FIELD     REPORT   No.2 
VALLEYS     AGRICULTURAL    DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 
AGRICULTURAL      DEVELO PMENT 
POTENTIAL 
OF 
LOWER   BIRR 
HIDAR         1970 AGRICULT  URAL LOWER     BIRR 
POTENTIAL 
OF 
DEVELO           PMENT 
VALLEYS AGRICULTURAL               LOPMENT      DEVE 
Aoc 
no 
AUTHORITY 
ATION 
RISO wAFER 
INNSIRY 
HIDAR 
W, R. 
, A. 
FIELD BEPORT    No.2 
1970 Appendiz 
4. 
Lower      Birr 3.      2. 
1. 
Conclision          Summary   & 3.8 
III 
TV 
II 
Development    Land    Present 
Meteorological                Maps  (2) -    Data   -
I 
-
3,7 
Pot 
3.6 Draistge       3.5          3.4           3.3 
3.2      Desoription 3.1 
1,2 
1.1 
Soils  Topography                 Climate 
Area Investigation         Objeotives              ktent    Introduction                of 
Itinerary 
Water 
ential 
Agricultural 
& 
Location 
Land 
Land 
of 
the 
Requirement 
k 
Working Contacts 
Classification 
of 
Use 
& Dxtent 
region 
the 
visit 
Status 
Contents 1.1 
1. 
west promising           Administrative                     tion 
Nile Study 
The 
2. 
Description 
valley 
area limit 
to 
also 
able report   applicable           "Land       develo assess Investigation       Extent of 
the 
To 
1.2 
report    this 
farns     . 
and 
various          from 
developable       inhabited       September           assignment     identify          agricul to 
Two 
Objectives 
Introduction                  a   As 
development.      by extensive 
Birr River 
Area 
was 
ed 
Project  by 
the 
made parts 
development 
reported 
months 
trip 
continuation 
a 
nd 
in 
the 
only 
pment 
the 
2zencies Central 
Was 
arers 
h2s 
the 
af 
and 
the 
the 
on 
Agriculture Water 
to 
of 
officials        dat1 physicl 
obtain 
suffici 
before 
for 
and   1977, 
for 
the 
made 
of 
classified     in Region 
the 
through         last  conditions are.  small 
a 
rolling These to 
plans Resources  both 
of 
five 
favourably          Birr Valley. Planning 
underutilized 
of  the 
crop 
the 
Blue 
ent 
was 
to 
the 
Region 
is in 
locnted 
cxperimental 
study, tural 
and 
published 
conditions 
the 
of Visit 
The 
and 
the 
in 
information 
the 
production              trip, 
to 
the 
ands 
l 
the 
the 
kilometers 
a trail 
2re2, 
created     movement 
estimates 
of 
the 
Commiseion, 
for Ministry 
identify 
lands 
as 
Birr 
visit 
hilly 
Economics, 
region. 
and 
River 
are 
Nile 
River 
Awrj1 Birr 
River 
The 
the 
2 
in 
leding 
and 
and 
2 trip 
the 
by station  were 
unpublished discussi 
the 
Blue 
in 
establishment              present 
team 
mentioned 
for 
terr2in,   bounded 
of 
Was 
Basin  south=enstern         Koll 
of 
the 
land 
consiSting Agriculture 
of 
on  to  large 
had 
riinfed are, 
to hestern 
the 
order 
select      an 
to 
studied 
Nile".       Furthermore, 
made 
study will 
review 
had 
to be  ridge 
emergency 
tracts 
in 
on 
Area 
2-Dega 
rainy      a 
classific1tion,                   team,          at 
ons 
to 
isited 
project(s) of 
Field 
in 
DthioDia 
and 
the 
for 
Bure 
offer to 
of 
of 
on potential           north, 
the 
19 
travers 
in 
one     Damot 
season. 
The 
however, 
were 
and 
cult Gojam ivat 
part 
overlooking ed 
details,   -
scctions 
including 
the 
basis. 
first 
Stte 
of 
Settlement 
the 
four 
ar1ble    Administrative                  Report 
the 
held Lower 
on. 
i 
by 
south 
LOwer 
experts 
enst 
the more 
. 
of 
by  Access  the to 
cl 
and 
relatively lands 
No. 
Blue   The 
foot 
was 
os Visit  was 
and 
of reviewed 
that report 
the 
the 
team 
with proposal          Birr 
and 
irrigm 
Gojam 
the   severly 
est 
one 
appliC 
key 
to 
complement 
Settlement 
by 
and 
specific  The 1 
un  of 
, 
the VADA 
tenn, 
for 
Birr 
2rea 
and 
ore 
fr om 
ensily 
egi 
on, 2gricultural  reason, Lower 
The 
kms 
develo       29 
Birr flows    distribution        As 
9.0 high, 
The 
with 
dam 
The 
stated 
supply 
that    Project stnged Lower Upper 
As small    consist 
48  pl2n 
per 
pproximnt 
The 
Dembcch,              trnde.      locnl  nnd       100,0O0 
Rivers,   Nile   The    rough, 
WOuld 
km    Dobohila 
dr1inage 
meters 
return 
for 
develo         is 
Birr Birr, 
of 
the   strems 
rable 
that 
of  pment 
from 
Birr 
of 
hectres 
devel 
the 
Lower 
Upper Birr 
is 
low 
plan   provide Upper 2bove, 
nd 
mnin 
cannl 
three 
in length diversion 
Finote 
and 
Project 
networks high, 
Devel 
the dependent             flows 
Pro 
ject-
the 
ely lands 
Birr 
Debohiln 
Blue 
Nile 
gently 
where 
1,400 
broken lands 
o 
pment. 
of 
Sel 
cultiv1tion 
Debohila      in 
drintge         no 
opment 
Birr 
complete 
envisions       sufficient 
storige 
and two 
mnin 
two 
from 
that 
sloping 
the 
of lands 
and 
development 
dams 
Studv, 
main 
Lower Birr 
pmend 
whereby 
to  the 
to 
on 
have 
prior 
lowlands 
2,100 
Birr 
which 1djoining m 
nd comprise 
is 
ares 
tributaries 
construction 
for 
the 
system 
of 
4, 
serve 
Project.        developmnt 
the 
impl 
(between           been 
three 
grounds 
meters. River 
Bure 
some 
canls 
for 
the 
-2 
With 
wnter 
cannls 
and 
2re 
ext 
to 
3.7       plan 
construction 
identified. 
2re 
70,000       re 
istribution 
n 
population. 
pres 
ently 
to joining 
Lower irrignte 
total   n 
144 
totnl 
considered ensively 
irrig?te 
Upper Birr 
ementation   Fenote-3el      potontinl  disscctcd genernlly 
