Ministry of Water Resources, Basin Development Study Department
Aysha Basin Reconnaissance Phase Study
THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPL 'BLIC OF ETHIOPI. I MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
AYSHA RAS1N RECONNAISSANCE PHASE MASTER PLAN
Volume V: Socio-economics
A- Agricultural Economics B- Demography
|Socio economics!Preface
The dry basins reconnaissance phase study has been conducted by the experts pulled out
from die basin development study department Data collection and rapid field visit was
made for three dry basins simultaneously viz. Ogaden. Aysha and DenakiL between June
and August 1999, then the report production was almost completed in May 2000
The   report   is   divided   in   to   VI   volumes   made   up   from   works   conducted   during   the   study phase. Each volume lias sections depending on die details of die sector.
\ olume 1 
\ OlUTT.e II
Volume III
Volume IV
Volume V
Volume VI
Executive Summan
Natural Resources
Agriculture
Waler Resources
Socio-Economy
Environment
List of experts produced these report arc.
Eyilachcw Yitayew
Geology and Mineralogy
Abebe Gulnia
Q o!omon XkngNru Amarc H Selassie
Soil survey and Lana ex amauun
Land use over
r
Feb ?.h’ ed
n
Sii.teijb idanan Mckonncn Worku Isawis \\ .Alai uun 
. nnim Admasu Belay Tegegn
V ubshet Alemayeiiu 
Forestry and Energy
Wild lite and
.uuonumy
Livestock. Range land. Apiculture and Fishery Hydrology
Hvdrogsologv
Dams and Hydropov er
Irrigation and Drainage
1 r' t
\hne‘ G Medhir hJShLi rvCiJuviL
Melaku
Geidciicw Beyenc Yevesus ork Bckele
* •eo»e,chniciK and In!’’:!*’’-’ ’u— AgriL.ulim.il r
Demography
Soil and W ater Conservative Environment and Environmental HrahhThe Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ministry of Water Resources
Aysha Basin Integrated Development
Reconnaissance Master Plan Project
Socio- Economics Survey
December, 1999TABLE OF CONTENT
PAGE
1.  INTRODUCTION___________________________________________________________ ______—............1
2.  SOCIO - ECONOMIC SURVEY_____________________________________________________________ 2
2 1 Agriculture and associated services.................................................... -............................................................... 2
2.2 Social Services............................................................ ................................................................................................. 2
2 2 1 Education................. ... ........................ ................................................................................................................... 2
2.22 Health.......... . ........................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.2.3 Electric supply............
w
..................................................................................................................... .................... 3
2 2 4 Water Supply.................................................................................................................................................. 3
22 5 Communication ................................... ............................... ................................. :................ . ..
3
2.3  Instttttion  ............................ . .................................................................................................................................3
2.4  Investment................................................................ ................................................................................................. 4
2 5 Social anthropology............................................................................................................................................... 4
2.b Conclusion and Recommendation ..................................................................................................Avsha basin Integrated Development Reconnaissance
Master Plan Project
1.   Introduction
The Aysha  basin is located in the eastern comer of Ethiopia, in Somali Regional State. The basin is bordered by  Somali land in the East, the Awash river in the west and south and the Republic of Djibouti in the north.
It   is   the   smallest   of   all   the   basins   within   Ethiopia.   It   comprises   about   2,220   km"   of   land. The Issa clan of the Somali tribe are inhabitants of the basin.
Tile Issa are pastoralists moving with their animals in search of grazing land and water.
The topography  of the area  is dominated by  plain land with some undulating  features. The altitude rangs between 1700  to  575  m.a.s.l. The basin is mostly  victim of drought and occasional torrential rainfall associated with flood. There is a  very' severe shortage of water throughout the basin.
The climatic condition of the area  is very  cumbersome to  live in for both animals and human beings. The maximum and minimum daily  temperature within the basin ranges between 31.3°c and 18.2°c and the mean temprature is about 24.8°c.
.All the infrastructures and social services are inadequate for the population.
