Sustainable Water Infrastructure and Ecosystems (SWIE)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/110265

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Beyond the Banks: paving the way for environmental flows in Nepal
(Journal Article, 2025-09) Tachamo-Shah, R. D.; Nepal, Santosh; Shah, D. N.; Eriyagama, Nishadi
Nepal has huge hydropower potential. Although the concept of environmental flows (e-flows) emerged in the early 2000s, its integration into hydropower development remains in the early stages. This study represents the first comprehensive effort to evaluate key stakeholders’ awareness of e-flows and identify the major challenges hindering their mainstream adoption in Nepal’s hydropower sector. Furthermore, it documents stakeholders’ perceptions regarding the impact of hydropower development on aquatic biodiversity and river ecology. An extensive survey was conducted between December 2022 and January 2023, collecting responses from a diverse group of stakeholders, including government agencies, water resource developers, user groups, practitioners, researchers, and academics. Additionally, focus group discussions were held in the Karnali River basin of western Nepal. The findings reveal that only 50 % of respondents are familiar with the e-flows concept. However, 80 % believe that e-flows have not been adequately implemented in any existing hydropower projects in the country. Similarly, 72 % of respondents perceive that hydropower development leads to biodiversity loss, while 56 % believe it reduces downstream water flow. The key challenges identified include (a) inadequate follow-up on environmental impact assessments (EIAs), (b) weak regulatory enforcement, (c) insufficient civil society oversight for ensuring compliance with EIA recommendations, (d) limited technical expertise, and (e) the absence of user-friendly e-flow estimation methods. The study’s findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to promote sustainable water resources development and mitigate the ecological impacts of hydropower projects.
Hydrological dynamics in various agroecological zones and impacts of soil and water conservation measures on runoff and sediment yields in the Bale Eco-Region, Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2025-06) Berhanu, D.; Tarkegn, T. G.; Haileslassie, Amare; Alamirew, T.; Mekuria, Wolde; Zeleke, G.; Lemann, T.; Hurni, H.; Feyisa, G. L.
The Bale Eco-Region (BER) in Southern Ethiopia is characterized by high surface runoff and sediment yield. This study assessed long-term (2016–2023) hydrological dynamics in three BER watersheds: Bekaye, Hawo, and Horosoba, exhibiting different agroecological zones and rainfall patterns. It investigated impacts of soil and water conservation (SWC) measures on runoff and sediment yield for Bekaye watershed, which experiences more intense rainfall than the others. Bekaye had a higher runoff coefficient (38.4%) and sediment yield (15.5 t ha−1 yr−1), while Hawo had lower values (19.6% runoff coefficient; 3.2 t ha−1 yr−1 sediment yield). Observation of significant differences in runoff coefficients and sediment yields highlights the influence of rainfall intensity, monthly rainfall distribution, topography, land use, and vegetation cover on hydrological and erosion processes. SWC interventions in Bekaye reduced runoff and sediment yield while increasing base flow in subsequent years. Results indicated that maintenance of SWC measures every two to three years following the implementation is key to sustaining their benefits in runoff and sediment reduction. This research provides novel insights into long-term hydrological dynamics under varying agroecological zones and rainfall patterns, offering a comprehensive assessment of SWC effectiveness in mitigating runoff and sediment yield.
