Summary of Arjo-Dedessa Irrigation Project Feasibility Study
Project Overview
The Arjo-Dedessa Irrigation Project is a major development initiative in Ethiopia's Oromia region, aimed at creating irrigation infrastructure for 13,665 hectares of land through construction of a 40m high earth dam on the Diddessa River.
Key Project Components:
- Earth dam with 8785ha reservoir area
- 104km canal system (60km Left Bank, 44km Right Bank)
- 87 secondary canals
- Command area covering parts of Bedelle, Jimma-Arjo, Gechi, Borecha and Limu Seka Woredas
Organization and Management
Implementation Structure:
The project will be implemented in two phases:
- Planning, Design and Implementation Phase: Managed by Federal Ministry of Water Resources through a Project Coordination Office
- Operation and Maintenance Phase: To be transferred to Oromia Irrigation Development Authority
Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM):
The project emphasizes Water Users Associations (WUAs) at different levels:
Level | Coverage | Responsibilities |
---|---|---|
Outlet Level | Quaternary canal command | Local water distribution |
Tertiary Level | Multiple outlets | Dispute resolution |
Secondary Level | 200-500ha | Operation & maintenance |
Project Level | Entire project | Overall coordination |
Settlement Planning
Impact Assessment:
- 30 kebeles affected (15 in command area, 15 in reservoir area)
- Estimated 14,085 households (73,157 people) affected
- 9% of households are female-headed
Resettlement Plan:
Key considerations include:
- Land-based resettlement strategies preferred
- Compensation for lost assets and properties
- Replacement of social service facilities
- Special attention to vulnerable groups
Key Challenges and Recommendations
Challenges:
- Historical distrust of resettlement programs due to past experiences
- Limited social service infrastructure in project area
- Need for extensive training programs
- Potential conflicts over resource allocation
Recommendations:
- Early and meaningful community participation
- Clear compensation policies and mechanisms
- Capacity building for WUAs and project staff
- Gender-sensitive approaches
- Integration with existing traditional institutions
Project Benefits
The project is expected to:
- Transform subsistence agriculture to commercial production
- Enhance food security in the region
- Create employment opportunities
- Improve rural infrastructure and services
- Serve as model for participatory irrigation management