of 
34 consists    nd km 
km 
Physiogrn 
the 
main 
stcms 
a 
Birr 
the 
4,200 
is  complete 
re Project      in 
length     of 
may 
hectarcs 
ma)or 
diversion 
long 
6.óm 
high, 
Are 
lie 
the 
Upper used 
be 
of 
The 
m nd 
to 
of 
of 
projocts 
clevations 2t  of 
2nd 
flat. phic"lly,   2 limited 
9re 
re 
of 
of 
6, 
the 
the 
for 
farmed       It 
plan 
is 
drninnge 
600 
required,            river      hectares 
/ankussa) 
cent 
ers 
nnmely 
r1infed 
hectarcs. 
feeder 
1 stor1ge    3 
24, 
350 
includes 
nnd 
to Birr 
envis2ges             Lower 
Birr 
wherens 
for 
dam 
below Upper Return 
with 
firm 
thc 
and 
this 
5m 
hectares. distribution 
Project 
high 
of 
l 
2nd. 
cannl 
dam 
up 
Pirr 
systems. 
-
ext 
ent 
59.5m 
n stor1ge 
water 
2 
nd 
the 
so 
uplnnds by 
pproximntely considcred 
of 
popul2tion 
rble. 
Fluc 
the 
The 
2nd LOWer         area.  the 
arca drawings. 
no 
has 
conditions.  rainfed  under 
A 
tributaries-          drainage     As 
the level.  Topography 
The 
arable 
eighteen          An       limit 
Nile.     Blue      Valley.        the River   Birr  Wereda 
at 
The 
Aror L.ower       Birr 
horizontal 
and 
the 
been rough 
area under      It 
irrigable 
elevations 
land    kilometers 
is 
River 
Locntion 
compiled, 
2-4 
1-2 
Less     than 
Even     topogra 
is 
Lower Birr 
Slopes  age 
1 
controls 
a result 
systems 
of 
region of 
or 
the 
Blue 
Selale    consideration                  generally 
two 
is 
this, 
estimated 
area 
bonded 
roughly 
Por 
the 
The 
and Horo-S  -
on 
ranging 
vertical 
phic 
appear 
eka 
Area 
and 
with 
percent 
of 
contours   map, 
some 
6600 
south 
southern 
Miktil 
Estimates       Slopes established                of 
from 
control 
Nile   derived 
drainage 
widely 
and 
Lah 
for 
flat 
at hectares 
of 
purpose 
by 
enter 
havine       the 
is 
the 
the 
boundary 
the 
west 
Wereda. 
10, 
000 
by 1,30Om 
Dxtent lies 
in 
-3 
the 
spaced 
of 
the 
the 
problems, 
between ma 
smooth         jor 
hectares. 
DebreMarkos 1,600m 
the 
surveys 
drawings 
in indicated,  from 
our 
ridge 
southera    to 
area of % 
tracing 
Upper Birr 
are 
project       for 
is 
have 
been 
taken 
effective 
part 
1,300m 
have 
been 
contour   present 
rough divide 
In 
1,600m.  the 
28 50   22 
very 
east, 
Hection 
approximate  from aerial 
of 
could 
topography     of 
area 
the 
and 
identified 
-
Bahr 
line study, 
terrain 
between 
It 
ig 
of 
performed 
were 
surface     be 
and area.    with 
1,600m 
Dar   which 
it 19 
Blue 
photogra         Nile 
anticipated 
all 
and 
the 
draining 
the 
Bure-Shikuiad                  Fetam                        Birr 
bounded 
in  the 
extended 
in 
drainage.   natural 
slopes 
TWo 
above 
ad. 
Ro northern      is 
in 
that 
m2)0r 
about 
phs 
owards 
t 
and 
by 
the 
even 
in 
sea 
total 
to 
Birr 
the 
River 
Area 3.3 
table  2-6 in 
temperature               climate   Jenuiry 
season       be 
annual       is 
the Othor 0.62°c/100m                 average   difforence  been 
studies     of Celsius 
2ltitude        overriding         factor.  the 
rainfll past.   several 
The 
missing     data. data, 
for 
Tempor1ture polation           assumptions              Who 
of 1969 
about 20.3"C. 
cstimated 
south side 
modified 
5.g°C 
rclationship 
the 
July    rainfall        -       locations 
ith weather 
however, 
nearby 
project available 
are 
dat2 
are 
some 
ref. 
per 
in 
per 
is 
nd 
have grOWn 
from 
Therc  Climate 
is no 
on 
likely 
stations 
for 
the 
through 
at 
880 
of 
temperature 
3°C 
elevntion using 
28 
thousind 
thousand   more 2ltituâe 
data 
2) 
the 
stations 
climatologicl    as 
a 
Although 
to millimeters 
September.             be 
of 
the 
at 
higher 
th2n 
undertaken     pronounced. 
stations          dat2 
to 
of 
the 
Lower 
similar 
temperaturc presently     is 
for 
fr 
nearby 
1200mm. 
this metres. 
metres 
2re 
not 
area. 
crops 
om 
Blue 
The 
Dangila 
both 
character 
close enough 
the 
not 
in 
1955     station 
to 
in 
station 
coldest 
is 
Bir 
frost 
The 
2ltitude         Nile 
Drngila. 
between 
relationship grdient, 
relationship elevation 
the 
with 
Dangila 
for 
the 
The 
the 
Bluc Nile 
has 
been 
located continuous Similarly 
in 
nual 
The 
avilnble, 
clenr 
River 
and 
Bure, 
some 
(clev. 
1981m) 
1969 
and 
from 
of 
-
4 
shown 
is 
The 
and 
valley 
nd 
the 
to 
verige        precipitntion 
not 
the 
(Hanger       re 
in 
months. 
indicates 
tempernture whole 
pplying  difference) 
Blue 
ile 
precipit1tion   Finote-Selam         have rainfall 
-
the 
the 
and 
and 
precipitation    informatien 
weather 
the 
pro Dstimated           rainfnll nd annunl    falling 
Table 
in expected, 
bulk 
cstimated 
of 
geogr1phicl              between 
the 
Lower 
and 
Lower 
ject 
Dthiopia 
data 
report 
2 
correlation 
consider1ble 
situated         data 
on 
the 
are 
2vnilable           2ren  Other temper1ture 
I. 
December 
Finchaa 
that 
Birr. 
and     showed 
with 
nnd 
in 
to 
the 
the 
530 
tcmper1ture 
worked 
rained 
metres 
indicated 
for 
position 
2ltitude 
Jig. 
are 
lso (100km 
data 
offered         surr 
in 
Birr 
Area. 
lately 
ounding 
2re 
receive         the Valleys) 
and 
the 
valley 
Üsing 
Dangila 
from 
rniny 
Lower 
6.6 
betwcen 
out 
numb 
by 
The 
given 
an 
should 
have 
similar   degrees 
2nd 
in 
northWest 
) 
Birr 
