WOLLEGA UNIVERSITY GIMBI CAMPUS

FACULTY OF NATURAL RESORCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF SOIL RESOURCE AND WATERSHADE MANAGEMENT

SENIOR SEMINAR ON: IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON WATER

RESOURCE IN ETHIOPIA

SUBMITTED BY: BOJA DESISA

ADVISOR NAME: MR.YADESA WAKENA (M.Sc)

A SEMINAR SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES,

WOLLEGA UNIVERSITY GIMBI CAMPUS IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ART IN
DEPARTMENT OF SOIL RESOURCE AND WATER SHADE MANAGEMENT.

JANUARY, 2025
GIMBI, ETHIOPIA
Table of Contents Page
ACKNOWLEDGMENT.....................................................................................................4

ABBRIVATION AND ACRONYM...................................................................................4

ABSTRACT........................................................................................................................6

INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................7

1.1 Background of the Seminar........................................................................................7

1.2 Objective of the Seminar............................................................................................8

1.2.1 General objective...............................................................................................8

2.4. Causes of climate change..........................................................................................9

2.4.1 Natural cause......................................................................................................9

2.4.2. Human (anthropogenic) causes.....................................................................10

2.5 Impacts of climate change on surface water............................................................10

2.5.1 Lake...................................................................................................................11

2.5.2. River.................................................................................................................11

2.6 Impacts of climate change on ground water.............................................................12

2.7. Impact of climate change on water Resources for human development.................13

2.8. Indicator of climate change.....................................................................................14

1. Mitigation...............................................................................................................15

REFERENCE....................................................................................................................16
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
First and the most, I want to thank our father Almighty God for His endless mercy and
grace up on us, all praises to God. He blessed us with good health, intellectual efficiency,
talented teachers and sympathetic friends, whose proper guidance, consistent
encouragement and inspiration enabled us to start this senior seminar paper.

In addition, I would like to express my grateful thanks to my advisor Mr. Yadesa Wakena
(M.A) for his follow up in the preparation and completion for the paper.

Last but not least, my deepest gratitude goes to my beloved colleagues and all friends
who are always with us as sustain the hardship life this time by being with us in every
endeavor work and having the spirit of ones in sharing with us our daily financing issues
ABBRIVATION AND ACRONYM

CFCs Chlorofluorocarbons

FAO Food and Agricultural organization

GCMs Globs Circulation Models

IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

MOFED Ministry of Finance and Economic and Development

UNFCCC United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change

 ABSTRACT

Climate change can affect hydrological cycle especially precipitation and runoff. Change
in climate can alter spatial and temporal availability of water source. The effects of
minor levels of climate change are already being felt with impact on the availability of
freshwater. This impact on freshwater will be further compounded rising sea level and
melting glaciers. In general, warmer climate will accelerate hydrological cycle, altering
rainfall and magnitude and timing runoff. Due to future reduction of River flow on the
regions of optimal allocation for water use purposes at all levels of water resources
development projects are crucial for futures water planning and management.

Key words: Climate Change; Hydrologic Cycle; Water Resources.

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Seminar

Scientific evidence indicates that due to increased concentration of greenhouse gas in

the atmosphere, climate of the earth is changing; temperature increasing and amount ad
distribution of rain fall is being altered (Houghton et al., 1996). The IPCC scientific
assessment suggested that global average temperature may increase between 1.5 and 4.5
°C, with best estimate 2.0°C in the next century with doubling of CO2 concentration
in the atmosphere (IPCC, 2007).