The role of landscape management practices to address natural resource degradation and human vulnerability in Awash River Basin, Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2025-11) Mekuria, Wolde; Tadesse, Mulugeta; Admassu, W.; Asmame, B.; Tessema, A.; Abebe, S.; Shibiru, E.; Yirga, M.; Jorgi, Y.; Abdu, F.; Belay, B.; Seid, J.; Gobezie, T.; Ayene, H.; Bekele, G.; Abdella, Mohamed; Seid, Abdulkarim; Haileslassie, Amare
Landscape management practices (LMP) support addressing the vulnerability of small-scale producers (SSPs) through providing a means of sustaining and strengthening community livelihoods and building their resilience and the environment. However, addressing the vulnerability of SSPs through the implementation of LMP requires meaningful community engagement and assessing the benefits and costs from the perspective of local communities. This study was conducted in two watersheds, Maybar-Felana and Gelana, in the Awash River basin, Ethiopia. The study assessed the links between natural resource degradation and the vulnerability of SSPs, local communities' opinion on the benefits and costs of LMP and the implications of implementing LMP for addressing vulnerability. It gathered and analyzed data through key informant interviews (KII), focus group discussions (FGDs) and GIS and remote sensing techniques. Diverse LMP such as afforestation/reforestation, exclosures, terrace and bunds and crop- and soil-based soil amendments were adopted in the studied watersheds. These practices contributed to the improvement of natural resources such as forests and the services they provide. Over the last 21 years (2000− 2021), forest cover increased by 11.5 and 42.5% in Maybar-Felana and Gelana watersheds, respectively, while shrublands increased by 41.1% in Maybar-Felana. In line with this, the SSPs identified multiple benefits of LMP including the restoration of degraded vegetation, reducing runoff and soil loss, improving access to water for multiple uses and increasing agricultural productivity. The adopted LMP contributed to reducing livelihood vulnerability through reducing incidents of weather extremes such as flood and drought, improving food and water security, enhancing resource availability, and building livelihood assets. The SSPs also identified multiple economic and social costs of LMP, suggesting that addressing the economic and social costs through balancing short-term economic losses with long-term environmental benefits of interventions is crucial to sustaining the LMP and the benefits they provide.
Policy and institutional study on the strategic role of water storage in Bangladesh
(Report, 2024-12-31) de Silva, Sanjiv; Jirasinha, Radheeka; Mondal, M. S.; McCartney, Matthew
This policy and institutional study was conducted as part of the Built Water Storage in South Asia (BWSSA) project (2023–2026), implemented by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the Global Water Partnership (GWP). The BWSSA initiative aimed to transform how water storage—both built (gray) and natural (green) infrastructure—was perceived, planned, and managed across five countries: Nepal, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The project sought to strengthen national capacity for integrated storage planning, promote data-informed decision-making, support regional dialogue, and address inequities in access and benefit-sharing related to water storage. The policy and institutional study, conducted in each country, focused on six core questions: the types and roles of water storage across geographies and sectors; current and planned investments; the institutional and decision-making landscape; the alignment of sectoral storage plans with integrated water resources management (IWRM); opportunities for inclusive planning; and key knowledge gaps. It involved a three-phase process: (1) a review of national policy and strategy documents; (2) key informant interviews with stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector; and (3) validation of findings through consultations. This iterative, participatory process helped surface implementation challenges, build credibility, and foster alignment among actors. In Bangladesh, agriculture—particularly irrigation—has driven economic growth and poverty reduction, accounting for nearly 90% of freshwater withdrawals. Yet, this sectoral dependence, combined with Bangladesh’s flat, flood- and salinity-prone deltaic landscape and extreme seasonal variability, exacerbates freshwater scarcity during the dry season. Bangladesh’s downstream position on 57 transboundary rivers, most of which originate in India, limits its control over water availability and heightens its reliance on transboundary cooperation. Storage infrastructure in Bangladesh remains highly localized and fragmented. The absence of large-scale surface reservoirs—due to topographic limitations and concerns over the social and environmental impacts of large infrastructure—has led to widespread groundwater reliance. Groundwater over-extraction is now stressing aquifers, compounded by salinity intrusion and arsenic contamination. The study identified managed aquifer recharge (MAR) as a promising strategy to harvest wet-season floodwaters and replenish depleted aquifers. However, technical capacity gaps, risks of aquifer pollution, and the absence of standardized guidelines currently hinder scaling of MAR beyond pilot initiatives. Critically, water storage in Bangladesh remains a secondary strategy—conditioned by efforts to increase dry-season river flows through improved transboundary water governance. With 54 transboundary rivers flowing in from India, bilateral negotiations are vital. However, progress has been slow due to persistent power asymmetries and India’s preference for case-by-case negotiation. A major window of opportunity lies in the scheduled renegotiation of the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty in 2026. The outcome of these talks could significantly influence Bangladesh’s long-term storage strategy, particularly in securing reliable dry-season flows. Ultimately, the study underscores the need for integrated, multi-level planning, regional cooperation, and targeted investment in both green and gray storage solutions to enhance Bangladesh’s water security and climate resilience.
