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GENERAL CONTENTS
SUMMARY LETTER TABLE OF CONTENTS THE REPORT EXHIBITS
-SUMMARY LETTERCABlE A00RC55 kaRZEnG CHICAGO
Harza Engineering Company
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
RIVER PROJECTS
400 WEST MADISON STREET
CHICAGO 6, ILLINOIS
March 26, 1965
Telephone Randolph 6-3451
Water Resources Department
Ministry of Public Works and Communications
P. O. Box 1008
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Attention: Ato Assefa Mengesha Assistant Minister
Subject: Interim Report - Appraisal of
Potential Agricultural Development Gentlemen:
We present herewith our Interim Report covering appraisal studies
of potential agricultural developments associated with the Finchaa Power Project. Our assignment was to appraise various potential agricultural developments, primarily with respect to the effect such developments would have on the power market for the Finchaa Power Project. As a result of our investigations, we have selected the area considered to be of highest priority for immediate development. One additional area is considered a sound project for future development. Our recommenda tions regarding the initiation of these agricultural developments are as follows:
Reclamation of Chomen Swamp by Drainage
We accord the highest priority to drainage of the Chomen swamp, shown in Exhibit I. We recommend a feasibility study be made of this area at an early date. Our appraisal of this project has shown that it would be simple to construct; it would have high benefits; and it would be an excellent start for your agency in the field of reclamation. This drainage project would be compatible with the Finchaa Power Project, and feasibility studies of both projects could proceed simultaneously.
-1-Water Resources Department
Finchaa Irrigation Project
For future development, we recommend the Finchaa Irrigation Project generally as proposed by the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation. This is un questionably a sound development project, but its implementation in the near future probably would encounter problems which could jeopardize its success. An obvious deterrent to immediate study is the lack of access
to the valley area proposed for development. This will be remedied if
a road leading to the Finchaa Project generating facilities is completed. Two other deterrents to development of the valley are the presence of tsetse flies and the almost unreasoning (but genuine) fear the local people have of the valley area. Both of these deterrents are susceptible to remedy,but in both cases the remedy requires time. Accordingly, in 
our opinion, a feasibility investigation of the Finchaa Irrigation Project does not appear justified at this time.
National Reclamation Potential
As part of the development program in any country, an overall know ledge of the agricultural potential is important. In Ethiopia, this informa tion is presently available for the Blue Nile basin and is being obtained on the lower Awash Valley. To complete this type of information for the country, a survey of ground and surface water potential for irrigation is needed on the remainder of Ethiopia. This study should cover possible reclamation of other swamp areas by drainage.
However, because of the high order of feasibility of the Chomen swamp drainage project we feel that this development need not await the com pletion of the proposed country-wide study.
Recommended Program of Investigations
We recommend that feasibility studies be undertaken by a firm of com petent consultants as early as possible for the Chomen drainage project. 
A schedule of the needed investigation program is given on Exhibit 111.
March 26, 1965Water Resources Department
To carry on the studies an agricultural team would be required in Ethiopia for about four months. The team should include a soil scientist, an agricultural economist, and a drainage engineer. An additional period would be required for office studies in the preparation of the drainage plan and the feasibility report. Lnaddition, personnel specialized in the fields of geology, hydrology, and power may be required for short periods.
The preliminary design of the drainage pumping plants and back-up support for other studies would be furnished by the home office of the consulting firm. Such support would require the services of foundation specialists, mechanical and power engineers, design engineers, and other technicians.
We will be pleased to discuss this report with you, at your convenience.
Very truly yours,
March 26, 1965
-3-TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter
I
SUMMARY LETTER
INTRODUCTION
Scope of Investigation
Extent of Investigations
Proposal for Use of Off-Peak Power
II                   MAJOR FACTORS AFFECTING AGRICULTURE IN ETHIOPIA
Elevation and Related Climatic Factors Land Ownership Pattern
Present Agricultural Practices
III                 RECLAMATION OF CHOMEN SWAMP
Page
1
1-1
1-1
1-1
1-2
II-1
n-i
II-2 II-2
in-i
Description of Chomen Swamp
m-i
Proposed Drainage Scheme
IU-l
Stage Development
III-3
Relationship of Drainage Plan to Power
Proj ect
III-3
Estimated Crop Production
III-4
Estimated Construction Cost of Drainage
Project
III-5
Estimated Cost of Settlement and Develop ment Programs
HI-5
Economic Justification
III-6
IV                 FINCHAA IRRIGATION PROJECT Project Lands
IV-1
IV-1TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Chapte r
IV                  FINCHAA IRRIGATION PROJECT (cont. )
Appraisal of USBR Proposal
Roads and People
Physical Factors
Conclusions
V                   NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
National Agricultural Problems
Irrigation      and      Drainage      as      a      Solution      to Agricultural Problems
Evaluation of National Reclamation
Potential
VI                 RECOMMENDED INVESTIGATION PROGRAM
Chomen Swamp 
Aerial           Photogrammetry           and           Topographic
Page IV-l
IV-1
IV-2
IV-3
V-l
V-l
V-l
V-3 VI-1
VI-1
Maps
VI-1
Geology Soils and Foundations
VI-2
Hydrology and Climatology 
VI-3
Electric Power and Pumping Plant Designs
VI-3
Drainage
VI-4
Pedology and Agronomy 
VI-4
Agricultural Economics and Marketing 
VI-4
Project Economics and Supporting Services
VI-5
Program        Scheduling        and        Personnel        Re quirements
VI-6
-ii-TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Exhibits
I
FINCHAA PROJECT DRAINAGE SCHEME
II
FINCHAA PROJECT GENERAL MAP
III
CHOMEN SWAMP PROPOSED PRE-INVESTMENT INVESTIGATION PROGRAM
-iii-REPORTCHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Scope of Investigation
Extent of Investigations
Proposal for Use of Off-Peak PowerChapter I
INTRODUCTION
Scope of Investigations
The specific assignment for the agricultural studies was to investi gate the potential for use of off-peak power for agricultural development in the vicinity of the Finchaa Hydroelectric Project. Included in the investigation was an appraisal of the Finchaa Irrigation Project in rela tion to other possible agricultural developments.
Extent of Investigations
To obtain sufficient information to make the above appraisal, trips were made to experimental and private farms to study actual farm conditions and research work already in progress. The places visited were selected because the problems were similar to those of the areas on which recommendations were to be made.