Ethiopia is vulnerable to climate change since the economies of the country mainly
depend on agriculture which is very sensitive to climate change and variation (Gerick and
shiklomanov). climate change affect ascertain components of the hydrological cycles ,
especially precipitation and runoff ,it described by United Nation Frame Work
Convention on climate change (UNFCCC). Climate Change can alter the spatial and
temporal availability and of water resources. It reduce either the overall quantity of
water or the timing of when that water is available for use will have an important
effect on agriculture, industrial and urban development. The climatic impact on the
water regime may also make worse other environmental and social effect of water
management. For instance, reduced river Runoff can concrete the effect of pollutants or
exacerbate the spread of water born disease. Climate’s fluctuations can also affect
significant impact on lake water balance. Therefore lake ziway water shade, runoff is
likely to decrease in the futures and to be insufficient to meet future demand for water of
the ever increasing populations (Ljalem,et al.2007).
1.2 Objective of the Seminar
1.2.1 General objective
The aim of this seminar is to review the impact of climate change on water resources.

2. REVIEW ON THE CLIMATE CHANGE

2.1. Concept and definition of climate change

Climate leading to increase surface temperature, melting of snow and glacier, rise in sea
level and an increase extreme weather events such as drought and flood, can significantly
affect water resource. As global warming increase the evaporation of water into the
atmosphere and changes the pattern of major air stream and ocean current such as El
Niño and LA Nina. Increase heavy rainfall as results as results of climate change can
cause soil erosion, crop damaging and water logging, which make the land difficult to
impossible to cultivate for agricultural. Water is greatest gift of nature. It is the most
important natural resources without water which life cannot exist.

Concentration of water body (lake, river, ocean, aquifers and ground water).water
pollution undesirable change in the state of water, contaminated with harmful substance.
It is the second most important environmental issues next to air pollution. Any change in
the physical, chemical and biological properties of water that has that has harmful effect
on living thing is termed as ‘water pollution '(WHO, 1997).

Water pollution occurs when pollutants are discharged directly or indirectly into water
bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful compound. Water pollution can
affect plant and living organism in the body of water. In almost all case the effect is
damaged not only individual species and population, but also to the nature biological
community (Anderson, 1980). All natural water bodies will the capacity to assimilated
some level of waste without apparent damaged this capacity is the results of physical and
chemical process occurring with the aquatic environment that break down Waste in the
harmless substance. The effects of waste discharge on water bodies become more
significant once water capacity to accumulate waste is exceed (Gayle et al, 1993).
Climate is usually defined as the average weather of more rigorously as statically
description in terms of mean variability on relevant quantity over the periods of time
ranging from months to thousands of years (WMO,2007) while weather is short term
phenomena described atmospheric air temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, speed
and precipitation (IPCC,2007).According to the chinch (2003) climate change is long
term changing the states distribution of weather patterns over period of the time that
ranges from decades to millions of years. It may be a change in the average weather
conditions or a change in the distribution of weather events. Climate change that can be
reduced either the overall quantity of water or the timing when water is available for the
use of will have important effects on agricultural and industrial and urban development
increasing variability alone would enhance the probability of both flood and drought
(William, 1988).

According to (IPCC, 2007) Climate change can be defined change in States of the climate
that can be identified (using statistical test )by change in mean and variability of
properties ,and persists for extended periods ,typically decades or longer. It refers to any
change in climate over time, weather due to natural variability as results of human
activity. The most general definition of climate change is a change in the statically
properties of climate system when considered over long period of time regardless of
causes some things used to refer specifically to climate change caused by human activity
as opposed to change in climate that may have resulted as part of earth is natural
resources (IPCC,2001).Climate change is attributed direct or indirect to human activity
that alters the composition of climate variability observed over comparable time period
(UNFCCC, 2008). Climate change will greatly complicated the design, operations and
managements of water use systems (Glick shiklomanov, 1989).
2.4. Causes of climate change
2.4.1 Natural cause

The earth climate is dynamic. It is always changing from time to time. There are a
number of natural factors responsible for climate change. Some of them are continental
drift volcanoes, ocean currents etc. (Alexander2002).In addition to these causes water
vapor also in the atmosphere contribute to the natural greenhouse gases such as carbon
boxed, methane and CFCS causes the greenhouse effect by trapping radiant emitted at
infrared wave length opposed to shorted solar wave length which can pass through the
atmospheric gases from the earth surface and reradiating of back to earth surface
(Alexander2002). Climate change is a normal part of the earth’s natural variability which
is related to interaction among the atmosphere, ocean and land as well as change in the
amount of solar radiation reaching the earth (IPCC, 2007).