Policy and institutional study on the strategic role of water storage in Nepal
(Report, 2024-12-31) Jirasinha, Radheeka; de Silva, Sanjiv; McCartney, Matthew; Aryal, Anil; K.C., Jibesh Kumar
This policy and institutional study was conducted as part of the Built Water Storage in South Asia (BWSSA) project (2023–2026) implemented by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the Global Water Partnership (GWP). The BWSSA initiative aimed to transform how water storage—both built (gray) and natural (green) infrastructure—was perceived, planned, and managed across five countries: Nepal, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The project sought to strengthen national capacity for integrated storage planning, promote data-informed decision-making, support regional dialogue, and address inequities in access and benefit-sharing related to water storage. The policy and institutional study, conducted in each country, focused on six core questions: the types and roles of water storage across geographies and sectors; current and planned investments; the institutional and decision-making landscape; the alignment of sectoral storage plans with integrated water resources management (IWRM); opportunities for inclusive planning; and key knowledge gaps. It involved a three-phase process: (1) a review of national policy and strategy documents; (2) key informant interviews with stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector; and (3) validation of findings through consultations. This iterative, participatory process helped surface implementation challenges, build credibility, and foster alignment among actors. In Nepal, the study found that despite abundant water resources, access and availability were highly uneven due to temporal and spatial variability. A diverse portfolio of storage solutions suited to the country’s varied biophysical and socioeconomic contexts are needed. In the agriculture sector, inter-basin transfer (IBT) – rather than storage - have gained traction as a policy focus. In the domestic sector, small-scale systems—rainwater harvesting, dug wells, and spring sources—had been promoted but remain inconsistently implemented. Hydropower, a cornerstone of Nepal’s energy economy, relies on both micro and large-scale storage reservoirs. The value of natural storage (e.g., wetlands and ponds) is widely acknowledged, but these are rarely prioritized in implementation. The study also assessed how Nepal’s federal governance system - established by the 2015 Constitution - shapes water governance and storage planning. Responsibilities are now divided among three levels: the federal government leads on national policy, transboundary waters, and large infrastructure; provinces manage water within their jurisdiction; and local governments are responsible for water supply, small-scale irrigation, and community-based storage. However, unclear mandates, limited coordination, and capacity gaps—particularly at subnational levels—pose significant challenges to effective governance and integrated planning. A key recommendation was to revise outdated legislation, especially the 1992 Water Resources Act – currently being updated - to align with the federal system and integrated resource management principles. Although Nepal’s policies included provisions for community participation and gender and social inclusion (GESI), these are unevenly applied. Transboundary governance remains politically sensitive, with Nepal engaged solely in bilateral agreements with India and China, limiting progress on regional cooperation. The study ultimately underscored the need for coherent multi-level governance, inclusive planning, and strategic investments in both gray and green infrastructure to enhance Nepal’s water security and resilience.
Characterizing the biophysical conditions for improved planning and designing of locally-led sustainable land management practices: the case in Halaba, Ethiopia
(Report, 2025-05-16) Girma, R.; Mekuria, Wolde; Moges, A.; Smith, J.; Hallett, P.
Spatially customized land management strategies are crucial for mitigating land degradation and fostering effective landscape restoration. A deep understanding of local biophysical conditions ensures that interventions are both contextually relevant and impactful, promoting long-term environmental sustainability and delivering socio-economic benefits to local communities. With this consideration, this report, drawing on data collected through field surveys, GIS, and remote sensing techniques, uses Halaba, Ethiopia, as a case study to highlight the region’s varied biophysical conditions and their implications for the design and planning of sustainable land management (SLM) practices. This document is intended for agricultural and natural resource management professionals involved in the design, planning, implementation, and monitoring of SLM practices.
A young Ethiopian woman inspires others in her community to make it at home
(News Item, 2025-05-15) Tesfaye, Y.; Teshale, T.; Moges, A.; Girma, R.; Mekuria, Wolde; Smith, J.; Hallet, P.; Phimister, E.