The team reviewed the applicable published data, including the USBR 1964 report ’’Land and Water Resources of the Blue Nile. 11 The sections of that report on agriculture and economics, land classification, and applicable parts of plans and estimates were studied in detail. Soil and crop bulletins prepared by the college group at Alem Maya also were reviewed. Conferences were held with key personnel of the Water Re sources Department, Agricultural Department, U. S. Embassy, USAID, Oklahoma State University group, and others.
Field investigations were made by the team at the agricultural college at Alem Maya, the experiment station at Debre Zeit, and the Secondary School and Government Farm at Ambo. The Wonji Sugar farm
1-1near Nazereth and the German Experimental Oil Seed Development cur
rently being established near Bako also were visited. Visits were made
to irrigated farms owned by Ato Felunrea Bezuwark and Oto Kaptihyemer
at Bako, and by D. A. Sanford near Fiche. Several days were spent investigating irrigation potential along the route of the proposed Finchaa power grid, including the Upper Awash valley, and in the area at Guder proposed by the USBR for an irrigation project.
A trip was made into the Finchaa Valley by helicopter to examine
the soils and topography. Landings were made in open areas and where vegetation had been burned off. In this way soils, topography, and other conditions which might present problems in the installation of irrigation systems were observed on the ground.
As part of the investigation for use of Finchaa power in agricul
tural development, the Chomen swamp area was inspected by helicopter
to determine the possible feasibility of drainage.
Observations made in the course of the inspections led to a num
ber of recommendations, some of which relate to the over-all Ethiopian economy, and others to agricultural developments of the Finchaa region.
Proposal for Use of Off -Peak Power for Pumping
In discussions with AID officials it was suggested that off-peak power from the Finchaa Power Project might be used to pump surface and ground water for irrigation on the plateau along the highway between Addis Ababa and Ambo. This proposal was advanced to provide an alternative which might be developed more readily and earlier than the Finchaa Irrigation Project.
1-2We have made a brief study of the Guder river, which was pro posed as a source of water for irrigation by pumping. The combined low flow of about 0. 2 cubic meters per second appears to be inadequate with out the storage regulation planned by the USBR.
Irrigation from ground water in this area does not appear promis ing enough to warrant the detailed studies which would be required to locate and prove adequate sources of water for irrigation. The yields of wells drilled to bedrock in this area by USBR range from 5 to 65 gallons per minute. This yield is not sufficient for irrigation.
1-3CHAPTER II
MAJOR FACTORS AFFECTING AGRICULTURE IN ETHIOPIA
Elevation and Related Climatic Factors Land Ownership Pattern
Present Agricultural PracticesChapter II
MAJOR FACTORS AFFECTING AGRICULTURE
IN ETHIOPIA
Elevation and Related Climatic Factors
As was pointed out in the USBR report, the lands in Ethiopia can be divided, for agricultural purposes, into three elevation zones. 
The areas above 2400 meters in elevation are known as "Dega"; areas 1800 to 2400 meteters in elevation are known as "Woina Dega"; and areas
below 1800 meters in elevation are known as "K’olla. " The major pro- tion of the population is concentrated in the two zones with high eleva tions or above elevation 1800 meters. In traveling through the country, it was apparent that the adaptability of crops varied with the elevation.
Cereal crops, consisting mainly of barley or oats but including some wheat, are grown above elevation 2400 meters. Other crops grown are pulses and a very limited amount of oil crops such as noog. On the plateau between Ambo and Holletti, which would be in the Woina dega zone, the list of adaptable crops is much greater, including t’ef, wheat, maize, shorghum, noog, and pulses. In a few places limited amounts
of vegetables and deciduous fruits were observed.
In the K’olla zone winter vegetables, coffee, wheat, maize, shorghum, oil seeds, and similar crops could be produced throughout a twelve-month season. Also, since the land would be below 1500 meter elevation, cotton, sugar cane, better citrus and other semi- tropical crops could be produced. The proposed Finchaa Irrigation Project is located in K’olla zone.
II-1The Chomen swamp area is located in the Woina dega zone. Due to the flat topography and the resulting poor movement of air, it could 
be more susceptible to frost in December and January than the plateau around Ambo. However, during the humid cropping season it should be adapted to the same crops being grown on the plateau.
On the plateau, the annual precipitation is about 1000 millimeters. 
Most of this falls in the period from June through September. Similar amounts of rainfall probably occur on the Finchaa swamp area. The total amount of annual rainfall decreases at lower elevations. Therefore, the amount at the proposed Finchaa Irrigation Project would probably be somewhat less than occurs on the plateau.
Land Ownership Pattern
On the plateau, the land parcels are in small, irregular shaped tracts marked by paths, rocks, shrubs or other non-permanent markers. There are no legal descriptions by metes and bounds, and the physical markings are the only means of defining ownerships. It is likely that construction of a modern irrigation system, with the associated land leveling, drainage, and roads would destroy many markings and cause great local concern and opposition. The Oklahoma State University Group has experienced this problem in establishing a small pump irrigation 
area at Alem Maya.
Present Agricultural Practices
To be economically feasible in the higher elevations, irrigation farming will require radical departures from the existing wet season cropping practices. Presently, cereal crops are seeded during July
II-2and August and are harvested during the dry season from November to January. The practice of using the greater part of the dry season to harvest crops will be impractical under irrigation development. For irrigation to be profitable, new crops as well as a much more intensive farm management will be required. Farmers have long experience in producing wet season crops. Due to tradition, they will probably find it difficult to adjust their farming methods to utilize irrigation water on 
all of their land even though it is available.
Because of the difficulty of changing established farming methods in areas which are presently farmed, there would be many advantages
in developing irrigation and reclamation projects on lands not now settled or farmed. Other advantages of establishing irrigation on new lands in clude establishment of economically sized farm units and creation of a strong extension and demonstration program to guide the agricultural de velopment. This would provide an opportunity to gradually change many of the established practices that are detrimental to a successful reclam ation project.