highland.  1955  farmers 
to 
by extra 
will 
on 
2 
rate 
being 
2vnilable           These 
the 
for 
er 
of 100% 
19.14.17.3%12.1%7.3% 
2% 
4,4 
13.0% 
10.1% 
9.9% 
3.3% 
2.5% 
reiafell 
annual 
882ra.                       17 
Of 
% 
Total 
19 
39 
20 
64 
20 
Rainfall  in 
107 
153 
20 S 
20 
160 
20 
J 
115 
21 
J 
89 22 
M 
87 
22 
29 21 
M 
22 
20 
O.0 
0,0 
infall nonthly 
Nean 
Ra 
Temperature                19 
Caily  1.Verase Month 
J 
nm. 
.&  ¬ Ter:p.        in Tenperature 
rea 
irr 
iainfall 
Lower 
he 
Dstinated 
For DAM         DIYERSI0N BIAA         OWER 
ClasikiCation 
LINE BORDER 
BIRR LoWER 
Arable         Class        1 
Arble        Class        3 
Class 
Land Land 
of 
NATION             PLA       EX 
Class        6 
dary  of 
Boun 
Extent 
Contours 
CLAS         SEICATION 
OFLA 
BOUNDARY 
PhoIG 
aenel 
from traced 
540 
BIRR        LOWER             AREA 
Aoprox 
Authorty 
Rnent 
SCALE5o000 
Deve Agricultural              Noemb           1977 
Valleys 3.6 
3.5 
3.4 
percentage            intensively               cultivated.              Area                     higher   millet,  HOwever.              Eoes 
are 
Present        As    expected   undertaken     in 
On internal          soils 
are 
more 
Very parts       dominnt   samples 
soil 
The 
Soils      investigntions         ation 
to  the 
2ll soils      Innsmuch     Drainage      s 
was 
class 
account 
area 
are 
of 
s1mple      predomin 
of 
chick-peas 
lying 
to 
maize, 
has 
been 
hard power  slowly 
estimated 
the 
Agricul 
barley, 
the 
to 
class    -
3 
by of 
neutral      drainage 
to Dthiopia,, 
thn for 
the red 
soils 
will 
and 
Land 
oan 
drain exoess 
(grumusol re 
owed 
for 
the 
lands 
warmer 
type 
observed 
produce 
the 
the 
type 
brenk permeable 
his 
and 
widely 
Cl2Ssification 
nt 
be given. 
in 
large 
nre   taken 
be 
tural 
been soils 
Water 
land 
portions 
development.                spaced, 
to 
soils), 
to 
area 
in 
is when 
this 
noog, 
areas     , 
and 
teff, 
the Status satisfact 
of 
Blue 
to 
and 
taken 
studies 
predominantly 
18 
percent whereas 
cultivated 
be 
intensity 
lands   Nile 
of 
mildly     usually 
these 
wh 
in 
of 
noog, crops 
generally  field  of 
some 
the 
time 
region 
At 
maize 
the 
least    Survey, 
Soil, 
soils     en 
analyzed. 
dark 
clays 
the 
are 
the 
alkaline 
in 
of 
-5 
orily 
1ssociated 
dry 
and 
soils 
wet. 
n2tur2l 
firm 
this 
Lower 
provision 
2 
are 
are Lower the 
a 
grumusols         tend 
net 
work Since 
of densely 
Birr 
peas, 
sub--reconnaissance                        desirable     if 
properly 
had 
Cultivation 
since 
aron;   Birr 
and 
and 
required drin1ge 
LOwer Birr 
predominant               the 
classified 
have    with      plastic  they 
orck 
Gener1lly           to 
in  re 
definitive           recommend           beforc 
of  the 
for 
arc 
the 
populated in Mile 
Blue 
Project 
Area. 
these 
Crops 
pepper, 
groWn 
for 
). 
As 
open 
nntur1l    surfrce 
vary 
very wheat 
in 
managed. 
irrigation, 
good 
these 
form severely     of 
the 
nenr 
dark 
flat 
areas 
the 
clavs. 
the 
in 
when 
wet. 
these 
observed         spenking, 
system. ditches 
natural soil. 
soils  when 
futurc, 
dr1inge      drniniges 2rens 
Lower 
Survey, 
orops, 
land 
and 
Further     site  should 
much 
and 
Birr River 
Area 
the 
Lower 
l2rge 
clods 
in 
the 
To-date no 
with 
the 
The 
Here, 
classific1t 
the 
mi1let. 
as 
one 
but 
can 
Usually 
Upner 
Birr 
which 
require 
the 
built 
be 
Birr 
area 
fertility. 
Probl 
dry   other 
be syst  should        drk-grcy 
eme 
nd 
pre       some 
ems 
ion 
of 
are 
in 
be for 
to cash 
subs 
well 
And 
sch 
Pot 
Wide region    project     area.  the 
The 
farming crops.         continues            other  the                  Crop changed        since.    much         The 
Birr 
generate        the 
tantially irrignted 
crops that 
would 
as 
eme, 
n l2tter 
cropping            pattern.         At  potential,      cesh-crop              the                      sesame,           favourable   Judging  famine.          danger         permanent      of eminent       openings improved             technology,            of           More 
first 
the 
extension 
ential 
range 
degree 
and 
regi 
yields 
and 
harricot-bcans, 
st2ge 
along 
from 
the 
soil type 
solution 
grain 
region. 
will 
for 
the 
of 
farm 
Land 
shortage 
the 
Debohila of 
on. funds 
ngricultural  of 
as 
is  stage 
However, 
new 
of 
be 
the 
thus 
main 
road that 
cultivation 
with 
that 
the 
when the 
area will 
of 
arable introduction 
implements          Such         services, 
marketable 
Use 
put 
has not 
been 
for 
were 
result different           be 
genred 
production 
development   crop  cotton 
advances for   1lands, 
at With links an 
planting right 
season through 
starts 
needed grown 
is 
adiptability 
and 
boosting production 
sufficiently 
The 
use 
60 
pepper, 
the 
may 
the 
advantageous              crops. 
the 
Gojam 
to-date 
operntion            of 
at a 
introduction                on  well           of 
of rainy 
the 
to 
constuction 
commercial 
in 
2nd 
100 
-
6 
in 
order 
flax 
coming 
not 
to 
double       in 
crops 
play 
dunl 
a 
latter 
maize, 
rainfall, 
of 
revolutionize              only 
several 
fertilizers 
with 
the 
introduced. 
Shoa 
season 
the 
lat 
percent       in 
devolop 