2.4.2. Human (anthropogenic) causes

Human beings have caused profound environmental changes in their search of survival
and development. The changes have been crucial to the growth of human population,
security and quality of life. On the other hand human activities have also caused negative
environmental changes manifested by soil erosion, loss of crops, pollution, deforestation
and disruption of biological diversity. Many human activates involves the emission of
greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, CFCS and etc. (IPCC, 2007). The
industrial revolution in the 18th seen the large scale use of two soil fuels which include
gas, coal and oil derived products of diesel. Fossil fuels are com busted to create
electricity to provide heating to power all forms of transportation and to industrial
processes like mining and manufacturing activities (klein1999).

2.5 Impacts of climate change on surface water

Aquatic ecosystems are sensitive to climate change, and the impact of future climate
change includes wide ranging negative consequence (EPA, 2014). There may be
increased flooding, pollutants transport, sediment erosion, and extended droughts from
more frequently extreme events. Increased water temperature will affect oxygen regime,
red ox regime, red ox potential, lake stratification, mixing rates, and the metabolism and
life cycle aquatic organisms (kundzewicz, 2007).surface water species are especially high
risk to be threatened or endangered duet to climate change (Millennium Ecosystem
Assessment,2005).however, specific ecological response to climate change cannot be
predicted, because new combination of native and non-native species will interact novel
situation. Impacts of climate change on the availability, timing and variability of water
supply and, demeaned is also related significant consequence of impact on society.
Overall, shifts in precipitation variability and seasonal runoff will have effects on water
supply, water quality, and management of water resources.

2.5.1 Lake

Impact of climate changes on lakes and reservoirs is one of the most series issues facing
human society. Water balance will alter the capacity of lake to provide ecosystem goods
and services, such as inland Fisher and adequate supplies of safe drinking water. The on
goings warming trend will affect the physical, chemical, and biological of lake
ecosystems, with implications of water quality (through likely increased abounded of
cyan bacteria) and wild life habitat. In recent decades, changes in climate have caused
impact on natural and human system on all continents and across the oceans. Whatever it
causes, natural and human system have becomes sensitive to climate change (IPCC,
2014). anthropogenic activity's on industry and population expansion to ward forest
area has increased the concentration of carbon dioxide on earth atmosphere has raised
globule surface temperature and affected precipitation amount
(IPCC ,2014;NASA ,2010).Impacts of climate variability on lake is change water level,
such changes can reflect alteration of lake water balance which can result from
change in precipitation , surfaces runoff , groundwater flow ,and evaporation from the
lake surface water quality and quantity could be decreased.

2.5.2. River

The impacts of climate change on rivers on runoff due to change in precipitation ,

evapotranspiration and temperature is an important factor in environmental (transport
nutrients ,sediments and habitats omoistures.nd faunas) ,agriculture (drainage and
flooding ) and economical application (e.g. water supply , flooding , engineering and
agro economic ).Impact of climate change on river varies on different spatial scale and
for time serious different length of various periods. modeling impacts of climate
change on river runoff usually achieved by either direct use of climate model data in
hydrological model by changing existing climate data series with expected change
(Singh bengtsson,2004).inter-governmental panel on climate change (IPCC 2007) stated
that it is evident by now that recent climate change have had serious impact on river
runoff in many regions of the world. Precipitation is considered and essential parameters
in climate change through the studies. forecasting runoff trends might affect the
development plan for an area due to changing energies demand water consumption in
different sector.