For these reasons projects on new lands, developed under close supervision, will be more successful than projects imposing irrigation on an existing type of farming that is basically a wet season, subsistence type agriculture. However, there would be additional costs caused by settlement and in some cases by clearing the land and developing access roads, which should be considered as part of the total project cost.
II-3CHAPTER III
RECLAMATION OF CHOMEN SWAMP
Description of Chomen Swamp
Proposed Drainage Scheme
Stage Development
Relationship of Drainage Plan to Power Project Estimated Crop Production
Estimated Construction Cost of Drainage Project Estimated Cost of Settlement and Development Programs Economic JustificationChapter III
RECLAMATION OF CHOMEN SWAMP
Description of Chomen Swamp
The Chomen swamp is located upstream from the Finchaa swamp, as shown on Exhibit I. The Chomen and Finchaa swamps were created 
by basalt flow which partially filled an old eroded sandstone valley. Soil eroded from upland areas has been deposited in the swamps on the underlying rock. The Finchaa storage dam will back water into the Finchaa swamp which will serve as a storage reservoir.
The level area of the Chomen swamp covers an area of about 31,000 hectares. It is surrounded and bisected by a series of upland hills. The hill areas, except for the mountainous part on the south, rise about 30 to 40 meters above the level swamp areas. In the mountainous area the hills rise several hundred meters above the swamp.
The upland areas surrounding the swamp are rather extensively farmed to barley, wheat, t'ef, corn, sorghum and noog. The low-lying swamp areas are covered by marsh grass and are not utilized except
for a small amount of grazing around the edges as the water recedes during the dry season.
Proposed Drainage Scheme
On the basis of elevations obtained from an aneroid altimeter, water storage required for the Finchaa power development will be con fined mainly to the Finchaa swamp area. Thus, the Chomen swamp could be drained into the Finchaa swamp and the land used for agricultural purposes.
III-lThe feasibility of draining the swamp is contingent upon the depth of soil over the underlying rock. In a test made of soil depth at the
narrows between the Chomen and Finchaa swamps, it was found that a soil cover of at least eight meters exists over the underlying rock. If
this is representative of the entire area there is adequate soil cover
to permit the construction of drainage ditches without encountering rock.
As part of the proposed drainage project, run-off from the up land watersheds would be diverted into the Finchaa reservoir, either by gravity or by pumping, as shown in Exhibit I. Run-off from all of the steep mountain area in the south part of the watershed could be diverted by gravity into the Finchaa swamp. Water from the low areas within 
the Chomen swamp would have to be pumped about two or three meters vertically into the Finchaa reservoir, where it would become available for power production.
Under natural conditions the flat Chomen swamp area acts as a storage reservoir. Water accumulates during the rainy season and is
released slowly. If the swamp was drained for agricultural purposes this natural storage would no longer be available. Thus, with drainage, some additional storage (not to exceed one meter of additional depth)
would probably be required in the Finchaa reservoir. The cost of this extra reservoir capacity probably would be offset by the increase in 
water yield from the Chomen area. This increased yield would be
brought about because of the decrease in area which is presently sub jected to high evaporation losses.
The drainage of the low areas would be accomplished by a series of ditches which would outlet into a collector ditch. The collector ditch would carry water to several pumping plants, which would be electrically
III-2powered. For efficient design the pumping plants should operate for
a 24-hour period during the peak runoff season.
The road and drainage system would be planned as an integrated program. This would allow a road system to be developed within the
area at the least cost in relationship to bridges and culverts required 
to cross the drainage system.
Stage Development
The drainage and reclamation of Chomen Swamp should be de veloped in stages geared to the capability and progress of the farmers to handle the development program. The swamp is divided into two natural areas (A and B, as shown in Exhibit I), each of which could be developed independent of the other. Within each area, after the pumping plant is installed, drainage ditch construction could be geared to the rate of land settlement.
In the initial stage of development, emphasis could be given to farm organization, and improved cultural practices. In a second stage, drainage could be improved by tile drains, if economically feasible. Irrigation could be introduced in a third stage for some of the drained land. Benefits from the second and third stage improvements have not been considered in evaluating the feasibility of the drainage system.
Relationship of Drainage Plan to Power Project
The drainage plan and power development are completely com patible. There is adequate storage space available in the Finchaa part
of the swamp area for the power development. Drainage of the Chomen swamp area would not reduce the total yield of water from the area for
III-3power production; in fact, it is likely there would be a slight increase
in water yield as a result of reduction in the area of open water subjected to evaporation. Due to the depth of soil and the small head, no problems on seepage from the Finchaa reservoir into the drained Chomen swamp would be anticipated.
Estimated Crop Production
The USBR, in its study of the Guder Irrigation Project, included an estimate of crop production during the rainy season, assuming the crops would be barley, t’ef, wheat, beans, and oil seeds. They esti
mated the annual gross income per cropped hectare at about E$140 
on the Guder project lands.
The Guder Project area and the Chomen swamp are located at about the same elevation. However, the Chomen area would have less erosion and the fertility of the soils would be higher. Therefore, during the rainy season the potential for crop production on the drained Cho men swamp lands should be better than on the Guder Project. Based 
on this, and assuming the same crops as currently used we have esti mated the gross crop value per hectare in the Chomen swamp to be about E$200 annually.
Results from studies in other developing countries under similar conditions show that farm production costs are between 45 percent and 55 percent of the gross crop value. On this basis, the annual net farm income (direct agricultural benefits) from drainage of the Chomen swamp would amount ultimately to about E$100 per hectare. This estimate is believed to be very conservative as it is based on the low yields of field crops now grown in nearby areas. It is possible that the swamp area
III-4could produce high yields of corn, Irish potatoes, vegetables or other higher value crops presently not grown in the area.
Estimated Construction Cost of Drainage Project