Though    the    area    is    endowed    with    animaL    mineral,    natural    gas    resources    no    development scheme has so far been launched by the government as well as NGOs.2.    Socio - Economic Survey
2.1     Agriculture and associated services
The agriculture of the basin is dominated by  rearing  animals with negligible primitive fanning  practice. All associated services such the extension, credit, marketing  services are very  insufficient and backward. There arc also  a  very  limited vetemary  services with inadequate drug  and equipment supplies. The pastoralists do  sell their animals to  get money to  buy  consumable goods like clothes, kerosene, oil, rice and weapons for hunting  and defending themselves from some intruders.
2.2    Social Services
2.2.1 Education
No  data  was available during  the field survey  regarding  education However, from some interviews held with the local elders it was said that a  very  few elementary  schools with a very  limited number of student and staff are available within the basin. Since the inhabitant are wondercrsihey  allow their children only  to  look after their livestock they  do  not want their children to  go  to  school. On top of this the schools are also  far from where they  are leaving.
2.2.2      Health
There arc 2  health posts throughout Aysha  basin based on the data  given from Shnillc health department. These are considered to  be insufficient for the population who  need health services The critical health diseases are tuberculosis, malaria, and some otherwater bom diseases.2.2.3      Electric supply
There is no electric supply beyond the town of Dire Dawa. People use firewood and Keresone light as source of energy.
2.2.4      Water Supply
Based on interviews with local people, though water supply  is very  crucially  needed in the area  very  little had been done to  alleviate such problem. Only  negligible number of water points are constructed by  water and energy’ resource development bureau of the Somali regional state No  proper maintenance, operation and rehabilitation is done for (he existing water supply  sources. Therefore people and animals are forced to  wonder to  far away places to  find water. Since these water supply  sources arc unprotected and untreated most inhabitants are vulnerable to  various types of water bom diseases, such as diarhea. amoeba, gardia etc.
2.2.5      Communication
There    are    only    one    road    crossing    (he    basin    connecting    some    villages    and    the    republic    of Dijoubti. There are some postal agents and there is no telecommunication service.
2.3 Institution
There are all the government administration Institutional set-ups such as zone, woreda  and peasant associations within the basin. Therefore, any  project intervention can be assisted by these government admmisirations structures.2.4 Investment
Though the area is endowed with some natural resources no investment is launched.
2.5     Social Anthropology
Ethnic group
The Issa people are the inhabitants of the Aysha basin.
Religion
The Issa arc all followers of Muslim religion.
Language
The Issas speak Somali language
Economic activity
The Issas depend on their animals tor their livelihood. They  strictly  rear animals such as cattle, camel, goats and sheeps. Some Sorghum and maize cultivation is practised. Thes use "dongorra" (hoe) for cultivation.
Settlement pattern
They  live  in  hamlets  that  is  cluster  of  huts  at  any  given  place  The  population  of  the  people is very’ small as compared to the area of the basin.
aConflict-with other ethnic group
The Issa combat with the Afars on grazing land and water sources. However, the despine
was settled down with the mediation of the government representatives and local elders from
both sides.
Clothing
Male
The   Issa   male   wear   white   wrap   around   skirt   and   white   cloak   thrown   over   the   shoulder   with sword on the waist and wear plastic sandal or cartie hvde.
Female
Female   Issa   dress   different   colour   wrap   around   skirt   and   different   colour   head   dress   “dim   a" and wear plastic shoe. Girls use “Gofftta” head dress. Married women do not use them.
Food
They    usually    eat    porridge    made    up    of    sorghum    or    maize    with    milk.    Rice    with    meat,    butter and cheese is served during holidays.
Housing
Their hut is similar to  that of Afars. They  use sticks to  construct their house and they  will cover it plastic sheet. The huts arc easy  to  dismantle move it from place to  place on the back ot camel or donkeys. Females here also  are responsible in constructing  and dismantling  the hutMarriage
Marriage follows Islamic law Elder people will go  to  the family  of the girl and ask tn marrv their son. If they  agree the two  spouses will do  ‘Nekah" or promise. Usually  girls marry from 10  years onward while boys marry  from 15  years onward. Most of the property  is owned by  the male. A man can marry  up to  three or more depending  on the wealth he possess. Cross-cousin marriage is practised.
The   spouse   are   administrated   by   local   law   known   as   ucity."   Not   only   the   married   couple   but all the people of the baisn are abided by this law.
