
Data will be collected from primary and secondary sources:
Hydrological Data: Rainfall, runoff, evapotranspiration, and groundwater records from
the Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE) and Ethiopian Meteorological Institute.
Agricultural Data: Crop type, irrigation practices, and yield data through field surveys
and agricultural offices.
Socio-Economic Data: Household surveys and interviews to assess water demand and
management practices.
Spatial Data: Satellite imagery (Landsat, Sentinel) for land use and soil classification.
4.3 Data Analysis and Modeling
Hydrological Simulation: The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) will model
runoff, water balance, and sediment yield (Arnold et al., 2012).
Optimization Modeling: The Water Evaluation and Planning System (WEAP) will
simulate and optimize water allocation scenarios for agriculture (Yates et al., 2005).
GIS Integration: Spatial analysis will map irrigation potential and water stress zones.
Scenario Development: Future projections under different climate and land use
conditions will be developed to test management strategies.
Validation: Results will be validated through stakeholder consultations and ground-
truthing.
4.4 Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder workshops will be conducted with local communities, water offices, and agricultural
experts to ensure practical relevance and local ownership of the outcomes (Hagos et al., 2021)
5. Beneficiaries of the Study
Primary Beneficiaries
Smallholder farmers and irrigators in the Dabus Sub-Basin.
Local water user associations and cooperatives.
Secondary Beneficiaries
Oromia Regional Water and Energy Bureau.
Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE).
Regional agricultural and research institutions.
NGOs working on water security and agricultural development.
The study’s results will support evidence-based policymaking for improved water management
and food production systems.
6. Expected Outcomes
1. Comprehensive database on water availability, use, and agricultural productivity.
2. SWAT–WEAP integrated modeling framework for optimal water allocation.
3. Identification of efficient irrigation and water-use practices to boost productivity.
4. Policy recommendations for sustainable and equitable water governance.
5. Strengthened stakeholder capacity in IWRM and sustainable agriculture.
6. Peer-reviewed publications and policy briefs to disseminate findings.
7. Estimated Budget
Total estimated budget for these project is 415,000 ETB (Four hundred thousand and fifteen
thousand birr)
8. Project Duration
Total Duration: 18 months
Phase Activities Duration
Phase 1 Inception and data collection 4 months
Phase 2 Modeling and data analysis 8 months
Phase 3 Validation and stakeholder consultations 4 months
Phase 4 Reporting and dissemination 2 months
9. CV of the author
No Name Role In project Recent publication
1 Yadesa Analyzing hydrological 1.[Link]
Wakena(PI) activity 2.[Link]
2 Tola Gelata(CI) Analyzing watershed 1.[Link]
management practice 2. [Link]
3 Jira Asefa(CI) Mapping and analyzing GIS 1.[Link]
based activity