Areas A and B of Exhibit 1 are approximately equal, each com prising about 15,000 hectares. In the study of draining Chomen swamp, a tentative ditch layout was prepared for Part A. A composite ditch excavation table was prepared, based on the length and drainage area of the ditch. Using this, the excavation for the drainage of the Area A
was estimated. As shown on the map, a layout of diversions was pre pared and the total cubic meters of earthwork was estimated. Since the two areas are about equal, one half of the earthwork was attributed to each area. Thus, for construction of the diversion and drainage ditches for Area A, a volume of 3 million cubic meters was estimated. At
E$0. 75 per cubic meter, the estimated cost would be E$145 per hectare.
It is estimated that a pumping plant capable of removing 19 cubic meters per second (680 cfs) is needed to drain Area A. Based on our previous designs, a plant of this size would cost about U.S. $300,000, 
or about E$47 per hectare.
Ten percent was added to the above costs to cover engineering and another ten percent for contingencies, resulting in a total construc tion cost estimated at around E$230 per hectare for the open drainage system.
Estimated Cost of Settlement and Development Programs
Settlement and development of the drained swamp lands will re quire careful planning. The development program should be carried out
III-5over several years, to permit an efficient land development and settle ment program. The land should be plowed, worked down, and leveled (if necessary) by power equipment, as a part of the project development. On the basis of costs for similar work on other projects, the costs for such land improvements are estimated to be E$40 per hectare.
An adequate extension program is necessary for development of a new area if methods of farming are to be improved. Extension agents should be provided to assist farmers in improving cropping methods and project development. Initially, it is recommended that the program for the development of Chomen swamp include the services of at least one extension agent. As additional land is brought into cultivation, the number of advisors should be expanded. When the entire area is brought into cultivation, the services of five or six agricultural agents might be required. The average cost of such a program is estimated to be E$10 per hectare.
The area would provide ultimate settlement opportunities for 2, 000 to 3, 000 farm families. Many additional village families would be engaged in providing goods and services for the new settlers. Some of the land could be used to replace land inundated by the Finchaa reser voir. Land owners who lose land to the reservoir would not have to 
be moved or resettled a long distance from their homes. This would provide an easy solution to the problem of compensating for crop and grazing lands inundated by the Finchaa dam. On this basis, no allowance would be required for purchase of land.
Economic Justification
Based on the estimated per hectare cost of E$230 for construc tion, E$40 for land development, E$25 for interest, the total initial
III-6capital investment for the open drainage system would amount to about
E$295 per hectare. Assuming a project life of 50 years and an annual interest rate of six percent, the equivalent annual amortization costs of
the investment would be about E$19 per hectare.
Annual operation, maintenance, and replacement costs are esti mated at approximately E$25 per hectare, consisting of E$5 for the pump ing plants, E$10 for the open drain, and E$10 for agricultural extension services. Thus, the total annual capital, operation, and maintenance
costs would amount to around E $44 per hectare. Annual direct agricultural benefits (without adjustment for lag in accruals) have been estimated pre viously to be about E$100 per hectare. Based on these rough estimates
of benefits and costs, the benefit-cost ratio would be in the neighborhood of 2. 3: 1. 0. If the increased gross crop value is used as a measure of
direct and indirect project benefits, the benefit-cost ratio would approach 4. 6:1. 0.
Numerous indirect and public benefits would result, which would provide a genuine basis for stimulating economic growth of the area and nation. Settlement opportunities would be provided for over 2,000 families, some of whom could be owners of land in the Finchaa reservoir basin which would be inundated by the reservoir for the power development. The open ing up of the area by new roads and settlement would promote progress in an area now undeveloped.
Investment and employment opportunities in villages and towns would be created which would be of local and national value. Potential production of crops valued at about E$6, 000, 000 annually would create economic opportunities in production, processing, marketing and transport ation. Some of the production would be oil crops and other products now in short national supply.
Ill-7The training and experience gained by many people from project development would aid in stimulating additional developments in the country, such as the Finchaa Valley.
Advantages of the Chomen swamp development over other potential developments are: (1) It is located close to existing settled areas and markets, (2) It is more accessible and would require less clearing and ex tensive land improvements, (3) It is not plagued by the tsetse fly, (4) It
is conducive to stage development which can be geared to the progress and capability of the settlers, and (5) It would not present problems for settlement which would be prevalent for the uninhabited Finchaa Valley.
The estimates of the benefit-cost ratios are preliminary in nature and must be verified by detailed project planning investigations to more accurately determine (1) the feasibility of project design, (2) the project costs, and (3) the resulting benefits. However, the preliminary benefit
cost estimates are highly attractive and, together with other advantages
of the Chomen swamp, warrant the expenditures necessary for detailed project investigations. We recommend that these investigations be initiated 
at an early date, in order that plans for the Finchaa power development can be integrated with agricultural development of the Chomen swamp.
Ill-8CHAPTER IV FINCHAA IRRIGATION PROJECT
Project Lands
Appraisal of USBR Proposal Roads and People Physical Factors
ConclusionsChapter IV
FINCHAA IRRIGATION PROJECT
Project Lands
The Finchaa valley is in a box-like canyon with the proposed irri gated area being about 37 kilometers in length and up to 12 kilometers
in width. At about its mid-point it is joined by the Amarti-Neshe River. On all sides the Finchaa and Amarti-Neshe are bounded by almost verti cal escarpments about 750 meters in height.
The USBR proposed an irrigation development of 20, 140 hectares on which there was an estimated 15,000 hectares of irrigable land. Their proposal would utilize the water released from the power plant to irri
gate lands below the 1600 meter contour. The east main canal would have a capacity of 10.2 cubic meters per second and would serve about 8000 hectares. The west main canal capacity would be 8. 5 cubic meters per
second, serving about 7000 hectares of land.
The
lands
in 
the
valley 
