Sustainable Water Infrastructure and Ecosystems (SWIE)

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

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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
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
Consolidated report on agroecological codesign of innovations in India
(Report, 2024-12-30) Kumar, Gopal; Malaiappan, Sudharsan; Triomphe, B.; Shamim, Md.; Gadewar, P.; Acharya, S.; Samaddar, A.; Borah, Gulshan; Sikka, Alok; Monserrate, F.; Singh, Sonali; Krishnan, S.
This report consolidates insights from the co-design of agroecological innovations under the Agroecology Initiative in India, focusing on Mandla and Andhra Pradesh Agroecological Living Landscape (ALL). The participatory approach engaged diverse stakeholders, particularly women farmers, to address challenges such as poor production and agrobiodiversity, degraded soils, water scarcity, and livelihood insecurity. Key interventions included Agroecological Homestead Models (AHMs), Krishi-Kund for land restoration, Solar Irrigation Systems based diversified farming, Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), Integrated Rice-Fish Farming, and homeopathic formulations for crop improvement. Preliminary results highlight promising outcomes. AHMs demonstrated income diversification, with gross returns 7.9 to 22.5 times higher and net returns also showing improvement, albeit constrained by high initial costs. Microsite improvements enhanced productivity by 2.39 to 5.71 times compared to control sites, with net returns ranging from 0.74 to 4.36 times higher. Solar irrigation reduced fossil fuel dependence and enabled initial crop diversification. IFS models showed net incomes of ₹22,395 to ₹54,563 (USD 259 to USD 630) with benefit-cost ratios ranging from 1.5 to 1.8, water productivity in the range of INR 5.6 to 10.3 per cubic meter of water used demonstrating the potential to enhance resource use efficiency, resilience, and income diversification. Integrated Rice-Fish Farming improved soil health, dietary diversity, and incomes, while initial farmer trials of a homeopathic solution indicated yield improvements of 1.12 to 1.61 times compared to their own controls. Based on the limited replicates, simple experimental designs and short duration of the trials, these results remain preliminary. Further validations and assessments of cost-effectiveness, return on investment, and performance consistency under multi-seasonal climatic variability and a larger number of samples have been suggested. Key lessons include the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific practices, leveraging women-led groups for adoption, and implementing targeted capacity-building programs. Challenges such as climatic variability, delayed adoption, and limited market access highlight the need for adaptive strategies and extended experimentation. Recommendations emphasize a high potential for scaling successful and validated models through collaborative platforms, aligning with government programs, and establishing robust data frameworks for cost-benefit analysis and ecosystem impact assessment. Continued trials and cross-stakeholder collaboration are essential for refining and scaling these practices, ultimately contributing to sustainable livelihoods, enhanced biodiversity, and climate resilience in tribal and rural communities. This co-design approach offers a replicable model for agroecological transitions and holds promise for broader application across diverse regions.
Diet diversity among women in Attapeu Province, Lao PDR
(Report, 2024-12-30) Rizaldo, Q. V.; Inphonephong, Souphalack; Phounvisouk, L.; Dubois, Mark
The iGains4Gains model guides irrigation water conservation and allocation to enhance nexus gains across water, food, carbon emissions, and nature
(Journal Article, 2025-02) Lankford, B.; Amdar, Nafn; McCartney, Matthew; Mabhaudhi, T.