The social structure
The dominating Clans chiefs within (he Aysha Woreda are
1.          Yonnus Jibril
2.            Hussein Jama and
3.            Mohammed Huffennc
Division of labour
The Issa women prepare lood for the family. fetch fire wood, build huts, do selling of milk
buner and shoat and buy salt, kerosene, oil. sugar and cloth Male herd and water animals,
sell cattle and buy’ weapon for defence and hunting
Women   have   equal   say   with   the   male   in   any   family   matter   Political   and   external   affairs   arc handled by men.Circumcision and Infibulation
All Issa male are circumcised. Female are excised their clitoris. Such female operation is
harmful and will result in complication during pregnancy and delivery.
2.6     Conclusion and Recommendation
Aysha  basin is a  forgotten area. Some thing  should be done to  alleviate the prevailing  health hazards on both animal and human. Education and vital infrastructure such as reliable roads should be developed to inhance project development in the area.Ministry of Water Resources, Basin Development Study Department Aysha Basin Reconnaissance Phase Study
THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
AYSHA BASIN RECONNAISSANCE PHASE MASTER PLAN
Volume V:   Socio-economics
A- Agricultural Economics B- Demography
>ocio-economic:Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ministry of Water Resources
Aysha basin Integrated Development Reconnaissance
Master Plan Project
November, 1999Aythi Dry Basin Muter Plan Project Reconnaissance Socio - Economy Report Demognaphy
TabU of conUnis
1 Introduction.
Page
.1
2. Population distribution
2.1 Size and distribution pattern of the Ayesha dry basin population-1
2.2 Sex composition-.............................................................................................................................................................................2
3. Demographic Education and economic characteristics..2
3.1 Basin population distribution by broad age group2
3.2 Dependency Ratio..................................................................................................................................................................... ..
3.3 Religion, Ethnic by and language...
33 1 Religion..........................................................................................................................................................................................
3.3.2 Ethnicity..........................................—
3.3.3 Language......................................................................................................................................................... -
Type of residence and house hold size.................................................... ...............................................................................................
3.4.1 Type of residence~.................................................................................................................................................... ..
3 
4.2 
Average
house
hold
size
3.5 Marital status............................................................................................................... ...................................................................... 3.o Economic activity_
3.6.1 Economically active population and unemployment.......................... ...................
3.7 Education.........
3.7.1 Literacy.............................................................................................................................................................................~ 3.7.2 Gross and net enrollment ratio....w„
4. Population dynamics—
4.1 Fertility-.......................—
4.2 Mortality.........
.9
10
Ministry of Water Resorces River Bsin Development Studies Department
January 2000
menm-n
'O               oo oo ooAysha Dry Batin Master Plan Project Reconnaiaaance Socio - Economy Report Demogrraphy______________________________ 2
List of Tabla
Page
Table 2.1 Total population of basin by zone and wcreda urban, Rural and sex 1997..................................................................................... 2
Table 3.1 Population size of basin by brood age group, sex, urban and rural 1997.........................................................................................2
Table 3.2 Percentage distribution of total population broad age group and dependency ratio..................................................................... 3
Table 3.3 Population size of region by religion, sex Urban and Rural 1997..................................................................................................... 3
Table 3.4 Five major ethnic groups of werda by sex, Urban and rural 1997 .................................................................................................. 4
Table 3.5 Population size of zone by mother tongue, sex, urban and rural 1997............................................................................................. 5
Table 3.6 Percentage distribution of population of zone by type of residence, Urban and rural 1997.......................................................... 5
Table 3.7 House hold size and Average number of persons per house hold in conventional house holds by
zone, Urban and rural 1997............................................................................................................................................................................5
Table 3.8 Population aged ten years and over by marital status sex (Somali 1997)......................................................................................... 6
Table 3.9 population of zone aged ten yean and over by sex activity (Unemployed) status and rate,
urban and rural 1997 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Table 3.10 Population of zone aged then yean and over by percent literate,sex urban and rural 1997.........................................................8
Table 3.11 Gross and net enrollment ratio in primary, Junior and senior secondary school by zone, sex,
urban and rural 1997 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Tabic 4.1 Fertility rate by region (Somali 1997................................................................................................................................................. 10
Table 4.2 Estimated infant and child mortality rate by region and sex (1997).............................................................................................. 10
Ministry of Water Resorces River Basin Development Studies Department
January 2000Ayaha Dry Bmn Matter Pirn Project Reconnliwimce Soao - Economy Report Demogrraphy
1.        Introduction
According  to  the Ethiopia’s present regional!zatinn arrangement region five includes a territory  occupied by  the Somali ethnic group. The Somali through they  belong  to  numerous clans, are a  mono  lingual The majority  of the people arc pastoralists who  regularly  more from one place to  another, with their herds in search of grazing  land and watering  sources. Pastorahsm forms the socio-economic base of the region.