have
slopes
of
two 
percent
toward 
the
river
and 
slopes
up 
to 
12 
percent
toward
the
later
al
drainage
ways. 
They 
are
covered with a savanna type woodland.
Appraisal of USBR Project
Roads and People
The main deterrents to the project proposed by the USBR are the difficulties of road construction into the area and the objections of the people to living in the valley. The problem of building an access
IV-1road along the 700 meter escarpment will be very difficult. Mainten ance costs of a road in this location also will be high.
The local people’s dislike of the Finchaa valley is very real; they fear diseases and robbers and for generations have avoided the canyons and valleys. Considerable difficulty was experienced in our investiga tions in inducing local laborers to clear an area for the proposed drilling and camp site for the power project. They flatly refused to bring their work animals into the valley, believing that the animals would become sick from tsetse flys. For themselves, they are fearful of robbers and disease.
Physical Factors
In the USBR report slopes were shown to vary from one to twelve percent. In an area where the rainfall is probably 800 millimeters or more per year (800 millimeters shown on the lower Guder area), erosion will be a problem. To achieve erosion control on sloping lands with this amount of rainfall, bench leveling should be used. Using yardage charts for bench leveling developed by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service for Nebraska, movement of about 600 cubic yards per acre (about 1150 cubic meters per hectare) would be required. The estimated cost for this work in Nebraska is US $0.20 per cubic yard, equivalent to a cost of E$750 
per hectare.
Without soil surveys it is difficult to estimate the area in need of bench leveling. However, based on our observations it is estimated that it is applicable to one half the area. Thus, the average cost of this operation would be E$375 per hectare. This is considerably greater than the estimated cost of E$125 shown in the USBR report. To offset
1V-2this additional cost, bench leveling would permit much more intensive cropping. The major crops that might be grown in the Finchaa valley- are cotton, citrus, and coffee.
Conclusions
Although we do not favor early development of the Finchaa Pro ject, we conclude that the lower Finchaa valley is very suitable for eventual development for irrigation. When the power development is completed, there will be a uniform supply of water available. The soils appear to be of at least the q uality indicated in the USBR report,and the possibility of growing a variety of crops in the valley is much better than on the high plateau.
If erosion control is to be accomplished, development costs will probably be higher than those indicated in the USBR report. However, since the Finchaa irrigation project area would be located below the 1600 meter contour, high income crops should be possible. Therefore, as
local markets develop the higher income from these crops would justify the higher costs of development.
IV-3CHAPTER V
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
National Agricultural Problems
Irrigation and Drainage as a Solution to Agricultural Problems Evaluation of National Reclamation PotentialChapter V
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
National Agricultural Problems
Agriculture is the foundation of the Ethiopian economy. As in 
other developing countries the improvements being made in living stan
dards are confined largely to the urban areas. Except for areas near
the cities methods of farming appear to have changed little in thousands
of years. Crop yields are very low by modern standards. The profit
motive is not generally evident, and subsistence farming is the most
common. Greater crop production, higher agricultural income, increased 
food supplies, and additional investment and employment opportunities
are national objectives for agriculture. Erosion control, better farm im plements, improved crop varieties, use of fertilizer and pesticides, 
and improved processing, marketing and transportation facilities will
be ncessary to increase crop production. The nation needs to improve
its position in international trade; the increased exports of agriculture
products would, therefore, be of national benefit.
There is extensive soil erosion on crop-land over much of the
country. Thousands of acres of good soil are lost each year and even if
an aggressive national soil erosion control program were started im
mediately, many acres of crop land would still be destroyed.
Irrigation and Drainage as a Solution to Agricultural Problems
The report prepared by the USBR indicates that the population of Ethiopia may double by year 2000. To provide food for the growing popula tion, as well as raw materials for expanding industries, the development
V-lof natural resources will be necessary. This development should in
clude both drainage and irrigation. In addition to the possible reclamation 
of Chomen swamp by drainage, the feasibility of development other swamp 
areas should be investigated. The largest of these, as indicated in USBR
report, is the Dabus swamp. Other similar areas may exist outside the
Blue Nile.
In potential irrigation developments, both underground and surface
water supplies should be investigated. To date, surface irrigation investi
gations have been carried out on the Blue Nile and lower Awash watersheds. 
The large area in Southern Ethiopia, as well as remaining areas in the
northern part, should be investigated to determine their irrigation potential. 
In this way an orderly program can be developed based on complete irriga
tion needs for the nation as a whole. If water is available, it is possible
that some of the projects in the more arid southwestern part of the nation 
would produce the highest return for investments in irrigation.
Underground water provides another source for irrigation water.
Use     of     wells     for     supplemental     irrigation     should     be     highly     adaptable     to     pre sent      rainy      season      farming      practices.      Wells      would      provide      water      for      some cropping     during     the     dry     season     as     well     as     supplemental     water     for     irriga tion     during     the     rainy     season.     This     type     of     irrigation     fits     into     the     present humid      type      farming      program,      without      radical      changes      in      crops      produced, and     should     be     more     readily     accepted     by     farmers.     USAID     has     installed     a number     of     wells     in     Ethiopia.     Evaluation     of     these     wells     in     their     relation ship      to      underground      stratigraphy      and      structure      should      furnish      a      start      in developing a program of underground water potentials.
It is highly desirable to have in progress a continuing investigation 
program for reclamation and construction in the development of land 
V-2
BY                  k
’.kA-. . f
x
‘J
C
Awater resources. In addition to providing increased crop production, 
