Melka Sadi-Amibara Irrigation Project Feasibility Study Summary
Project Overview
The Melka Sadi-Amibara Irrigation Project is a proposed development in Ethiopia's Awash Valley, commissioned by the Imperial Ethiopian Government through the Awash Valley Authority (AVA). The feasibility study was conducted by Italconsult in 1969.
Key Findings
- Location: Middle Awash Valley, Ethiopia
- Total Area: 17,770 ha (geographical), 16,899 ha (gross), 13,809 ha (net)
- Water Source: Awash River and tributaries (Kessem and Kebena)
- Climate: Favorable for irrigation with mean annual temperature of 25.6°C and annual rainfall of 576mm
- Land Classification: Mostly Class I-III (95.4% arable)
Project Components
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Irrigation System | Two diversion weirs (Melka Sadi and Melka Warar), main canals, district canals, unit canals, and field canals |
| Drainage System | Main drains, district drains, unit drains, and field drains |
| Flood Protection | Western Dyke (57,500m) and Eastern Dyke (42,000m) |
| Road Network | 159km of main and secondary roads |
| Settlement Scheme | Planned for 5,000 ha (reduced to 4,700 ha in study) with housing, schools, and services |
Agricultural Production
Primary crops considered:
- Main Cash Crops: Tobacco and cotton
- Other Crops: Maize, groundnuts, beans, vegetables
- Double Cropping: Feasible throughout the area
Economic Evaluation
| Development Scenario | Internal Rate of Return |
|---|---|
| Commercial Farms Only (Cotton-based) | 14.4% |
| Commercial Farms Only (Tobacco-based) | 16.7% |
| Commercial Farms Only (Mixed) | 15.5% |
| With Settlement Scheme (Mixed) | 14.7% |
Key Recommendations
- Complete final design promptly to prevent disorderly development
- Establish water availability guarantees from EELPA (Koka Dam)
- Implement agricultural experimentation program
- Develop marketing arrangements for tobacco and vegetables
- Reconsider size of Settlement Scheme due to financial viability concerns
- Establish clear water rates and taxation policies
- Plan for personnel needs well in advance
- Coordinate urban infrastructure development
Implementation Timeline
The project was planned to be implemented over 4 years, with cultivation beginning in the second year and full development expected within 5 years of starting construction.