cropping.            Lower              will 
and 
er 
the 
-
be 
sorghum. 
teff, 
LowWer 
years, contributes 
of 
of 1ies fertilizer 
of part 
the 
Lower 
the 
inf 
ras 
Birr 
converted purpose 
to trial stage, establish 
position 
improve range 
and 
an 
must 
June, 
respectively 
may 
millet, 
Area      thermor  Fur e, 
quite 
and 
- i,e. 
to 
an 
the 
initiated 
be Tobcco,         have 
truc 
tur 
can 
frequency 
irrigntion appropriate 
rainfed as 
chick-peas, 
a 
Birr Area 
can 
thereby 
2verting 
but 
some 
of 
also 
fronts, combined 
modern 
access       to export 
route 
Birr 
20 
and     July 
April 
has 
alleviate          serve 
distribution              to 
the 
crop 
and 
the 
farming 
kms 
and 
for 
be 
good 
production 
with 
easily 
mechanized 
astride 
probably 
under 
AS 
a 
the 
August maize 
geared       es 
be 
As 
crops. 
nt 
the 
a  the 
the 
of 
the 
for 
and 
not 4. 
3.8 
nlong     working 
to 
fly 
lands 
size 
in the 
domos preval underutilized 
low. 
Tho 
significnt            surplus      arc2.    food 
rclatively          devolopment 
Cxpect 
of  Developmcnt              nd The             Land 
minimize 
one-thousand                   3ppronching                In people       hectares.    ostimat 
Onc 
Aren 
the 
introduc 
Birr Clenring          cost 
with 
(the 
the 
will 
process be 
ed vnlley 
lnds 
of people 
the 
tic 
cnce 
renson 
is 
the brush. 
aren 
The 
l2rgcst         lOwl 
possible         Arcn od 
population, 
other devel 
opment 
vector 
in 
the 
the 
cleared 
that 
2lrcady 
living 
nimal 
of for 
highlnds 
pres 
cntly 
ands 
have 
To-dnto         Conclusion           Summ1ry  and modern        cd 
highor 
Lower 
in 
to occupics 
be 
of 
under 
part overpopulnt      in 
of 
the 
Somo 
three-hundrcd 
in 
lands 
henlth 
for 
of 
opening 
inh1bit2tion.                while 
-
mal2ria 
the 
lands 
Birr 
spite 
mechanized     ngriculture          Gojam 
low 
the 
consider1tion 
of 
arer 
in 
tryp1nos 
underutilizntion 
considered. 
sparse 
the 
a 
the 
are 
under     Ikeeping 
the 
The 
off 
Administr1tive 
in 
is 
of 
hazrd problem 
schemes. 
developable nd 
populntion           in highlnds 
the 
ed 
relntively 
the 
rnge 
fr 
dense 
or 
lie fores 
trees 
encountering cuitivation 
up 
Surronding 
omi 
trypanosominsis 
population 
the 
2griculture             portion 
om veget1ti       of  adj2cent 
neW 
nd 
of livestock. 
on 
ssis) 
nd 
I2rge 
occupy 
t ppcared 
-
7 
Mlnrin 
twenty 
their cattle 
highlnnds 
is 
In 
for 
crop 
lowlnnd 
nd 
Region. 
region 
of 100-125 
200-225 flat 
(over 
of 
on 
a 
sizble 
hrbours;    vCgetati 
This 
spite 
of 
the 
in 
terrin 
on 
is 
to 
2re3s 
Birr 
gome 
the 
1s 
shortages 
people 
of 
the 
may 
could 
not 
in 
these 
mjor 
which 
Lower 
production, 
aren. 
the 
and 
are 
1800m 
frct that 
the Awr1 
Koln-Deg?          regi 
scnlo 
expected 
per 
With   the 
nd  where 
Agriculture, 
on 
for 
indic1te 
degree 
pr 
In 
Birr 
sparsely hills 
of 
re highlands. 
known 
the 
hive 
cdominntly           In 
particul the    ar, 
has 
curtiled 
nd 
hectarc. 
an effort 
in 
cl 
j2 
is 
on, 
hns 
per   lovell 
to 
the 
covercd 
and 
be 
tackled 
this 
of 
Drmot 
the 
of farming 
that 
started 
hectare. 
mjor 
increasO ln 
is 
tse-tse 
farm 
land, 
but 
evation) 
regarded     rcmnined 
be slopes 
the 
deterrents, it 
cultivntion 
the 
at 
Awraj3, 
hardly 
becn 
ing 
Lower cultivnted, 
Lower   The 
Wìth 
better 
linble 
the 
l 
ands 
is farming 
human 
The 
2nd 
Birr 
hns 
been the 
to 
cost 
in 
cont 
ins 
2s 
in 
minimun 
identify         Birr 
stre 
? 
ams. 
some 
1 
is 
trecs 
is appendix       nd showing           Sufficient           1.      rainfal1      of 
project     sorghm.           ret.  the              mnize, 
of With 
eventhough  indicato 
Mankussa 
Ovcrlooking south  divide      ibility.   Another        monitoring.      Solution            closc nd   Would 
no 
herbicides         soil 
In 
of 
firm other 
are 
tho 
large-scale             torrain 
tho 
the 
the 
2ccess 
constr1int  A 
tompernture 
nnual rninf1l1      to     data 
mechnicnl         such 
for 
of ren 
crop 
millot,  area 
As 
ed 
above 
it 
that 
between 
twenty-eight  2 
to 
constraint As 
cnll 
typos     t 
nd parts 
to 
moun and 
sustain  nv3ilahl  chick-pes,        stat constraints            apper 
the 
sou 
int 
a 
pl1stic situati 
The water 
these 
for 
one 
2nd 
the drk 
but 
nd 
may 
sma11 
lower 
initinl 
cnsity could manul 
farm 
of 
past 
the 
dry 
soils 
mentioned 
Birr 
on, 
Ethiopia, 
clay 
farming           soil 
is 
requlr 
is Howevcr, 
entail 
this route 
town lying 
in problemns 
20rial 
that could 
1dequ?te 
of estimatcd 
thern 
the 
nder   favourble 
and 
oper1tions 
ements growth 
fro 
the 
between 
miy 
l2nds.  prrt 
kilometers 
Fetam 
under 
the 
construction  nticipnte    of 
lbour 
the 
development 
reconnaissance                     require 
initially     is 
be 
29s0cinted     lo 
under jcct 
2ren ralnf 
pro 
it my 
be 
when 
Wet. 
(grumus 
type. 
neaTIby     judging 
ror 
the 
(e.g. 
of 
at 
ART. 
3.3, there 
SCSiMe, 
Construction                  for 
under 
of valleys 
prudent 
for 
Under 
control, 
the 
Fenote-Sclam               better 
Anothcr 
Lower 
lesds 
ART. 1.2 
demnds 
proper 
rinfll 
records 
some 
weed 
Wet 
ols) more  type. 
soil samplcs 
be 
8 
-
somo 
&880 
harrlcot-beins,             from 
highl 