the related increases in employment and investment opportunities accom panying resource development are of national significance to the economic growth of the country. In addition, a continuing program is needed to train and develop Ethiopian governmental technicians to carry on this national development.
Evaluation of National Reclamation Potential
The USBR "Blue Nile Basin Report” is an excellent start in eval uating the national irrigation potential. An investigation of the Awash Basin is being conducted by U. N. Special Funds. Investigation of the Chomen swamp has been proposed earlier in this report. It would appear highly desirable for the Ethiopian Government to complete the survey of the total national irrigation and drainage potential. With the information from this survey available, the selection of projects for development could be made with a knowledge of the potential in all areas. Thus, in orderly sequence projects, which would contribute the greatest national benefit, could be developed first. This survey could be a part of a na tional program of resource planning and development.
V-3CHAPTER VI RECOMMENDED INVESTIGATION PROGRAM
Aerial Photogrammetry and Topographic Maps Geology Soils and Foundations
Hydrology and Climatology
Electric Power and Pumping Plant Designs Drainage
Pedology and Agronomy
Agricultural Economics and Marketing
Project Economics and Supporting Services Program Scheduling and Personnel RequirementsChapter VI RECOMMENDED INVESTIGATION PROGRAM
Ch omen Swamp
An investigation program will be required in order to evaluate
and plan an adequate development of the Chomen swamp. A recommended investigation program, including the individual study elements and a timetable for completion, is discussed in this chapter. An outline cover
ing principal study elements is presented in Exhibit HI.
It is recommended that a competent consulting engineering firm be retained to provide essential services in the investigation program. Because of the complementary relationship of the Chomen swamp and the Finchaa power project, these studies should be integrated and conducted concurrently if possible. This would result in considerable savings in time and costs for pre-investment investigations and would assure com prehensive planning for full development and utilization of the water, power, and land resources of the area. The proposed work program and scheduling of individual study elements, as shown in Exhibit HI, is based on the assumption that this study will be coordinated with the power studies now in progress on Finchaa.
Aerial Photogrammetry and Topographic Maps
Additional aerial photographs, taken vertically, should be ob tained at the earliest practicable date of the border areas of the Chomen 
swamp along the proposed route of the diversions, as shown on Exhibit I. From these, topographical maps should be prepared with a scale of
VI-11:10, 000 with contour intervals of 2. 5 meters on flatter areas and 5 meters on areas with considerable slope. These maps are necessary 
for the design of the diversion system.
Since an aerial photography program is currently in progress for the Finchaa power studies, considerable savings would result if the addi tional mapping required for the Chomen area is implemented with this
work.
Prints of existing 1:40,000 aerial photographs are adequate for semi-detailed land classification and for other information. The scale
also would be satisfactory for planning drainage layouts if complemented with random ground elevations located throughout the swamp area. These elevations could be established by the Water Resource Department personnel who are now locating a base line along the edge of the swamp in connection with the Finchaa power studies. Supervision and assist ance for this work should be provided by consultant personnel.
Geology, Soils, and Foundations
Geological data is basic to the program for planning of diversion and conveyance structures, highway studies, construction material loca tion, groundwater studies, and agricultural soil classification. The geological investigations should be sufficiently detailed to determine stratigraphy and structure. Areas requiring more detailed study should be delineated. Sufficient surface and exploratory studies are necessary to identify all technical problems, establish the locations of the more important project structures, and to fix general criteria and standards
of construction.
VI-2Hydrology and Climatology
Hydrologic studies are needed to provide information on the inten sity of rainfall and run-off, for determining drainage and diversion re quirements. The data also are needed for planning land improvements, roads, and soil and water conservation programs for the watershed. Available meteorological data must be collected, and programs should 
be recommended for establishing recording stations and discharge mea surements on a continuing basis. Sedimentation and evaporation studies are necessary to establish design criteria for planning the project features. Incorporated into the study of rates of sedimentation should be recommend ations for needed erosion control to increase the life of proposed diver sions. The field investigations for this work should include a visit to the swamp area during the rainy season to study run-off and drainage condi tions.
Electric Power and Pumping Plant Designs
The power requirements to pump the drainage water must be estimated. Preliminary layouts and design of the pumping plants and transmission lines for the area will be required, together with cost esti mates. These studies must be closely coordinated with the hydrologic and geologic studies, and would profit by integration with studies of the Finchaa reservoir and power studies.
Drainage
Investigations for drainage would provide preliminary layouts showing project open drains and the collector drains. Detailed layouts of typical areas are necessary to establish design criteria and cost
VI-3estimates of typical structures. These studies, combined with land classification studies described in the next section, will delineate the project area and the net area available for cultivation and farm develop- ment.
Pedology and Agronomy
Soil and agricultural studies are required to provide basic inform ation needed for planning. This work should be performed by a soil scientist experienced with swamp soils. A semi-detailed land c lassifica-
tion is necessary to identify the boundaries of areas having similar soils and other conditions affecting drainability and cultivation of crops. This information should be supplemented by field borings to establish the depth of the soil overlying the bedrock, by permeability tests, and complete laboratory analyses of samples of the various soils founds. The field borings to determine the depth of the soil to bedrock and assistance in 
the soil surveys could be provided by personnel of the Water Resources Department.
Cropping 
patter
ns, 
crop 
yields, 
and 
agricultural
production 
must
be
estimated 
and 
requir
ements
for
land 
development, 
fertilization, 
and 
reclamation established.
Because of the difficulty of gaining access to the swamp area, the field work for the soils and agronomy studies must be performed during the dry season.
Agricultural Economics and Marketing
