Summary: Amibara Irrigation Project II - Pastoralist & Forestry Development Studies
1. Overview
This report, prepared by MacDonald Agricultural Services Limited (January 1991), addresses the environmental and socio-economic challenges arising from irrigation development in Ethiopia's Middle Awash Valley. The study focuses on mitigating impacts on Afar pastoralists and restoring ecological balance through pasture and forestry initiatives.
Key Objectives:
- Compensate for lost grazing lands due to irrigation expansion
- Address deforestation and fuelwood shortages
- Promote sustainable land use and Afar participation
- Improve human and animal health services
2. Current Situation
Environmental Context
The study area covers 925,450 ha in the East African Rift Valley, characterized by:
- Semi-arid climate (500mm annual rainfall)
- Diverse landforms including alluvial soils and Acacia bushland
- Significant loss of dry season grazing (23,000 ha converted to irrigation)
Population and Land Use
| Group | Population | Primary Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Afar Pastoralists | ~66,000 | Livestock herding |
| State Farm Workers | ~50,000 | Cotton cultivation |
3. Key Problems Identified
- Pastoral Challenges: Loss of critical grazing lands leading to overgrazing and herd concentration
- Deforestation: 80,000 tonnes/year fuelwood demand causing woodland degradation
- Social Tensions: Conflicts between clans and with neighboring groups (Issa, Kereyu)
- Failed Interventions: Past settlement schemes and irrigated pasture projects showed limited success
4. Proposed Programme
Five Main Components
- Advance Programme: Immediate confidence-building measures (health services, education, water supply)
- Pasture & Agricultural Programme: Small-scale irrigated units (50-100 ha) respecting clan territories
- Forestry Programme: Multi-purpose tree planting (fuelwood, browse, erosion control)
- Training Programme: Capacity building for Afar communities and project staff
- Institutional Framework: Strong coordination under Deputy Prime Minister's office
Implementation Approach
- "Bottom-up" participatory design with Afar communities
- 10-year phased implementation (two 5-year phases)
- Total estimated cost: 35.9 million birr (17.5 million USD)
- Priority given to Angelele-Bolhamo extension area
5. Critical Recommendations
- Avoid large centralized schemes in favor of clan-based small units
- Respect traditional land tenure systems in project design
- Combine environmental restoration with livelihood support
- Establish clear institutional coordination mechanisms