Region   five   is   divided   in   to   nine   administrative   zones.   Again   each   zone   is   divided   into   second lowest administrative units known as weredas.
The Ayesha dry basin is situated in region five. The basin comprises only one wereda
partially in the basin.
The total population of the basin have been estimated from the 1997  national census result. For lack of available information for the proportion of the wereda  partially  in the basin, the total population of the wereda was treated as part of the basin Population.
2.        Population distribution
2.1      Size and distribution pattern of the Ayesha dry basin population
In any  developmental issues population data  serves as a  base. An understanding  of the basic population characteristics of a  given area  will have much effect on designing  and implementation of a  sustainable developmental program. For this fact, the population size of the Ayesha dry basin is presented in this section.
The   CSA   census   result   of   1997   reveals   that   in   the   basin   area   there   are   46605   persons.   Out   of the total basin population (6577) Persons do live in urban while the rest treat 40028 (or
85.88   percent)   live   in   the   rural   area.   For   detail   under   standing   of   population   of   the   Kasin   by urban and rural settlements and by sex and wereda level,( see table2.1).
Ministry of Water Resorces River Bsm Development Studies Department
January 2000Ayiha Dry Bacn Muter Plan Project Reconnuswwe Soao - Economy Report Demogrraphy------------------- 2
2.2     Sex composition
Sex  composition is the most basic of all demographic characteristics which plays an important role in the population analyses because it affects directly  the incidence of marriage, birth, etc. Only  one basic measure is used here to  study  the sex  composition of the population of the basin known as sex ratio.
In normal circumstances, the over all sex ratio is expected to be 100. The over all sex ratio of the basin was 100.02 indicating no slight deficit of any of the sexes. In the Urban areas the ratio is 96.86, while in the rural areas it is observed to be 100.55. Generally in all cases there is not a significant difference between the two sexes.
Table 2.1 Total population of basin by zone and wereda urban, Rural and sex 1997
Zone
U+R
Urban
Urban
Wereda
Both
Sexes
A/afe
Female
Both
Sexes
Male
Female
Both
Sexes
Male
Female
Sex Ratio
Basin
46605
23305
moo
6577
3236
3341
40028
20069
19959
1.50
Ayisha
46605        23305
23300
6577
3236
3341
40028
20069
19959
1.00
3.       Demographic Education and economic characteristics
3.1     Basin population distribution by broad ago group
Constant to  the contest of developing  world the Aycsha  dry  basin area  exhibits a  young population below 15  years age comprises 45.24  percent The age group of 15664  yean are found to  be 52.18  percent of the population. Avery  small percentage amounting  2.58  percent of the population are found to  constitute the age group 65  and over. Higher population at the lower age group signifies many  aspects (1) indicates the degree of efforts that should be expected in the future to  satisfy  the social welfare of this particular age group in terms of adequate social service provisions etc. (2) high lights the labor force that will be entering  into the working  force implying  the need for the creation of employment opportunities.(see Ublc3.1)
Table 3.1 Population size of basin by brood age group, sex, urban and rural 1997
0-4
5-9
Both
Sexei
10-14
15-64
65+
Malt
Fault
Both
Sexts
Male
Female
Both
S«ti
Both
Both
2711
Malt
U*R
3573
2164
7857
Fanale
3932
Mala
Fcnmlc
M lt
F—U
3925
7650
Uro®
786
367
419
3803
3847
976
491
24319
11956
12363
1204
485
a 903
856
30)
Riral
4789
2344
2443
422
6881
434
3441
3808
1868
1940
151
Q
3440
6794
63
3381
3413
20511
10088
10423
1053
815            138
Ministry of Water Resorces River Bsin Development Studies Department
January 2000Aysha Pty Bam Muter Plan Project Reconnamance Sodo - Economy Report Dapogtraphy
3
3.2     Dependency Ratio
In addition to  knowledge of the broad age group distribution we also  need to  know its dependency  ratio  structure, Because this important characteristic of a  population, has a considerable impact on socio-economic behavior. The dependency  ratio  for the Ayesha  dry basin area  is estimated at 91.64  percent, which means about 100  persons in the productive age group are expected to  support about 92  dependents, by  providing  them with food, Shelter, education, etc. The dependency  ratio  in the rural settlement area  is higher than for urban settlement area at 95.1$ percent and 72.71 percent respectively.