growth 
mm. 
production 
than 
Birr, 
to 
(sce 
trail 
2  of 
of 
drinnge 
control.  conditions, power 
cultiv1tion) 
identified 
with 
nre 
crops. 
a.nd 
the 
2rc 
the 
of 
at 
possible 
Lower 
surface 
to 
ed 
mangement, 
nre 
hnve 
conditions            of   2s 
mount    This is 
strlions,  inconp1ete 
the 
resort 
These 
Location        the 
no 
for 
indicnted 
have 
the 
Various        described    cilculation      rough   A 
wether 
pepper, crops 
of 
igron 
and 
previously           lenst 
From 
not    probl 
soils, 
Bure. 
top 
fr Birr 
om 
drainnge 
physioraphy 
omic 
2ccess there 
of 
the 
in 
Bur 
1vnilblc.     urthermore, 
Onc 
? 
is 
ems 
to 
is 
pl 
been 
Mnp), 
the 
series 
conditions 
Gener1l 
ridge 
3, 
cxcluive  very 
the 
prior 
cventhough 
cffectiveness 
ough ing 
rocUde 
2long 
much 
that an2lys      development 
crops. 
is 
is 
on, 
nd 
not 
unc 
above 
given 
tine 
amount 
such 
bridge.       mentioned, 
fron 
extending 
there 
networks. planning 
This 
use 
in reduced. 
2re 
the 
ed 
of 
of 
on 
fl ux 
nd 
un2cccss 
ommon 
2g 
ma 
ps 
the 
these 
the 
is 
of 
goils in 
from 
in 
of project  Projcct   scheme,        agriculture.          made.            expansion.          It       serve 
that 
and 
recruitment 
ven 
high. 
directions. 
The 
the 
arable.       on     minimal       As 
The 
optimum         the 
though 
northern 
the 
a first 
area unlcss     however, is 
direct 
found 
the 
2rea could 
is 
is 
thercfore 
about rain 
characteristics,                   pilot 
2s 
initial  2 
the 
labour 
from reguir 
eastern 
pl 
approximation, 
Since 
edge 
it offers 
fct 
that 
At 
propos     a 
anting 
scheme 
development 
potential 
ad  ement 
scattered         side 
the 
latter 
of 
feasible.      diversion 
dependent 
be 
dates. 
convert stige, 
ed 
to 
the 
for 
ar2ble 
area 
of 
t he 
farming 
population    a 
on 
open 
gathering 
jacent highlands 
for 
the 
valley, 
great 
an  scope 
aricultral 
and 
area 
is 
9 
from 
prior 
ed 
into 
when 
up 
the 
temperature,         a such 
be  Under soil, on 
area 
extend 
by 
of 
the 
construction 
sufficicnt 
an 
enough   moderat 
is 
tributaries 
irrigtion 
Lower Birr 
situation, 
e 
relevant scale potential 
cstimat a 
where 
the 
ten-thousand 
the 
the 
for 
the 
surrounding            in establishment    l2rge of 
devel 
low 
and 
the 
ed, 
population 
scheme 
the  opment 
level 
studies 
westerly 
of 
entering project, 
for 
very 
hectares 
of 
Upper 
rainfed 
which data 
we 
highlanders 
farm 
lAnd 
have 
been 
would 
will 
2lso 
crop 
little 
cn 
be 
is 
met 
and 
should 
Birr 
for 
the 
recommend 
varieties 
relativelv 
This 
future 
is 
by 
southerly 
is 
start  consider 
arms. 
known 
is 
us e 
is 
mainly 
on 
ed 3. 
Shekudad           team Preliminary 
and 
Western       Preliminary 
(including 
Basin 
REFERENCES 1. 
Land 
from 
State 
of a 
Master 
iereda 
MOA 
Farms 
Provinces 
nd US 
Water 
in 
IN 
Findings          Plan appendices). Burenu 
-
AMHARIC 
Horo-S  Gojm 
study 
in 
on 
of 
the 
Ethiopia 
for 
the 
Resources of 
Reclamntian on 
Administrative              Cstablishment 
eka 
Settlement 
Survey 
a 
of 
Nehnssie 
Miktil     -
by 
Wereda 
R.T. 
Region 
of 
Hrberd 
of 
1969. 
the 
for 
the 
-
1964 
Nile 
the 
Blue 
Settlement          - by 
n    -
Es 
tabliahment            South 
-
Bure 
1975. REAUIRMENT        WATER 
APPENDIX   I 
W. CHKD. BY 
humidity,  factor given 
BY  DEVELOPMENT                  ENGINE VALLEYS 
Rainfall            In         Temp 
Estimated               below.       shon as 
where: 
CRIDDLE 
The 
FA0 
M.G.K. 
a 
Dublication 
ETo 
plant 
ERING 
AGRICULTORAL 
sunshine 
(0.46t                               19 
fap graph 
ETo 
p       t 
mean 
modifie
d 
= 
consump 
DATE 
AUTHORIY 
OFF 
showing                     22 
DATE 
CO 
20 
is 
hour 
mean       reference          mean 
<p(o.46t 
ICE 
duration 
+ 8) 
29  21 
87  22 
J 
F   daily  humidity,            adjustment crown-
M 
temprature 
method 
wil.d 
lat.. 
factOr perceltage             teiperature 
for 
the 
daily daily 
tive 
MPUTATION 16/11/77 
prediction       for different 
-
No 
. 24 
use 
is 
and 
day 
A 
M 
crop 
revlsed            89  22 
latitude 
+ Þ) 
of 
DETAIL     FEATURE 
ex) 
pRO 
of 
conditions         time 
DTo 
-
1977 page Fig, 
-
115 
160 153 107 
evapotransp 
21 
20 20   20 
dependent lOver 
and 
mm/day Iressed 
water 
snshine monthly 
and 
Consump 
birr 
of 
IECT SHEET 
Lower      Birr     Rainföd 
in 
in 
as 
from 
Blaney 
of 
A 
rainfall  S 
hours, 
1which    =    otal iration 
as obtained 
wind, 
on 
30   10 annual 
c 
min. 
the 
crop 
t 
ive 
Use 
7 
64  20 
39  20 
17  19 
in 
Agr 
SHE 
min, 
relative 
N 
D 
daytime 
mn/day 
relative    Criddle 
is 
from BLANEY 
ET 
NO 
1-
is 
-
1 OF A 
M AP 
Month 
CHKD. BY 
Station.           Dangila Stat1on. 
Kelative 
RH 
M.G.K 
refer 
to 
fig. 
0.27    O.28   0.28 0.29   0.29   0.28   0.28 
= 
vind speed 
possible Ratio 
rel 
20   20   20    20   21   22    22 
P (1) 
t  (2) 
humidity 
Temp 
DATE 
humidity 
AUTHORITY                    OFFCE        ENGINE           ERING    DEVELO             PMENT      VALLEYS 
AGRICULTURAL CO 
17.2  17.2   17.2  17.2  17.7    18.1   18.1 
o.46t 
eratures 
between 
DATE 
1/77      16/1 
PUTATION 
M 
8 
(3) 
(N) 
1 in 
- where:    sunshine 
FA0 
4.6 
4,8 
4.8 
5.0 
5.1 
5.1 
X(3)   (1)            (4) 
and 
wind 
