Sediment transport and management in the river basins of Ethiopia: Challenges, strategies, and policy perspective
Study region: Understanding sediment transport and content is vital for managing water quality and land resources. This study focused on four Ethiopian basins: Abbay, Awash, Rift Valley Lakes, and Omo-Gibe. QGIS was used to map spatial features, including monitoring station distribution and hydrolog...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214581825004252 |
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| Summary: | Study region: Understanding sediment transport and content is vital for managing water quality and land resources. This study focused on four Ethiopian basins: Abbay, Awash, Rift Valley Lakes, and Omo-Gibe. QGIS was used to map spatial features, including monitoring station distribution and hydrology. Higher sediment transport was reported in the headwaters of the Abbay Basin, especially in North Gojjam, Beshilo, and Jemma subbasins (200–233 t/ha/year). Similarly, elevated sediment yields were found in the upper and middle Awash Basin, especially in Kessemi, Nejaso Gera, Kebena, and Awash US Arba (115.76–47.47 million t/year). In contrast, lower yields occurred in the Lakes Basin, particularly in Sile Segor, Segen, Bezo-Weyito, Gelanoa, and Lake Shalla subbasins (1.9–13.69 million t/year). Study focus: This study used a targeted literature review, scoping interviews, and semi-structured interviews to assess basin conditions. The goal was to understand sediment transport and content in relation to water use and land management. By combining stakeholder insights and spatial analysis, the research identifies critical erosion-prone areas and gaps in monitoring infrastructure. New hydrological insights for the region: Sediment levels exceed standards for drinking, aquatic protection, and irrigation use. Monitoring station distribution is uneven, especially in erosion hotspots. The findings inform land and water resource policy, strengthen restoration efforts, and support focused intervention planning. |
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| ISSN: | 2214-5818 |