Detailed studies must be made of existing economic and social conditions and agricultural practices within the zone of influence of the
VI-4project. These studies would include proposed tenure status, farm
size, and, if appropriate, detailed proposals concerning land settlement. Also, the studies should include relevant authorizing legislation and sources of supply of prospective settlers. Evidence must be established that the
new settlers would participate in the development on the basis that would permit successful development and operation of the project. Studies are needed to determine requirements for on-farm investment, farm equip ment, credit, infrastructure developments, and agricultural services necessary to bring the land to full production. The studies would include estimates of projected farm prices, anticipated crop yields, adequacy of marketing and processing facilities, farm income, production costs and future project benefits.
Up to date and detailed estimates of the costs, in local and foreign exchange, of public and private investment in the project will be required. A financing plan should be established which would include proposed ar rangements for planning, executing and operating the project, proposed services for farmers, and proposed charges to be paid by the farmers for
project costs. Proposals for organization and legal provisions for oper ating the project also are necessary.
Project Economics and Supporting Services
A preliminary construction schedule and annual cash requirements will be required. Estimates of benefits and results to be realized from
the project must be made and analyzed to determine economic soundness in accordance with international financing standards.
All necessary back-stopping for a project Feasibility Report, to include economic and technical soundness, will be required. This work
VI-5will include technical review and analysis of the proposed scheme by experience staff members of the consultant.
Program Scheduling and Personnel Requirements
Scheduling of the field investigation program is extremely critical to the time required to complete the studies, and also to the costs for the investigation studies. It is estimated that a period of eleven months will be required to complete the mapping program, field studies, and the office studies. This assumes that these studies will be initiated at an 
early date and integrated with the field studies on the Finchaa power project.
As shown in Exhibit III it is assumed that the aerial photography and much of the ground survey work can be completed over a three month period. It is recommended that the maps be completed prior to initia
tion of the detailed field studies.
The field investigation program will require three to four months. 
These studies should commence near the end of the rainy season in order that run-off and drainage conditions can be observed in the field. The office studies would be initiated, as appropriate, but would extend about three months after most of the field investigations are completed.
The principal personnel required for the drainage and agricultural field studies would include a drainage engineer, soil scientist, and an agricultural economist. This team would be supplemented in the field, as required, by other personnel which might include a geologist, hydro logist, and power engineer. Other personnel would be furnished by the home office of the consulting firm selected, as required.
VI-6It is anticipated that much of the field work could be performed by Ethiopian personnel from the Department of Water Resources and Agriculture, under the direction of specialists of the consulting firm. These personnel would include a survey engineer and crew, soil survey crews, draftsmen, clerks, chauffeurs, and laborers.
VI-7EXHIBITS 1   1 
MARZA 
ENGINEERING 
LEGEND 
COMPANY 
DWG. 
NO. 
346 
Diversion  line T 
divide        Ridge divide        Bosin  Swomp 
P2 
MARCH 
2,1965 
TE:    WO 
developed Notural 
droinage      for 
his 
oreo. 
Vo be 
cHÌMEN 
AREA8 
NOTE 
Hmping     water to Drainage    grid 
St. 
Arrows 
hoLmp 
veiooed     som      h 
DrainogePumpiig  Plant argnoe 
argas 
reservoir   upland 
NOTE: 
b 
carry 
devejaned  e 
water 
by 
gr 
Finchaa 
to 
dike 
vily. 
car to 
SCHEME           DRAIN   AGE 
Scale 
FINCH 
A A 
PROJECT 
O 
2 
EXHIBIT   I 
5Kilometers HARZA ENGINEERING 
36°30                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 630 EKKEMT 
LEGEND: o 
or 
COMPANY 
Swamps Limits      Perennial           Intermittent               stream         of streom   weother    rood    Dry 
Populotion           Rogd     centers 
ABDO 
DWG 
346 
NO 
Blue 
Nile 
PI 
00  37 
3700 
MARCH 
2,965 
drainoge 
orea 
Scole  ... .. 
3730 
30   37 
MAP 
OF 
PROJECT 
VICINITY 
Kilometers 40 
38°00 
38°00' I030 
6Gatoro 
36°30 
38°30 
ILUBABOR 
WELLEGA 
ADDISlABABA 
E 
GOJJAM 
GAMU-GOFÁ Gardutg 
KEFA 
39r00 
MIDIR         BEGE 
dGondor 
LoRe 
ERIJREA 
9900 
8ORAA       SIDAMO 
ABUSSI 
Scole 
Massowo 
0 50  MAP 
SHO4 AADDIS 
4BABA 
Dessie 
WELLO 
TICRE 
I00 
ETHIO 
150                 OF 200 
250 300 
RAR HA 
RENO    F 
350 
400 
PIA 
SO 
MA 
DJIBOUTI 
Kilometers 
+++ 
Aden       Gulf of 
SAN'A 
o 
LGorrohei 
LIL 
AN 
AAERBERA 
LEGEND: 
International       *+++ 
EQU 
D 
Population          centers    weother     rood   Dry Roods       Roilrood            boundories             Provincial 
GENERAMA
L  PS 
FINCHAA 
Scale 
O 
A 
FR  CA I 
AAditer 
erransan 
boundories 
IO00  KEY       MAP 
Sea 
PROJECT 
2000 
3000 
Klome 
rs 
EXHIB IT  I Reports 
Lega  Project Program         opment       Devel Project      Costs     Marketing             Economics               icultural   Agronomy             Agr 
Structures Electric           ineer  Eng      ing                 Hydrol Pedology Diversion             Drainage  and 
Stereo-triangulation                              Photogrammetry                      Geology,          Aer ia 
Ground  Sur 
and 
Power 
ogy 
and 
EMENTS          STUDY EL 
Economi 
Soi 
Admini strat 
ls 
and 
Climato 
and 
and 
cs 
and 
Fin 
Mechanical 
Foundations 
ion 
l 
ogy 
and 
ancing 
Surveys           Control         Ground 
Mapping  Aerial 
M 
n t 
h 1 y 
Pr  o 
Explorati   Geolog         ons          cal 
i 
Preparati  Map on Topograph ic 
PROPOSED 
PRE-|NVESTMENT 
CHOMEN 
Preliminary 
Layout 
g 
r e 
s s 
Collecti 
Requirements                  Development Land 
and    Field 
Soil Check 
Classifi Conservat 
5 
on 
of 
ing 
Cost 
Data 
EHE 
Agricultural | 
Yields    Crop 
cation 
Statist  ics 
Producti on 
Layouts i 
on 
R or e p 
MONTHS 6 
SWAMP 
DRAINAGE INVESTI 
PROJECTS GATION 
PROGRAM 
and 
and 
|Legislation Drainage Land   and 
Settlement 
Patterns        Cropping 
Land 
alys iis An Soil 
7 
t 
and 
imates  Est 
Cost 
Benefits Project 
Drainage         Layout Diversi 
on Designs 
Evaporati  Weteorol         on ogy    Water 
Sedimentat  ion 
Program 
lopmen    Deve 
Tenure Land 
Suppl; 
Layouts    ments,     Plant      Require       Power 
LEGEN    D   : 
Operat 
agement  Han 
& 
Financial  Proqram 
alysis An 
Investment Schedule          Construct Allocati          on   i     on 
Report        Draft 
Cost 
Repayment           Anal ys   is 
i 
on 
Work 
Work 
opia  Eth Chicago            i 
Report        Final 
Exhibit  III

