Integrated Rainwater Management Strategies:Hydrometric Monitoring

Meja Watershed in Jeldu Woreda

Description

Located in the south of the Abbay basinto the north-east of Ambo town

Tributary to the Guder river

Rainfall: 1,400 – 2,000 mm

The headwaters are in a flat wide valley, which is heavily utilized by livestock

Downstream, the catchment comprises deeply incised mountain streams

Slopes of up to 80o are being cultivated

Plantations of eucalyptus occupyapproximately 10-15% of the landscape

Challenges

Seasonal water scarcity

Heavily deforested in the last 10-20 years

Slope slumping and gullying are common phenomena

Productivity has “halved” in recent years(according to local farmer)

Interventions

• Some traditional diversions for irrigating potatoes, maize and onions

• Drainage furrows to remove water from fields in the wet season

• Planting of euclayptus to halt gullying and erosion

CPWF Nile Project 2: Integrated rainwater management strategies – technologies, institutions and policies

Poster Prepared for the NBDC Launch Workshop, Addis Ababa,29 September 2010

Gully with eucalyptus

Middle catchment

Upper catchment

Drainage Traditional bridge

Rainwater management for resilient livelihoods