editorial
Ethiopia is one of the most mountainous countries. It is a source of water for neighbouring countries as well. The bountiful water resources it has in its topographical bosom has reputed it as a water tower of Africa. All rivers are out flowing. Surprisingly no water comes from neighbouring countries.
With many river basins, water gushes from highland areas to the lowlands. As most of the rivers are trans-boundary, they bear political and economic issues. The fast flowing rivers, particularly those that emanate from areas with steep slopes, can be utilized for hydroelectric power generation while those in the down stream for irrigation farming. There are also abundant underground water resources and lakes that have aquatic animals useful not only for economic purpose but also for eco -tourism .
Numerous wetland also play crucial role in balancing the ecosystem.
The country’s water wealth is not confined to the surface and underground. There are seasonal rainfalls that support farming and also replenish surface and underground water. According to some studies,unlike other sources, rain water is particularly utilized in smallholding farms. Harvesting rain fall through water retention techniques or small dams is also the list practiced activity in the country. Even though there is ample irrigable land, only 5 per cent of the country’s water source is utilized for this purpose.
Nevertheless, for want of technology,finance and sufficient knowledge these abundant water resources are under utilized,for the nation’s multifaceted development endeavour ,be it for,farm,energy and household consumption.
Contrary to this, the fast flowing rivers from the highlands take away a huge amount of top soils to the lower riparian countries. This in turn, ravages the nation natural resources.
The per ca pita water consumption of the country is very little even by sub Saharan African countries’ standard. Some estimate the average water consumption of citizens per day is 2 liter.
The tragedy does not stop there,in the rural areas, due to lack of clean and piped water, many suffer from water born diseases. The non availability of sufficient clean water at the household level also degrades the sanitation status of the population. Uncleanness compromises health. Owing to this problem,for treatment purpose ,many incur huge amount of cost. Reports indicate that the shortness of the average life span of the rural population is directly related to the health status .Hence,utilizing surface and underground water for various purposes could help tackle rural tragedy.
Agricultural development particularly crop productivity and food self sufficiency are unthinkable without utilizing water resources. Rain-fed agriculture can’t be a guarantee for food security. Subsistence farming activities are seasonal which employ labour for a short period of time. From harvesting to plowing, farmers remain idle as their farming engagement is seasonal. Obviously, less input results in less output.
Practicing irrigation in small-scale farming is not well developed in the country due to lack of knowledge and skills. During dry seasons, water becomes a scarce commodity particularly in rural areas .Hence tapping water resources is crucial for the expansion of irrigated farms and producing crops throughout the year. This way it is possible to strengthen the struggle to be food self sufficient. The importation of grains or receiving food aid could get a lasting solution through modern farm that uses immense water as an input.
Water is also a valuable asset in bolstering the energy sector much needed for economic transformation. Currently the government is aggressively engaged in hydro electric power generation that is being attended by glaring achievements. However, it is only 18 per cent of the electric demand the nation has met. To shift from agrarian economy to an industrialized one, the utilization of more energy, particularly the renewable one, is mandatory.
Still in the rural areas there are people living in the dark, this appalling situation must be reversed. The government’s plan to electrify more than 5000 rural towns in the coming five years is laudable. When this is realized, the felling of trees for household energy purpose will greatly decrease. That in turn helps to recover the natural resources. Sickness due to cooking or smoking will also be averted.
Currently Information Communication Technology is expanding in the country. But the non availability of electric energy in most rural areas,makes people there disengaged from utilizing the benefit that accrues from the technology. Economic growth must go in line with human development, part of that is creating a well informed and educated society. In this aspect the role of ICT is immense.
Hence, rural electrification through hydro-power generation accelerates growth and narrows down the development gap between rural and urban dwellers. The burgeoning of the manufacturing sector necessitates more energy demand. According to some studies, the nation’s two digit economic growth will continue keeping its tempo and the annual energy demand will reach 20 per cent. To meet the demand, the ongoing hydro-power dam construction works must be accelerated.
As the second most populous country, Ethiopia requires more development. Without an increment in energy output, the growth might be stranded.
Our water resources could also be a means of foreign currency earning. This is currently being realized as the country is exporting power to Djibouti. In addition to trade relation, energy also plays a pivotal role in creating good neighbourhood. Such a tie brings to the lime light the two neighbouring countries’ need for each other. The same is true to Sudan and Kenya. The Ethiopian government has made agreement with these countries to supply power.
The foreign currency that comes from power export could be utilized to facilitate the ongoing development endeavour. The completion of Gibe 3rd and Hidasie Dams make a difference in the nation foreign currency earning capacity. In addition to this the water resources will also rise the nation’s vitality in the horn. According to IGAD’s documents, 80 percent of the people of the horn resides in arid zones, where water is not sufficient.
As climate change has turned a burning issues to all nations, having an abundant water resource has a big meaning. Hence tapping available water resources in a feasible manner puts the nation in an advantageous position.
Thus, to achieve a multifaceted development, the ongoing exploitation of the country’s water resources must be strengthened and all stakeholders should show their support to that end.