PUBLICATION 
5.1 
High 
are 
arrived  data    greater 
m/sec      5 2-less    5 
min NH %     (5) 
daily 
actual duration 
- where 
less than 
DETAIL    FEATURE    PROJECT 
SHEET 
H     H     H 
H 
med. 
are 
- 8 
m/sec 
Consunp    tive  Use 
Lower       Rainfed          Birr 
by taken 
than 
H     H     M    M    M HLi H ght 
extrapolation 
n/N 
U 
(6) 
Bm/sec 
than 
2 m/sec 
(n) 
and 
greatcr 
20 20% 
Agr. 
L 
L 
from Debre 
is 
(7) 
strong  - moderate 
-- li 
-
50% 
than 
low 
SHE 
mediun 
III/1 III/1 
dailu maximum 
VI/1  VI/1 
VI/1 
III/1 
-
very 
II/1 
/LINE 
BLO CK 
çht 
(8) 
from 
50% 
ET 
NO 
Marcos 
strong     -
high 
108    3.5      111  3.7 
3.1 
ETo 
96 
3.3 
102 
3.4 
102 
4.0 
124 
5.4     month    /day 162 
OF 
mm CHKD. BY 
BY 
OFFICE         ENGINE          ERING 
DEVELO             PMENT 
VALLEYS 
M.G.K. 
JUNE 
MAY APRIL      Months 
late-season           mid-season initial         Crop       dev.          Kc  determined  are 
From 
attached 
Assumption: lenghh  total  Plant     date  ing 
growing   of 
CIop ET 
-
growth 
Crop 
DATE 
AGRICULTURAL AUTHORIIY 
= 
late-sea,son            mid-season initial          Crop      dev. 
MPUTATION        SHEET CO 
1.05      0.55  1.05      -   0.43     1.05 en   0.43 
= Kc 
X 
graph 
-crop 
scason 
-malze 
-
stages Ap1il 
-
DATE 
16/11/77 
130     3rd 
coefticients 
ETo 
30  70  50  davs 30 
DETAL 
FEATURE          LOWer     PROJECT               Birr 
days week 
0.74   102      X 
124 
0, 0.43 
49 
124 mm/month         162 maize ET 
X  X  X 
Consump    tive  Use 
Rainfed 
0.43 
x   X  e 4 
(Kc) 
Agr. 
SHE 
= 
75.5 
35.5   23.2 
say 
76   56 
23 
ET NO OF 
4 Tota1 
CHKD BY 
BY 
OFFICE          ENGINE        ERING 
DEVELO             PMENT 
VALLEYS 
S 
A 
Month 
M.G.K. 
mm.     ilable         100         ava    The 
M    AP 
October 
Sept. August 
July 
775 
64 
107 
153 
160 
115 
Rainfall 
89   87 
mm  o 
111 
111        1.05 96 X       102               102 
DATE 
water     soil 
526 
Crop ET 
108 
X 
0.72 
X = 
X     X 
0.96     1.05 
X      X 1.05    0.99 
16/11/37 
DATE 
AGRICULTURAL AUTHORITY 
CO M 
52 
113 
101 
105 
76   56   23 
PUTATION 
X 
X 
X 
X 
storage capaciuy 
12      -6    52  55    39  33    64 
storage         Chan     Water    ge   in Soil 
DETAIL     FEATURE     PROJECT 
= 
51.8 
113.2 
35.5      77-7 
100.8  = 
105.1 71.4     33-7 
SHEET 
ConsumptiVe  Use Lower       kainfed           Birr 
balance,in      stOrage       Water 
Total 
100 
100 
100 
Soil 
AgT" 
is                        94                        97    64 
100 
100 
assumed 
^HE 
526 mm 
52 
113 
101 
105 
ET 
NO 
to 
be  149 
surplus  Water 
6 
52   55    36 
OF 124 
CROP   COEF FICIENT CU RVE- FOR MAIZE 
1.05 
104 
Kc  FFICIENT  COE 
08 
)6 
,055 
CROP 
04 
043+ 
30days INITIAL   STAGE 
CROP  DEV.   STAGE 
50days 
70days 
MID  SEA SON 
30days 
LATE  SE  ASON 
O2 
AP. 
MAY 
JUNE 
TIME 
JULY 
IN        MONTHS 
AUG. 
SEP. 
OCT. 
NOV METEOROLOGIC AL 
APPENDIX II 
DATA T.b!c 2 
Nall eto For  Tho  Poiod 1G63  - 1971 . 
3tetion: 
Finoto    SelO 
.ltit ude:  1975n 
Latitude :  10  43 
Iongitude:  37    13 
R¡infll in  mi. 
Yenr 
1963 
1964 
1965 
1966 
1967 
1968 1569 
1970 197-== 
VerELe 
%  Of 
2nnual 
J 10.C 
A 
J 
-S 
Total 
6.0 
30.5    203.o      82.0    105.0     129.7    326,     1C5.0 49.0    218.0    347.01   239.0 
69.0      48.3       6S.4 
20.4 0.0 
10.0 
0.0 
31.3 
64.5 
98.4 
54.8 51.4 
295.4|   211.0      76.6| 86.5    68.7      51.0 
7.  5 
0.  C 
4.0 25. O 
7.0 
16.0    121.9|  144.9    174.1    190.0       48.9 101.4| 41.8 286.0    198.3      83.2      79.0 63.6 
75.6  48.0  151.7  286.6  171.5  S'g123.9| 14.5 
2.6    936.0 
-19:2--21147.21.14s.5   213.51-391:? 
6.9   111.4   140.9    247.3    159.5 
-
|179.0 3.0 
0.00  1036.3 48.0 
===:t====*===== 
49.9      64.1 |86 .9| 139.8   247.5| 235.9    99-7112.2  36.3     25.5   1111.7 
0.5 
4.5% 
5.87.C%    12,6%    22.3.    21.2% 
10.1%   3.3% 
2.2%       100) 
*  Source:-  3thiopiE.n 
later  Besources ut':ority. TBLE 
Rainfal 1    Data  For 
The   Per iod 19..59 
-    19  ...!4.. .,. 
Station: 
4.ltitude: 
Latitude: 
Longitude: 
1    of  2 
10°   43i    Ö6:    E  N 
Year 
1959 
M 
Rainfall  in   mm. 
M 
S 
D              Total 
1960 
1961 
1962 
1963 
1964 
1965 
1966 
1967 
1968 
0.0 
8.0 
7.0      60.0 
303.0    206.5 
144.0 
138.0 
316.0 
25.0      52.0 
90.0 
64.0       68.0 
47.0 
159.0 
24.0 
225.9 
170.0 
239.0 
133.6 
26.0 
0.0 
0.0 
87.0 
0.0   101.4 
50.7 
89.0  264.0 
214.0 
101.0 
|      216.0 53.3 
9.5 
l.0 
0.0 
187.0 
177.0 
33.6 
95.0 
271.7    193.7 
61.4    123.3 
138.3 
210.0    214.0 
51.3      18.3 
34.0 
264.0 
25.0        0.0 
249.9 
1969 
1970 
1971 
1972 
1973 
79.0      147.0      40.0    146.0    146.0    103.0 
100.0      16.0 
0.0 
0.0 
8.90 
28.0    143.4    244.8    188.8  |195.2 |201.9    156.9    284.4     370.8      31.6 
1974 =========*-==-+==z==t2:   176.7     203.2    229.5 
115.3 
121.5       11.4 
17.0 
==*=F=========* 
verage 
.     of 
annual 
0.0      30.3      40.3      121.2   123.8   161.4   |222.9    214.4    148.9 0.0%       2.5%       3.3%      9.9%    0.17.   13.1%   18.1%     17.4%.   12.1% 
Source:-  Ethiopian  Water  Resources uthority. 
39.2  53.9  23.4  1229.7 
7.3%,           4.4%      1.8%          l00% Lati tude: 
Lonitue: 
36°55 
Painfal1  in   pia. 
Year 
1955 
1956 
1957 1950 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1976 