After migrating three times, Senya started an irrigation-based vegetable farming business; today, she is a role model for young people in her rural community to pursue domestic opportunities.
‘Father of Honey’ empowers his community in rural Ethiopia
(News Item, 2025-05-01) Tesfaye, Y.; Teshale, T.; Girma, R.; Mekuria, Wolde; Smith, J.; Hallet, P.; Phimister, E.
In the Great Rift Valley in Ethiopia, an intergenerational beekeeping business generates benefits for over 200 households.
Water and aquatic foods in revised principles of agroecology can accelerate food systems transformation
(Journal Article, 2025-05) Freed, S.; Lo, M. G. Y.; McCartney, Matthew; Allison, E. H.; Smith, Douglas Mark; Joffre, O. M.; Sinclair, F.
The interaction between climate change and agricultural intensification contributes to biodiversity loss, while widespread degradation of land and water undermine food system productivity. Agroecological principles aim to guide food systems transformation but rarely refer to water or aquatic foods, which are critical elements of nutritious, sustainable and equitable food systems. Here we examine the principles and frameworks presented in agroecological literature and suggest rephrasing of six of the principles to incorporate water, aquatic foods and land- to seascapes. We recommend three cross-sectoral actions that leverage aquatic features in agroecosystems to facilitate more effective transition pathways towards sustainable food systems.
I shall ‘sew’ the land together before I die: the story of one family’s successful gully restoration in Halaba, Ethiopia
(Blog Post, 2025-01-15) Moges, A.; Girma, R.; Mekuria, Wolde
System understanding and stakeholder analyses for the vulnerability of small-scale agricultural producers in the Awash River Basin, Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2025-05) Mekuria, Wolde; Admasu, W.; Abebe, S.; Negash, D.; Getachew, T.; Seid, Abdulkarim Hussein; Haileslassie, Amare
1. As climate change impacts intensify, water-related problems and the vulnerability of small-scale agricultural producers are expected to increase, suggesting the need for an inclusive and integrated management of water resources. This requires understanding the system and mapping the stakeholders, among other things. 2. This study was conducted in the Borkena and Mille catchments of the Awash River basin, Ethiopia. It aimed to improve the understanding of how to improve the effectiveness of agricultural water management practices and water resource planning to address the vulnerability of small-scale agricultural producers and draw implications for future stakeholder participation. 3. Data were collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, literature reviews, and observation. The Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response framework was used to assess the system's state and its implications for the vulnerability of small-scale agricultural producers. Stakeholder analyses involved mapping the stakeholders, examining their power and power resources, and evaluating their interest, influence, participation, trust levels, and dynamics of exclusion and empowerment. 4. The results suggested that the natural and agricultural systems in both catchments are degrading, though multiple responses are implemented regarding agricultural water management practices. 5. Diverse groups of stakeholders, such as development organizations, academic and research organizations, local administrative bodies, subregional policy and decision-makers, communities and community-based organizations, civil society organizations, donors, and nongovernmental organizations, participate in the planning, design, and implementation of agricultural water management practices. 6. The stakeholder indicated multiple strategies such as promoting community participation and participatory decision-making, aligning plans with communities' priorities and interests, improving collaboration and integration, improving access to resources, providing targeted capacity building and continuous awareness raising, and improving the implementation of policies and strategies to improve the effectiveness of interventions and address the vulnerability of small-scale agricultural producers. 7. Stakeholders have perceived strong legitimacy, but most of them have very little or no access and control over resources and connections with other stakeholder groups. Furthermore, stakeholders showed similarities in strategic options, differences in degree of influence, and demonstrated moderate to considerable trust in others. The alliance or relationship of most stakeholder groups in terms of coordinated action and coproduction using common resources was found to be weak, and most of the stakeholders lack competencies (that is, basic skills to plan, design, and implement interventions). 8. We argue that a relatively weak relationship or alliance in terms of coordinated action and co-production with common resources could affect the successful implementation of interventions. However, there is a high potential for collaboration, as most stakeholders did not vary in their strategic options. Furthermore, interventions related to agricultural water management practices could be implemented with low transaction costs, as the level of trust between the different stakeholders ranged from moderate to considerable.