Table 1.2 Percentage distribution of total population broad age group and dependency ratio
Raidaici
% istribution by broad age group
Dependency ratio
0-14
15-64
65+
Young
Old
Over all
Total
45.24
52.18
2.58
86.69
4.95
91.64
Urban
39.80
57.98
2.29
68.75
3.96
72.71
Rural
46.13
51.24
2.63
90.02
5.13
95.15
3.3     Religion, Ethnic by and language.
3.3.1  Religion
Religion is one of the major socio-Cultural charactrsics of a  population. Based on the 1997 population and housing  census result of Ethiopia  the religious composition of the population in the somali region indicates that 98.74  percent are Muslims and 1.08  percent are orthodox Christians. The remaining  0.18  percent is constituted by  other believers. Of the total urban dwellers 93.35  percent are Muslim religion followers, followed by  orthodox  Christians which constituted 5.78  percent of the total Urban population. Out of 2890173  rural population 99  6 percent are Muslims. Only  few residuals that is 0.37  percent are followers of Christian religion and others.
Ministry of Water Resorces River Bsin Development Studies Department
January 2000Aysha Dry Bum Master Plan Project Recormrwmce Socio - Economy Report Demogmphy____________ 4
Table 3.3 Population size of region by religion, «ex Urban and Rural 1997
CHRISTIAN
CeflUJk
....
OCWr
NttUBU
U+R
36586
3451
3988
3340101
413
2093
1070
3382702
Urbwi
28476
2058
1215
4605503
63
-
214
492529
Rural
3110
1393
2773
2879598
350
2093
856
2890173
3.3.2  Ethnicity
Ethnic identity is another important attribute of a population. Distribution of the major ethnic groups in the Ayesha dry basin area is provided in table 3.4 as indicated in the table, the overwhelming majority that is about 96 percent of the population of the basin belongs to one ethnic group the Somali followed by the Oromo ethnic group which centitutcs about 1.70 percent Amara, and the others constituted 1.60 percent, and 0.7 percent respectively.
Table 3.4 Five major ethnic groups of werda by sex, Urban and rural 1997
Urtcn * Kuril
Urban
Kuril
Both
Sexes
Male
Female
Both
Sexes
Male
Female
Both
Sexes
Male
Female
Ayesha
46605
23305
23300
6377
3236
3341
40028
20069
19959
Amara
734
327
407
732
325
407
2
2
Guragje
219
129
90
219
129
90
-
-
Oromo
792
402
390
781
395
386
11
7
4
Somali
44737
22384
22353
4733
2333
2400
40004
20051
19953
Tigraway
74
40
34
74
40
34
Other
49
23
26
38
14
24
11
9
2
3.3.3  Language
Language Usually spoken in the basin area is found to be clustered around ethnicity. This is evidenced by the fact that in (the 1997 national census the reported mother tongue (i.c language spoken m the house) to correspond to their respective ethnicity. That is Somalia speaking Somalinga the Amara speaking Amaringa etc.
How ever, there are persons who are able to speak additional language other than mother tongue- some Amara speaking Somalinga and vise versa. This appears to be apparent in the Urban settlement category.
