Revitalizing Ethiopia’s Amibara Irrigation Scheme: Governance, Institutions, and Stakeholder Engagement

This study aimed to assess irrigation practices, institutional arrangements, and stakeholder dynamics to inform the revitalization of irrigation schemes, using the Amibara irrigation scheme in Ethiopia as a case study. Specifically the study (i) examined water use and management practices, associated challenges, and their implications for revitalization, (ii) assessed institutional structures and key governance gaps in water access, use and management, (iii) identified and mapped stakeholders involved in revitalization based on their roles, interests and influence, (iv) analyzed the motivations of different stakeholder groups to engage in the revitalization process, (v) assessed the needs and capacities of stakeholders to influence revitalization; and (vi) proposed engagement strategies to enhance participation, collaboration and partnerships. The study used key informant interviews, group discussions and observations, with multi-stage stakeholder analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed using deductive content analysis, while stakeholder mapping tools assessed legitimate power and power resources, interests, and influence. Results showed that the use of irrigation water is dominated by individualized practices, causing water shortages, conflicts, and governance gaps threatening sustainability. The stakeholder analysis identified diverse groups interested in revitalizing the scheme, indicating the need for multisectoral collaboration. Most stakeholders had perceived high interest but low influence, while some had high interest and influence or low interest but high influence, requiring tailored engagement strategies. Stakeholder motivation stems from expected benefits and alignment with their goals. Participation can be increased through better access to data, technical and financial support, capacity building, and clear roles. Stakeholders could contribute expertise and resources. Barriers included unclear mandates, funding gaps, limited technical capacity, peace and security issues, and environmental risks like soil salinity and water scarcity. The findings emphasize that without strengthening institutional frameworks, promoting collective action, and establishing irrigation water user associations, infrastructure rehabilitation alone will not yield lasting benefits. It is also suggested that engagement approaches focusing on trust-building and collaboration, as well as integrated social and institutional reforms aligned with national and sub-regional policies, are crucial. Effective revitalization benefits from public-private partnerships and community-government collaboration. We recommend clarifying roles, formalizing partnerships, ensuring transparent communication, and establishing coordination mechanisms.