This paper introduces and applies iGain4Gains, an Excel-based model, to reveal how changes to water conservation and allocation, and irrigation technology, can produce four nexus gains. These gains are; reduced aggregate water consumption, sustained crop production, lower carbon emissions, and enhanced water availability for nature. We developed the model with limited data and hypothetical future scenarios from the Amman–Zarqa basin in Jordan. Given its significant irrigation and urban water demands and difficult decisions regarding future water allocation and nexus choices, this basin is a highly appropriate case study. The paper’s primary aim is to demonstrate the iGains4Gains nexus model rather than to build an accurate hydrological model of the basin’s water resources. The model addresses two critical questions regarding increased irrigation efficiency. First, can irrigation efficiency and other factors, such as irrigated area, be applied to achieve real water savings while maintaining crop production, ensuring greenhouse gas emission reductions, and ‘freeing’ water for nature? Second, with the insight that water conservation is a distributive/allocative act, we ask who between four paracommoners (the proprietor irrigation system, neighbouring irrigation systems, society, and nature) benefits hydrologically from changes in irrigation efficiency? Recognising nexus gains are not always linear, positive and predictable, the model reveals that achieving all four gains simultaneously is difficult, likely leading to trade-offs such as water consumption rebounds or increased carbon emissions. Demonstrated by its use at a workshop in Jordan in February 2024, iGains4Gains can be used by students, scientists and decision-makers, to explore and understand nexus trade-offs connected to changes in irrigation management. The paper concludes with recommendations for governing water and irrigated agriculture in basins where large volumes of water are withdrawn and depleted by irrigation.
Innovative water management in irrigated rice fields: participatory demonstration approach to promoting alternate wetting and drying and tailwater harvesting in Ghana
(Report, 2024-12-30) Amankwaa-Yeboah, P.; Oke, Adebayo; Okyere, H.; Zemadim, Birhanu; Yeboah, S.; Adomako, J.; Ntedwah, A. A.; Offei, M. A.
This report highlights the implementation of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and tailwater harvesting technologies in Ghana, targeting sustainable rice production in the Northern and Ashanti regions. AWD, a water-saving irrigation method, and tailwater recovery systems were demonstrated to optimize water use, reduce environmental impacts, and improve farm productivity. The initiative included demonstration plots, capacity-building workshops for Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs), and farmer engagement activities to promote adoption. AWD has been validated to save up to 30% of irrigation water without compromising rice yields, making it a viable strategy to conserve water resources, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and lower production costs. Tailwater harvesting complemented these efforts by facilitating water reuse, enabling year-round agricultural productivity and the cultivation of high-value crops like okra. This diversified farm output improved dietary diversity and household incomes while enhancing the resilience of rice-based farming systems. To ensure broad adoption, a participatory approach was central to the demonstrations. Farmer Field Days (FFD) were organized as key training and knowledge-sharing events, showcasing the application and benefits of AWD and tailwater recovery systems. These events, held on December 4, 2024, in Botanga (Northern Region) and December 6, 2024, in Potrikrom (Ashanti Region), engaged over 100 stakeholders. Participants included farmers, researchers, extension officers, agri-input suppliers, irrigation managers, and policymakers, emphasizing the collaborative efforts required to advance sustainable rice production. Farmers who attended the FFD events gained practical knowledge on implementing AWD and tailwater harvesting to mitigate water stress during critical crop growth stages and improve yields. The events sparked significant interest, with many farmers expressing readiness to adopt AWD and complementary practices, such as tied ridging, to address challenges like erratic rainfall and water scarcity. Additionally, the events facilitated partnerships between farmers, extension agents, and researchers, fostering a collaborative environment essential for scaling sustainable practices across more rice-growing communities.
Developing a wetland management framework for Colombo’s Wetlands
(Brief, 2025-02-13) Jirasinha, Radheeka; Wickramaratne, Chaturangi; Simpson, M.; Amerasinghe, Priyanie H.; McCartney, Matthew
Meta-analysis of yield-emission trade-off in direct seeded vs. puddled transplanted rice: Towards a cleaner and sustainable production
(Journal Article, 2024-11-20) Reddy, K. Srikanth; Parihar, C.M.; Panneerselvam, P.; Sarkar, Ayan; Patra, Kiranmoy; Bharadwaj, Sneha; Sena, D.R.; Reddy, G. Sreeja; Sinha, Alok; Dhakar, Rajkumar; Kumar, Virender; Nayak, Hari Sankar
Conventional rice production through puddled transplanted rice-PTR is tillage, water, energy, and capital intensive. Furthermore, it is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions. In this regard, Direct seeded rice-DSR can be a potential alternative to PTR for reducing GHGs emissions, while sustaining yields. However, depending upon agroclimatic situation, whether the effect of DSR on GHGs emission and yield are consistent or not, as compared to PTR need a comprehensive analysis. To bridge this knowledge gap, we performed a meta-analysis synthesizing 876 paired measurements from 54-peer-reviewed studies to understand how DSR impacts N2O and CH4 emissions, global warming potential-GWP (heat-trapping potential of greenhouse gases compared to CO2), yield and C-footprint-CFP (environmental impact in CO2 eq. due to concerned activity). Compared to PTR, DSR decreased CH4 emissions by 70%, GWP by 37% and CFP by 34%, despite 85% increase in N2O emissions. However, this shift comes with 11% decrease in yield. To decipher the primary factors driving these outcomes, we conducted subgroup analyses by taking environmental conditions and management practices as predictors in a random effect model. Low to medium pH soils, zero tillage, puddled soil (wet DSR), conventional flooding, and high nitrogen rates (>200 kg/ha) are found to be favorable for DSR with comparable yields but posing a discrepancy with environmental sustainability benefits. Therefore, further research to evaluate DSR across agro-ecologies, management practices are needed to optimize yields with lower GWP and CFP.