Mimsny of Waler Resorces River Bsin Development Studies Department
January 2000Aysha Dry Baan Matter Plan Project ReconnaiMance Socio - Economy Report Demogrraphy
5
Tabic 3.5 Population size of zone by mother tongue, sex, urban and rural 1997
one
Ethnic group
Urban ♦ Rural
Urban
Rural
Both
Sexes
Male
Female
Both
Sexes
Male
Female
Both
Male
Female
Shinile
All Perse ns
353954
188371
165583
53315
27270
26045
300639
161101
139538
Amannga
4102
2152
1950
4016
2066
1950
86
86
-
Guraginga
257
162
95
257
162
95
-
-
-
Orominga
8401
4151
4250
5331
2428
2903
3070
1723
1347
Somahnga
340822
181623
159199
43561
22553
21008
297261
159070
138191
Others
372
283
89
150
61
89
222
222
-
Type of residence and house hold size
3.4.1 Type of residence
Type of resdence is categorized into two major groups, namely conventional and non
conventional.
The non-conventional again is sub divided in to residents of collective quarters and the
homeless.
The percentage for conventional house holds and the non conventional house holds arc 99.90 and 0.90 rcspcctively.(shinile zone)
3.4.2   Average house hold size
The distribution of average house hold size for the population living in a conventional house hold of Shinile zone (partly in the basin) is given in Table 3.7
According to the data compiled from the 1997 census a total of 54617 conventional house holds were enumerated for the Shinile zone.
The residents urban and rural are 8982 and 45635 respectively.
Table 3 6 Percentage distribution of population of zone by type of residence, Urban and rural 1997
Type of residence
Urban/rural
Zone
Total
population
Conventional House hold
Hotel
hostel
Other Collective
quarters
Homeless
Shinilr zone
U+R
100
99.90
0.06
0.03
Urban
100
99.78
0.03
0.07
0.11
Rural
100
99.92
-
0.06
0.01
Ministry of Water Resorces River Bsm Development Studies Department
January 2000Aysha Dry Master Plan Project Reconnaissance Socao - Economy Report Demognaphy
Table 3.7 Huese hold size and Average number of persons per house hold in conventional
house holds by zone, Urban and rural 1997
6
U+R
Urban
Rural
Zone
Total No of
house hold
Average
hh size
Total  No  of House holds
Average
hh size
Table   no   of house holds
Average
Shinile
54617
6.5
8982
5.9
45635
6.6
3.5      Marital status
Marital status is an important variable affecting  fertility  behavior. Change in the distribution of marital status have an important bearing  on the size and structure of famihes and house holds. Analysis of Hara  indicates that 58.47  percent of the population of Somali region were single, while the remaining  where ever married. The percentage distribution of single in the urban and rural areas are 58.5  percent and 58.47  percent respectively, the rate for currently married population of the total population is 37.14  percent It is 37.34  percent and 34.33 percent for rural and urban areas respectively.
Table 3.8 Population aged ten years and over by marital status sex (Somali 1997)
MerWad
—Me-rW
Urbaa
Both sexae
Male
Female
345624
202232
113656
9291
14902
541
116636
56574
2967
2292
217
162738
6396
60064
6324 i                12610
324
R.mi
Both eexee
Male
Female
1951504
1140965
734447
17921
55546
1071643
2605
697263
3*5677
7090
10257
1356
679661
443722
373770
10831
45289
1249
Urban 4Riq1
Bolt eexee
Male
Female
2297126
1343217
853105
27212
70448
1254529
3146
616099
414251
10057
12549
1042599
1573
527113
438854
17155
57899
Percetaae
Urban
BoA saxes
Mala
Female
1573
100 1
58.51
34.33
127
4.31
100
Q.16
64 96
32.03
1.62
100
1.15
51.25
0.12
36.92
3.89
7.75
0.20
Riral
BoAras
Male
Female
100
36.47
37.34
0.92
100
185
65.06
0.13
33.19
0.66
0.96
100
0.13
50.43
43.05
1.23
5.15
0.14
V±K
Both saxes
Male
100
58.47
37.14
1.18
3.07
100
0.14
65.03
33.02
0.80
Female
100
oao
013
50.56
4109                  0.16
5.55
0.15
Ministry of Water Resorces River Basin Development Studies Department
January 2000Ay»b» Dry B»cn Matta Plan Project ReconnaiMance Socio - Economy Report Demogrraphy 3.6      Economic activity
3.6.1  Economically active population and unemployment
7
In leas developed societies it commonly  is observed that children even at age of about five do participate in some sort of economic activities- such as looking  after cattle, fetching  water, wood, etc and people aged beyond 64  per form economic under takings. But mostly  the range 15  to  64  years is tobe for the classification of active population. In the 1997  census, the
population   aged   ten   years   and   over   is   considercs   economically   active.   Based   on   the   1997
census result economic activity  rate is worked out for Shinile zone which is with in the basin partly  of the total population of the zone, population aged ten years and above accounted for 69.16  percent From the total urban population 58.25  percent are considered as economically  active. In the rural area  out of the total rural population 70.00  percent is said to be economically active.(In formation is available in aggregate form by zone)
In the same way unemployment rate (the ratio between unemployed and active population) is
6.74   percent.   Taking   the   urban   population   the   figure   escalates   to   25.69   percent   The   rural un  employment  rate  is  low  comprising  only  3.92  percent.  In  aggregate  form  and  in  the  rural and urban areas female unemployment rate is slightly higher than their counter parts (see table
3.9).