2.6 Impacts of climate change on ground water

Ground water while less directly and more slowly impacted by climate change, as
compared to surfaces water (e.g. river). So ground water is less expected to be affected by
climate change. This is because river get replenished on shorter time scale ,and drought
and flood are quickly reflected in river water levels since , river water temperature in
close equilibrium with the air temperature and as air temperatures also rise so will river
temperature (Hammond and pryce,2007;Hassenet al.,1998). Ground water should be
affected much slower. Only after prolonged drought ground water level will show
declined trends. Global swarming as a part of climate change will be affect ground water
indirectly. Ground water intricate, but often over locked, link between surface water,
impact surface of waters and many freshwater and terrestrial eco systems. As many
ground water system both discharge into and are recharged from surface water flow
regime are expected to affect ground water. thus neglected the considerations of ground
waters in the process of IWRM can results in the miss management of surface water with
severe effects on the severe effect on the population and the
environment(Schindler ,1997).Increased variability in rainfall may decrease ground water
recharge in humid areas because of more frequent heavy rainfall will affects the
infiltration capacity of soils ,thereby increasing surface runoff (Kinfe,1999).organic
matter decomposition ,and nutrients cycling rates in lakes and streams ,resulting in lower
dissolved oxygen levels. Lake and wet lands associated with returns flow from irrigated
agriculture are a particular concern. This suite of waters quality effects will increase the
numbers of water bodies in violation of two days water quality standards, worsen the
quality of water bodies that currently in violations, and ultimately increase the cost of
meeting currently in violations, and ultimately increases the costs of meeting current
water quality goals both consumptive and environmental purposes (Adam R.M.et al,
2008).

2.7. Impact of climate change on water Resources for human development

Change in quantities of water, much world country already existing under existing water
stress from pressure such as irrigation demand, industrial pollution and water borne
sewerage. Significantly exacerbated by climate change which many region will result in
reduced rainfall and increasing temperature, further reducing availability water for
drinking, household use, agriculture and industries. Consequence of water supply
including smaller flows in spring and river and decreasing groundwater levels. In case of
Ethiopia, also water. Rivers and lake size are shirking .decline quantity of water affected
local user including farmers and investors. Quality of water. Climate change is expected
to affects water quality in both inland and coastal area .specifically, precipitation is
expected to occur more frequently via high in tests rainfall events, causing increased
runoff and erosion. More sediment and chemical runoff will be there for be transported in
to streams and into ground water systems, impairing water quality. Water quality maybe
further impaired if decrease water in water supply cause nutrient and contaminants to be
come more concentrated. Rising air and water temperature will also impact on water
quality by increasing primary production of organic matter decomposition, and nutrient
cycling rates in lake and stream, resulting in lower dissolved oxygen level. Accessibility
of water, water quality and quantity decreased as a results of intensification of
hydrological cycles, competition for aveliable resources will intensify. demands for
agricultural and demostic water in a particular increase significantly at hotter and drier
time of the year.agriculturehas always been the dominate end used diverted water ; has
with only intensify with increasing need for irrigation brought on by higher temperature
and reduced and reduced priciptation ,coupled with increasing population.clearly health
implications change of water supply are far reaching currently ,more than 3 million
people may die from avoidable water related diseases ; most of them are in developing
country (Meyer ,1997).the effect of climate change on water resources will exacerbated
the existing implications of water change on human health as water born diseases results
from contamination water by human and animals faces by urine infected with pathogenic
virues or bacteria. both of which are more likely to occur during periods of flood and
therefore intensify with the projected increases natural disaster under climate change
(Matals and fiering,1997).

2.8. Indicator of climate change

According to the IPCC (2007), the main influence on the world’s climate is the emission
of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide
and deflation of ozone are the accumulation of these in the atmosphere strengthens the
green house effect which occurs when the heat produced by the suns pays entering
atmosphere and preventing from the entering in to the outer space. It is the increases in
average temperature of the earthsnear surface air and oceans since the mid 20 th C. Shift
the global windsIf the average global temperature increased the jet streams will weaken
and global winds will shift from their normal position. This turn may disturb the normal
amount of seasonal patterns and distribution of perception (chinch 2003).