Summery

Summary: Appraisal of Potential Agricultural Development - Finchaa Power Project

Interim Report: Appraisal of Potential Agricultural Development for Finchaa Power Project

Prepared by: Harza Engineering Company
Date: March 26, 1965
Recipient: Water Resources Department, Ministry of Public Works and Communications, Ethiopia

1. Executive Summary

This interim report evaluates potential agricultural developments associated with the Finchaa Power Project in Ethiopia, focusing on their impact on the power market. Two primary projects were assessed:

Key Recommendations:

Chomen Swamp Drainage Project: Highest priority for immediate development
Finchaa Irrigation Project: Recommended for future development

2. Project Details

2.1 Chomen Swamp Drainage Project

Location: Upstream from Finchaa swamp (31,000 hectares)
Benefits: Simple construction, high benefits, excellent introduction to reclamation
Estimated Cost: ~E$230/hectare for drainage system
Economic Analysis: Benefit-cost ratio estimated at 2.3:1.0 (agricultural benefits) to 4.6:1.0 (including indirect benefits)
Implementation: Recommended in stages with initial focus on farm organization

2.2 Finchaa Irrigation Project

Location: Box-like canyon (20,140 hectares proposed)
Challenges: Access road construction, local resistance due to fear of disease/robbers, tsetse flies
Recommendation: Delay until power development completed and access improved

3. National Agricultural Context

Ethiopia's agricultural zones divided by elevation: Dega (>2400m), Woina Dega (1800-2400m), K'olla (<1800m)
Current practices: Subsistence farming, low yields, significant erosion
Need for comprehensive national survey of irrigation/drainage potential

4. Recommended Investigation Program

11-month program proposed for Chomen Swamp, requiring team of specialists:

Drainage engineer, soil scientist, agricultural economist
Support from geologists, hydrologists, power engineers
Key study areas: Topography, geology, hydrology, power needs, soils, economics

Integration with Finchaa power studies recommended for efficiency

5. Conclusion

The Chomen Swamp drainage project represents the most immediate opportunity for agricultural development that complements the Finchaa Power Project. Its relatively simple implementation, high benefit-cost ratio, and compatibility with power generation make it the priority recommendation. The Finchaa Irrigation Project, while promising, faces significant logistical and social challenges that warrant postponement.