.Verage 
7.   of annual 
J 
M 
M 
S 
N 
310.5    233.0 
44.0     72.0 
0.0       0.0 0.0 
Total 
483 
5.8 
1.0 
0.0 
3.8 
62.0    57.0    263.0       326.0|   269.0    241.9      215.0      0.0 
78.5    250.5       329.5    369.0    137.0 
28.0    74.7 
198.0 
59.0      3.0 79.5      36.0 
0.0  16.5 
3.0  10.0 
0.0  90.0 
0.0       53.598.0  162.7       356.0| 209.5| 237.5      223.7      13.0 
22.5  13.791.0  301.0  459.5| 476.0  298.5 
34.0  41.5  45.0  106.5  329.0  361.0  306.0 
67.0 
0.0 
0.0 
C.0 
1.0 
15.5 
0.0 0.0 
0.0 
0.4 
0.0 
3.6 
0.0 
0.0 
0,0 
4.0 
71.5  53.0   164.0      362.0    360.0    328.0 
5.4       86.0     0.1    197.5       374.6   530.9    231.1 
62.0    100.0 
23.0      52.0 
35.7    l62.9 
0.0 77.5 54.3 81.3 
3.0 68.5 
4.5 40.5 
369.0    305.6    197.5      127.5      20.3 
28.0  20.1  202.5     352.9|   375.0   102.1      109.3    139.9 
l4.2 51.6  336.3 
321.2|  298.9| 229.3      123.2      41.5 
7.5    74.6    170.1      295.2    165.5     204.9      128.3       32.4 
31.1..     9.7 
5.10   90.1 
61.0  112.0163.0 
D 
36.0 
0.0 
0.0 
31.8 
2.0 
62.0 
19.0 
0.0 
0.5 
14.2 
0.0 
0.0 
0.5 
1452.4 1304.2 1574 1417.5 1625.1 
1525.7 
1670.5 
342.7    237.0 
54.7   34.5 
0.0 
4. 
0.3% 
0.0 
9.7 
0.7% 
0.0 
25.3 
1.7% 
0,0 
212.3      345.1    207.9      383.6| 
34.0      85.3|224.1      351.0   331.7      239.1 
2.3% 
5.8%15.37. 
24% 
22.7% 
16.374 
4.7 96.6   50.8 
6.67.|3. 5%. 
0.0 11.9 
0.0% 
1463.5 
1000 
*Source: -  Ethiopian Wather  Resources  uthority . nltLCUde: 
1em 
Latitude:    11°l 74 
N 
Longi tude :    36   55 
E 
Mean 
Me an 
Maxi mun 
& 
Mini nuin 
Year 
1954 
1955 
1956 
1957 1950 1959 1960 1961 1962 19C3 1964 
J 
B 
M 
M 
J 
J 
D 
33.8        35.6 4.5         4.9 
32.2        30.6 
1.1         4.1 
35.6 
6.5 
30.7 
2.4 
32.2 
32.7 
7.3 
11.0 
27.8 
10.0 
36.1 
3.5 
29.6 
26.2 
7.0 
9.9 
29.0 8.9 
24.8 
11.1 
29.3 
9.5 
25.1 
10.0 
24.3 
11.3 
20.9 
13.4 
29.1 
9.4 
26.9 
9.3 
26.7 10.0 
30.2 
7.3 
30.4 
7.6 
26.5 
8.9 
27. 
7.6 
20.3 
4.5 
31.1 
6.6 
27.9 
6.1 
34.0 
330 
32.9 
4.0 
27.2 
4.5 
29.0        29.6 
2.5          3.4 
23.1 
3.4 
26.1        26.0 
5.0         7.0 
24.9        26.0 
3.3         4.5 
24.4        26.9 
3.5          5.7 
26.7        27.5 2.5          6.1 
30.0 
5.1 
27.0 
5.9 
27.5 25.6 
6.3 
23.5 
6.5 
29.9 
27.9 
9.5 
27.4 
C.6 
23.0 
9.2 
26.2 
13.9 
25.9 
74 
28.4 
25.3 
10.2 
23.3 
25.2 
10.4 
23.6 
9.5 
25.7 
9.4 24.2 
8.5 
23. 
10.0 
20.0 
10.7 
22.6 
10.0 
19.3 
10.5 
21.8 
11.0 
23.8 
9.9 
20.7 
23.1 
8.6 
23.7 
6.9 
10.0 
21.5 
20.3 
7.9 
1).0 
10.7 
24.2 
23.6 
21.4 
21.4 
10.0 
9.4 
11.7 
12.7 
5.9 
27.0 4.9 
20.5 
5.4 
20.6 
16.2 
22.8 l0.1 
23.4 
9.1 
21.4 
10.2 
22.3 10.0 
23.4 
13.3 
20.9 
3.4 
23.2 
6.6 
24.6 
14.3 
21.3 
10.9 
23.7 
5.5 
24.2 
5.7 
21.9 
9.0 
23.3 
7.1 
23.3 
12.7 
23.6 
14.2 
24.1 
5.5 
25.0 
5.4 
21.8 
4.3 
24.5 
9.1 
24.3 
7.4 
./2 2: 
consecutively.  Figures  standard  consecutively.  time Wind  standard  Humidity  Relative  time  48  59 
R3: 
1: 
D 
N 
A 
J 
M        A 
Month 
M 
speed 
in 
26      35     45      73       81     79      70      53      29     42     32   29  Humidityl           Relative 31 
70        94      95      95     93      79     52      72       55      58 
bracket 
taken                                     30 
39     55      81     85     84     73      59        30       52               32      in % 
are 
on 
taken 
-(34.7%) (44.356) (56.7%) (82.7%) 
(865) (78.T6) (637%)      (37%) (55.3%) (38.T3)   (40.3%)*S 
Relative 
Markos       Debre        In For 
the Humidity 
06, 
average 
on 
06, 
year 
1974 
values. 
12 & 
18 
hours l00al 
12 
& 
18 
2.5 
5.1  Speed2  Wind 
Wind 
Speed 
Teble  6 
knots in 
hours 
local 
2.8 
6.3 
1.0 
2.2 6.1 
0.4 
2.3 
5.8 
1.1 
0.2 
4.5 
0.7 
(87%) 
0,6 3.7 1,0 
0.6 4.7 1.5 
0.8 
4.2 1,8 
140 545 
2.8 
2.6 
6.3 2.2 
1.7 4.7 3.0 
2.9 
5.3 
2 
3.4 
(3.4) 
(2.9)     (3.1) 
(1,8) 
(1,8) 
(2.3)     (2,3) 
(3.1)      (3.7)      (3.1)      (3.4)      (3.7) ITINCRARY 
APPENDIX   III 
& 
WORKING 
CONTACTS 1-2 
HorroSeka (a) 
Bure    Finote-Sel2m                (c)                                    (b) 
Markog      Debre (2) 
CONTACTS              WORKING Meslkerem       1970      Moskercm            26,     Meskerem               1970  25,   1970  24,   Meskercm       Meskeren              1970   24,    Meskerem               1970  23,   ININERARY                    1970  22,          ITIIERARY 
Yehualaw        Yimer Ato 
Kassie         Adugna  Ato Mesfin        Abere 
Adnassu       Girma  Ato 
Eshete         Assefa   Bekele         Melaku         Ato     Maj. 
& 
Revurn 
Back Visit   Finoto-Sclm             Bure   Deprture           Visit       at Departure      to 
WORKING CONTACTS 
to 
Seka.  Deputy 
loreda 
EPID 
Administrator.                 griculturl                The               Regionnl 
The 
to 
to 
Addis 
to 
Debre 
Project 
by 
Administrator       Woreda     Administr1tor                 of 
-
IAR 
Markos Ababa. 
Station. 
Awr1j2 
0fficer 
Daputy Chief 
Administrator 
of 
Bure Shik 
Udad. 
aren, Experimentl 
Horrow Scka 
PID 
IAR 
-
Car 
to 
for 
PID. 
Debre 
inrkos 
APPDIX    III, 
Station 
Horro 
of 
Cojm. MAPS 
APPENDIX IV VADA-   AREA        R0JECT BIRR        LOWER 1970 
LOCATION 
Eth 
C 
MAP 
Galideo 
ona 
Gesel 
I500 
Setin 
Fvte 
Setam 
2063 
250,000     SCALE 1: 
Trails
Project  Area. 
.