Does a citizen science approach enhance the effectiveness of flood early warning systems? Evidence from the Akaki Catchment, Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2025-02) Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Bekele, Tilaye Worku; Haile, Alemseged Tamiru; Mdee, A.; Nicol, Alan; Cohen, J.; Osei-Amponsah, Charity; Tedla, H. Z.; Demissie, Kirubel
Flooding has emerged as a significant concern in the Akaki catchment area of Ethiopia, affecting settlements and properties. Early warning systems (EWSs) are implemented to reduce flood risks, but power dynamics among at-risk communities and stakeholders have raised concerns about the reliable accessibility of warning information. We integrated a citizen science approach into existing flood EWSs to promote inclusivity, local perspectives, and equitable expertise distribution in flood early warning. It draws on primary data collected through diverse methods, alongside an extensive review of documents from the years 2021 to 2022. The analysis of qualitative data indicates the integration of citizen science into a flood EWSs delivers dependable early warning information and encourages the establishment of networks. This approach reduces dependence on external entities, enhances local decision-making capabilities, and promotes a sense of ownership, empowerment, and trust. This can transform the dynamics and responsibilities linked to flood management. However, the longer-term participation of citizen scientists in flood EWSs is challenging due to the disparity between commitment levels and benefits, lack of legal frameworks, and insufficient recognition of community diversity within policy frameworks. The research herein emphasizes the significance of understanding power dynamics and institutional capacities in integrating citizen science into flood EWSs. It offers valuable perspectives for policymakers, practitioners, and communities on participatory governance, social equity, and the resilience of communities in the face of environmental challenges.
Mobilizing and supporting a community of practice for scaling sustainable water use in rice production in Ghana
(Report, 2024-12-30) Amankwaa-Yeboah, P.; Oke, Adebayo; Yeboah, S.; Zemadim, Birhanu; Okyere, H.; Akwasi, K.; Fati, A. A.; Cofie, Olufunke
Rice production is a significant user of global water resources, accounting for approximately 30% of the world's freshwater withdrawals. With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, increasing pressure is being placed on the agricultural sector to reduce its water footprint. This report explores the potential of mobilizing and supporting a community of practice (CoP) to scale efficient water use practices in rice production, promoting sustainable agriculture water use and ensuring food security. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining workshops, focus group discussions, and field visits to mobilize farmers and introduce them to water-efficient irrigation technologies such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and tailwater harvesting. Several meetings were conducted at the community level to build a gradual reintegration process and cooperation among farmers interested in watersaving agriculture. Through the workshops, focus group discussions, and field visits, a total of 150 farmers were mobilized and introduced to water-efficient irrigation technologies in the Kumbungu, Ahafo Ano South East and Ahafo Ano South West Districts of Ghana, resulting in increased awareness for subsequent adoption of AWD and tailwater harvesting practices. The community-level meetings facilitated the reintegration and cooperation of farmers and other relevant stakeholders which is supposed to lead to the formation of a functional CoP with a shared vision for agricultural water management. The CoP is intended to become a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation among farmers, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders, promoting sustainable agriculture and food security in Ghana.

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