2.8.1. Loss of biodiversity

A global temperature raised could make some species extinct. There are already changes
to the way plants and animals (chinch 2003).

2.8.2. Deforestation

Deforestation is cutting trees and forest firing those peoples for their agricultural purpose,
furniture purpose, sires wood and construction of house. Deforestation is one of the
main causes of climate in order to increase carbon dioxide concentration to the
atmosphere becomes the deflection of ozone layer. It is anthropogenic source after
combustion of fossil fuels (IPCC200).

2.8.3. Drought

According to the chinch (2007) drought is the shortage of rainfall and high temperature
which resulting expensive change. It damage plants, crops and animals are likely to
occur more frequent if. Drought is a geo physical hazard for our living environment and
agricultural produc

2.8.4. Heavy rainfall and flooding

According to FAO (2007) food production can also impacted by too much water or
flooding. Heavy rainfall events leading to flooding. It can wipe to entire crops over wide
areas and excess water can also lead to other impact including soil water logging and
reduced plant and crop growth.

3. CONCLUSION

Generally, two -third of world population will become more vulnerable to availability
and use of water due to climate change. It is one of the global issues that would affect the
sustainable use of and development of many regions. Regional acidification from
industrial activity, water pollution (indirectly through air pollution and directly
discharged pollutants from industries, activities and sewage disposal), desertification, and
soils erosion may also be major threats to watet resources. One of the most significant
impact of climate change is likely to be on the hydrological systems and hence river flow
and water resources. This will be particularly taken arid and semi arid area of Africa.
Ethiopia is also known as tower of east Africa, to day many rivers flow and some small
stream dry up completely, and finally and the magnitude of flow medium to large rivers
will decrease significantly.

Climate just one of the many factor challenging many future water planner and manager.
Indeed ,change in population ,economic conditions ,technology , policies ,and relative
value society place on alternative water use may be more important determinants of
future supply and demand condition than those attributes to climate change
(IPCC,1996).those two ways to manage risks caused by :mitigation of climate
change ,and adaptation to climate impact to minimize their effect.

1. Mitigation

Mitigation implies the human measure structural and non-structural, and undertaken to
limits an adverse impact of climate change by reducing the levels of GHG in the
atmosphere. This accomplished through developments of appropriate technology for
reducing emissions and capturing them at the source. Mitigation include measure such as
energy efficiency, promotion of renewable energy source, and carbon trading. Mitigation
of GHGs is essential to slow the impact of climate change and it's the most effective and
least strategy to reducing the future effect of climate change. This mostly the issues of
developed world beings they release mere GHGS from industries (UNDP, 2008).

2. Adaptation

Climate change already occurred; even if mitigation efforts immediately able to reduce
global to carbon emissions to zero, there will be a certain impacts from climate change
that need to be addressed. Adaptation describes a set of responses to the actual and
potential impacts of impact of climate change to moderate harm or take advantage of the
opportunities that climate change may bring. in countries where the majority of poor
people depend on agricultural income ,proposed climate change adaptation strategies
center on increasing agricultural productivity and make their agriculture more
diversified ;including livestock ,fishery and forester's that less vulnerable to climate stress
and shock. Besides to this water management for agricultural production is a critical

Components that needs to adapt in the coming decades (Bates et al., 2008).with regard to
agricultural production and water, climate change adaptation may include, Adaptation of
varieties and species crops with increased resistance to heat stress, shock and drought.
For examples, private partnership under the leader ships of the African Agricultural
Technology Foundation called Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) Intends to
develop drought -tolerant African maize. Modification of irrigation techniques, including
amount, timing or technology (e.g. Drip irrigation systems; Adoption of water efficient
technology to ‘harvest ‘water, conserve soil moisture (e.g. crop residues retention, zero
tillage), and to reduce siltation and salt water intrusion

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