Summery

Summary: Agricultural Development Potential of Lower Birr

Agricultural Development Potential of Lower Birr - Summary

Document Overview

This 1970 field report by the Valleys Agricultural Development Authority (VADA) assesses the agricultural potential of Lower Birr in Ethiopia's Gojam Administrative Region. The study focuses on identifying underutilized arable lands suitable for rainfed cultivation and potential irrigation development.

Key Findings

1. Area Description

Location: Southern section of Birr River Area, elevation 1,300-1,600m
Size: ~100,000 hectares total, with 70,000 hectares considered arable
Topography: Generally flat (70% of area has slopes ≤2%) with widely spaced drainage systems
Population: Sparse, with only ~320 farmers cultivating ~1,000 hectares

2. Environmental Conditions

Climate (Estimated)

Annual Rainfall	880mm (peaking July-September)
Average Temperature	20.3°C (3°C warmer than nearby Dangila station)

Soils

Predominantly dark clay (grumusols) - fertile but challenging for cultivation:

Crack when dry, slowly permeable when wet
Require more power for ploughing
Classified as least desirable for irrigation (Class 3)

3. Current Agricultural Status

Main crops: millet, chick-peas, noog, maize (different from higher elevation areas)
Only ~18% of area cultivated (vs 60-100% in Upper Birr and Debohila)
Limited use of modern farming techniques or fertilizers

4. Development Potential

Potential Crops	Maize, teff, millet, chick-peas, sesame, haricot-beans, pepper, flax, sorghum, tobacco, cotton
Land Development Costs	Clearing: 200-225 Birr/hectare; Leveling: 100-125 Birr/hectare
Water Requirements	526mm estimated for maize (with 149mm surplus water)

5. Constraints and Recommendations

        Major Constraints:
        Health hazards (malaria and trypanosomiasis)
Challenging soil conditions
Poor accessibility (limited trails, no roads)
Limited local climate and soil data

        
        Recommendations:
        Begin with moderate-scale pilot development to gather data
Implement surface drainage networks
Develop access routes to the area
Initiate crop adaptability trials
Consider eventual conversion to irrigation dependent on Upper Birr Project

    

Conclusion

The Lower Birr area presents significant agricultural potential due to its large tracts of underutilized arable land, adequate rainfall, and fertile soils. While challenges exist regarding soil management, accessibility, and health hazards, the report recommends phased development beginning with rainfed agriculture and potential future conversion to irrigation. The area is particularly suitable for establishing large-scale farms to address food shortages in the region.