Table 3.9 population of zone aged ten years and over by sex activity (Unemployed) status
and rate, urban and rural 1997
Activity ytotiis
Urban/Rural
ondstx zofid
Total
XctfPr
Nott
Un employed
Activity
Raid
Raid
Shmile zone
U+R
Both sexes
Male
Female
246343
169585
75632
1126
11435
69.16
6.74
131266
105037
25531
648
6013
80.45
5.72
1150770
64498
50101
478
5422
56.28
8.41
Urban
Both eexei
Male
Female
37864
22026
15790
48
5658
58.25
26 69
19273
13457
5768
48
3002
70.00
22.31
18591
8569
10022
-
2656
46 09                          31 00
Rural
Both sexes
Male
Female
208479
147559
59842
1078
5777
71.15
3.92
111993
91630
19763
600
3011
82.26
3.29
96486          55929
40079
478
276o
58.25
4.95
Ministry of Water Resorces River Basin Development Studies Department
January 2000Ay*h» Dry Basm Muter Plan Project Reconnausance Socio - Economy Report Demogrraphy
3.7      Education
In the 1997 census of the somali region school attendance and educational attainment questions were in eluded and statistical tables were produced in the various census statistical reports. Here only two variables that is literarcy and enrollment ratios are presented to show the education situation.
3.7.1 Literacy
8
Information on literacy  is improtant to  assess the level and exposure of the population to  the education process of an area, The 1997  census result revealed that the Icteracy  rate of the zone that is partially  in the basin is found to  be 4.91  percent with 95.09  percent illiterate. As indicated in the following  tabic, the literacy  rare of females is less than their counter parts for both the rural and urban areas. Companion across the setdement areas shows that more literate population arc found in the urban areas.
Table 3.10 Population of zone aged then years and over by percent literate,sex urban and rural 1997
Percent literate
Zone
Urbtx + Rur^J
Urbi*
Male
Saa
Stxa
Shinile
4.91
7.31
2.16                19.09
29.17
863
233
3.55
0 92
3.7.2  Gross and ner enrollment ratio
Gross enrollment ratio  in primary  education is defined as the ratio  of sstudent in primary education divided by  to  total number of childem age 7-12  years (multiplied by  100  percent), gross enrollment ratio  in junior secondary  education is the number students in junior secondary  education divided by  total chldcm aged 13-14  (multiplied by  100  percent gross enrollment ratio  in senior secondary  education is the number of student in senior srt~.onriary education divided by total childem aged 15-18 years (multiplied by 100 percent).
The gross enrollment ratio  classified by  urban and rural areas for zone which partially  or wholly  in the basin is presented in table3.ll enrollment ratio  that exceed 100  indicate enrollment of over-aged childem in each level. Since this ratio  does not consider the age distribution of the enrolled population the net enrollment ratio was calculated.
Mnustry ofWater Resorces River Basin Development Studies Department
January 2000Ayaha Dry Batin Matter Plan Project Reconnamance Socio - Economy Report Deroogrraphy__________  9
Net enrollment ratio in primary education i* defined as students in primary education aged 7- 12  years divided by  total chfldem aged 7-12  years (multiplied by  100  percent). Net enrollment ratio  in junior secondary  education is defined as students in junior secondary education aged 13-14  yean divided by  total cHdcm aged 13-14  years (multiplied by  100 percent net enrollment ratio in senior secondary education aged 15-18 years divided by total childem aged 15-18  yean (multiplied by  100  percent) the net enrollment ratio  for the zone partially and wholly in the basin is given in table.