Responses of surface runoff and soil water-erosion to changes in seasonal land cover and rainfall intensity; the case of Shilansha Watershed, Rift Valley Basin of Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2025-04) Gedle, Assefa; Rientjes, T.; Haile, Alemseged Tamiru; Mekuria, Wolde; Hallett, P.; Smith, J.
Study Region: Shilansha is a watershed located in the Upper Bilate River of the Rift Valley Lake Basin in southern Ethiopia. The region experiences extreme soil water-erosion among the greatest rates globally at 498 tons ha- 1 yr- 1 leading to large quantities of sediment accumulation in Lake Abaya. Study Focus: Surface runoff, soil water-erosion, and sediment loads in the region vary with agricultural seasons and rainfall intensities but are often poorly quantified in modeling studies. This study assessed these effects using the event-based physically based distributed open-source Limburg Soil Water Erosion Model (OpenLISEM), incorporating local field data and multi-sensor satellite data processed with machine learning techniques. New Hydrological Insights: During the fallow season, simulated surface runoff and total soil loss were 9.7 % and 47 % larger than the growing season and 0.9 % and 42 % larger than the harvest season, respectively. Compared to moderate intensity, an 87 % increase in high rainfall intensity increased surface runoff by 159 % and soil loss by 295 %, while a 45 % decrease in low rainfall intensity reduced surface runoff by 49 % and soil loss by 85 %. High rainfall intensity had a greater impact when combined with fallow season land cover, while effects were smallest when low rainfall intensity combined with growing season land cover. A calibrated model parameter set for a particular season resulted in deteriorated model performance when applied to other seasons. These findings offer insights on the importance of considering seasonal changes in land cover and rainfall intensity when developing soil and water conservation strategies.
Rural business establishment and interconnections with natural resources in Halaba, Central Ethiopia
(Brief, 2025-03-26) Tesfaye, Y.; Moges, A.; Teshale, T.; Girma, R.; Mekuria, Wolde; Phimister, E.; Smith, J.; Hallet, P.
This brief outlines key recommendations from research projects aimed at (i) addressing governance challenges that impede the effective establishment of rural businesses, and (ii) ensuring the sustainable integration of rural businesses with natural resources in Halaba in Ethiopia. The studies were supported by projects such as Local-Level Land Degradation Assessment Towards Sustainable Land Management for Improved Livelihoods in the Ethiopian Rift Valley (SMILE-REDAA) and Reducing land degradation and carbon loss from Ethiopia’s soils to strengthen livelihoods and resilience (RALENTIR). The brief sets the context for rural employment and businesses, going on to discuss the relationship between rural businesses, natural resources, stakeholders, institutional structures, and start-up activities in Halaba. Following this, the challenges and opportunities of establishing rural businesses are explored. Finally, it presents the implications of successful interventions and offers recommendations for policymakers and other stakeholders to effectively establish rural businesses, with a focus on sustainable natural resource management.
Assessment of land degradation neutrality to guide sustainable land management practices in Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2025-06) Mekuria, Wolde; Girma, R.
Since its introduction at the 2015 UN Convention to Combat Desertification Conference, the concept of land degradation neutrality (LDN) has guided countries’ efforts to restore land for sustainable socio-economic and environmental benefits. LDN aims to balance reductions in land quality with initiatives to rehabilitate degraded land. However, due to budget constraints, it is not feasible to address all degraded land, necessitating strategic decisions about where to invest resources. This study, using Ethiopia as a case study, aimed to: (i) assess the long-term (1995 - 2024) land degradation trends, (ii) identify areas of net land loss or gain, (iii) prioritize regions and actions for addressing LDN, and (iv) evaluate the impact of Ethiopia’s landscape management initiatives on LDN. The analysis of LULC changes and the observed landscape transformation across diverse agroecological zones yielded mixed results. While some areas, such as the dry Kolla and dry Weyna Dega regions, showed improvement, others, including the dry Dega and der Berha zones, experienced continued degradation. These variations affected the three main objectives of LDN: healthy ecosystems, food security, and human well-being. The ongoing landscape transformation, driven by LULC changes, underscores the need for more comprehensive strategies to mitigate further degradation and restore affected lands. Our findings regarding LDN trajectories, such as a 6 % reduction in degraded land between 2010 and 2024, suggest that national LDN implementation, through diverse Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practices, is essential for achieving the country’s LDN goals. However, LDN outcomes varied across Ethiopia’s agroecological zones, influenced by differences in environmental conditions, land use practices, and socio-economic factors. This highlights the necessity for tailored solutions, an understanding of varying restoration potentials, targeted resource allocations, and a focus on prioritizing the most vulnerable areas. Additionally, documenting both the successes and challenges of Ethiopia’s restoration efforts, enhancing the effectiveness of its landscape management initiatives, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its SLM practices are critical for achieving LDN.
Methodological challenges in assessing the viability of agroecological practices: lessons from a multi-case study in Africa
(Journal Article, 2025-04) Andrieu, N.; Dedieu, B.; Girard, P.; Scopel, E.; Magaju, C.; Dembele, C.; Mekuria, Wolde; Coe, R.
Despite a growing literature highlighting the benefits of agroecology in Africa, policy makers, donors, and scientists are still debating the “viability” of agroecological practices. However, assessing the viability of agroecological practices poses challenges, and so far, no studies have clearly documented them and options for addressing them. The aim of this paper is to describe the main methodological challenges we faced in assessing the viability of agroecology in 11 case studies in Africa so that others planning assessments can benefit from what we learned. Seven methodological challenges discussed are (i) defining an object of study through a list of practices or agroecological principles, (ii) having a practice-based assessment versus a systemic assessment at field or farm scales, (iii) having a subjective assessment of the viability of agroecological practices based on farmers’ perspective or an “objective” assessment, (iv) having a qualitative or quantitative assessment, (v) having a diachronic versus synchronic assessment, (vi) having a multisite approach versus a single-site study, and (vii) having a context-specific assessment method or a unitary assessment method. We conclude that the assessment of the viability of agroecological practices needs to be multicriteria, systemic, and based on farmers’ perspectives and not practice-based using a single simple metric. This is a change from the conventional way such systems are evaluated based on quantitative metrics. We recommend using a mixture of quantitative and qualitative assessments that highlight farmers’ perceptions of practices embedded into their farming systems, using transversal and context-specific data.
Estimating elements susceptible to urban flooding using multisource data and machine learning
(Journal Article, 2025-01) Asfaw, Wegayehu; Rientjes, T.; Bekele, Tilaye Worku; Haile, Alemseged Tamiru
The accuracy of flood susceptibility prediction (FSP) could be affected by inadequate representation of flood conditioning factors (FCFs) and the approaches used to identify the most relevant FCFs. This study analyzed twenty-eight FCFs derived from open-access earth observation datasets to develop FSP model for a highly urbanized Akaki catchment, which hosts and surrounds the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. In the study, relevant FCFs were first identified using different collinearity-based and model-integrated feature selection methods, and sequentially introduced into a machine learning model. Simulated FSPs were compared against a reference flood inventory dataset to determine the most effective selection method. Findings show that: (i) using extreme rainfall indices improved the accuracy of FSP, (ii) Mean Decrease Impurity (MDI) was found to be the most effective feature selection method, (iii) geomorphological and physiographic FCFs showed the highest and the lowest predictive power, respectively, and (iv) the quantile method outperformed other approaches in classifying the flood susceptibility map. Findings indicate that an area of 217 km2 , 43000 buildings, 163 km of paved roads and 0.54 million inhabitants are highly susceptible to flooding in the catchment. In particular, Addis Ababa contains almost 75 % of the estimated susceptible elements in only one-third of the catchment area. The results of this study provide valuable insights for urban planning and flood management, helping to reduce the socio-economic impacts of flooding and enhance urban resilience.
Applying citizen science to water security challenges in Ethiopia: a structured approach
(Brief, 2025-03-03) Haile, Alemseged Tamiru; Tedla, H. Z.; Mengistie, G. K.; Gebre, E. S.; Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Haileslassie, Amare; Nicol, Alan
Citizen science (CS) is an important approach to involve the public in scientific research and contribute to addressing water security issues. CS programs, led by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and local partners in Ethiopia, meaningfully engage communities in data collection and knowledge co-generation. However, challenges such as limited resources, data quality issues and lack of awareness among decision-makers highlight the need for training, sustained funding and alignment with local problems. The technical brief emphasizes the importance of leveraging CS to fill hydrometeorological monitoring gaps, ensuring data accuracy and community engagement, and developing frameworks for expanding CS programs. By aligning with community needs and fostering inclusive participation, CS can strengthen water security initiatives in Ethiopia, creating a foundation for sustainable and locally relevant solutions to water management.
Performance of four wastewater treatment plants serving Ethiopia’s capital city, Addis Ababa
(Journal Article, 2025-02-01) Haileselassie, M. M.; Mohamed, J.; Haile, Alemseged Tamiru; Hiruy, A. M.; Acharya, K.; Werner, D.
There is an urgent need to expand wastewater treatment on the African continent. To help choose appropriate technologies for this task, we evaluated the efficiency, energy and chemical demands, and costs of four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). These plants represent the main wastewater treatment technologies operated by the Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority (AAWSA): waste stabilization pond (WSP), anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR), up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket with trickling filter (UASB-TF), and membrane bioreactor (MBR) technologies. Principal component analysis revealed that season significantly impacts the raw and treated wastewater quality (ANOSIM, R ¼ 0.3126, p ¼ 0.001), while the type of treatment plant did not significantly affect the measured effluent characteristics (ANOSIM, R ¼ 0.1235, p ¼ 0.2000). In contrast, construction and operational costs, as well as energy and chemical demands per m3 of treated wastewater, varied starkly between the WWTPs. Total costs of wastewater treatment in 2022 ranged from $0.045 to 0.546 per m3 of wastewater treated, being 6–12 times higher for MBR compared with the other WWTP technologies. Real-world performance data as reported in this study are essential for choosing appropriate technologies that meet Africa’s wastewater treatment needs.
WEF-Nexus Decision Support System (DSS): a sustainability and resilience tool for India
(Brief, 2024-12-30) Sena, Dipaka Ranjan; Alam, Mohammed Faiz; Chaudhary, Shivam; Chandu, Navya; Behera, Abhijit; Sharma, Ruchi; Sikka, Alok; McCartney, Matthew P.; Hafeez, Mohsin
Synthesis report 2024 on co-designing agroecology innovations for Lao PDR
(Report, 2024-12-30) Smith, B.; Douangsavanh, Somphasith; Dubois, Mark
The agroecology living landscape (ALL) in Attapeu province, Lao PDR, represents a significant initiative aimed at promoting agroecological transitions through innovative water management, crop diversification, and community-driven practices. Situated in the southern part of Laos, Attapeu is characterised by a diverse landscape, whose population is primarily engaged in subsistence farming. This report explores the implementation of key agroecological practices within two primary sites in the province: Ban Inthee and Nong Lom. In 2023, six key initiatives were identified that could support both environmental and socioeconomic sustainability in the region: i) solar powered groundwater pumping; ii) ricefish systems; iii) organic red-rice cultivation, iv) wetlands management; v) soil improvement, and vi) gender action learning. This report details the methods used to implement these initiatives, highlighting the importance of participatory approaches and collaboration with local communities. The report then evaluates the results of these initiatives, and their contribution to key agroecological principles including diversity, efficiency, resilience, and cultural relevance. The outcomes demonstrated positive environmental impacts, including improved soil health, enhanced biodiversity, and more efficient use of water resources. Socially, the initiatives empowered women and fostered inclusive decision-making, while economically, they contributed to food security and diverse livelihoods. The report concludes with recommendations for scaling up these practices, emphasising the need for infrastructure investment, capacity building, and long-term monitoring to ensure sustainability.

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