Table  3.11  Gross  and  net  enrollment  ratio  in  primary,Junior  and  senior  secondary  school  by  zone,
sex, urban and rural 1997
Zmk
Urb^Raral
Sa
Primary
Jtudor Secondary
Secondary
Age 7-12
Yean
GER
%
NER
%
Age 13-14
Years
GER
%
NER
%
Age 15-18
Years
GER
%
NER
%
Shuulzone
U*R
Botha sexes
Male
Female
76830
5.30
1.98
21333
2.02
043
40485
1.44
0.50
41236
783
2.56
12295
3.15
0.39
23341
130
087
35594
2.36
1.31
9038
0 48
0.48
17144
0.26
-
Urban
Both sexes
Male
11111
31.15
12.45
2600
10.08
3.50
5766
8 58
2.05
5809
46.39
15.75
1410
15 33
3.40
3141
14.36
3.76
Rural
Bolhs sexes
Male
Female
65719
0.93
0.21
18733
09
-
34719
0.25
0.25
35427
1.51
0.41
10885
1.54
-
20200
0.43
0.43
30292
0.24
-
7848
-
-
14519
-
-
4. Population dynamics
The main variables that influence growth of a certain population include fertility, mortality and migration.
4.1 Fertility
Population growth is determined by  fertility  and mortality  where migration is found an significcnt mortality  rate declines where economic improvements are regio  fexed. If associated with a high birth rate the resuttani will be rapid, population on growth. As can be infered from the table below crude birth (somali region) is 17.1  per 1000  persons. There a significant variation between the urban- Rural crude birth rales (CBR) the general fertility rate that indicates the ratio of the total number of beirths in a given year to the child bearing age women population (15-49), is found 85.8  in the region. Total fertility  rate (TFR) that is the total number of child bearing age is 3.1
Ministry of Water Resorces River Basin Development Studies Department
January 2000Aysha Dry Barn Matter Plan Project ReccnnitMmce Socio - Economy Report Demography Table 4.1 Fertility rate by region (somah 1997
10
Region
Urban-*- Rural
Urban
Rural
CBR
GFR 1 TER
CBR
GFR
TFR
CBR
GFR
TFR
Somali
17.1
85.8       | 3.1
22.6
104.8
3.7
162
82.3
30
4.2     Mortality
The mortality  indication include (1) in fant mortality  rate (IMR) which shows the probability of dying  of chddcm aged between birth and one year per 1000  Eve births in a  given ycar.(2) under five mortality  rate (UFMR) that is the probability  of dying  of childem aged below five. Per 1000  live birth in a  given year. (3) life expectancy  (LE) at birth that indicates the age number of yean a  new baby  is expected to  live considering  all the probabilities of death for each specific age group in the manipulation process.
As documented in the census. Result of 1997  of the somali region, in fant mortality  rale is found 96  and under five mortality  rate 137. There are significant variation between the sexes as can be observed in the following  table. The average life expectancy  for both sexes is 54.8 years, life expectancy for women is slightly less than that of theis counter.
Table 4.2 Estimated infant and child mortality rate by region and sex (1997)
Mair ♦Fruir
Mak
Region
FonaZe
____
SQo                      eOo
lq.
Somah
96
137       1 54.8
5qo 1 eO0
Iqo
5q  I eOO
90
125     |      56 2
102
0
153 J 52 9
Mmistry of Water Resorces Rivet Basm Developmenfstudxes Depattment
January 2000Ayiha Dry Basm Master Plan Project Reconnaissance Socio - Economy Report Dernogrraphy References
•     The 1994 population and housing census of ethiopia analytical report at national lev el, Addis Abeba Ethiopia .
•     The 1994 population and houshing census of Ethiopia, result for the Somali region, volume one statistical report
•     The 1994 population and housing census of Ethiopia, Analytical report at national level, Addis Abeba Ethiopia
•     Ethiopian valley development of surface water resources in the Awash basin final report volume 9 Annex K Socio- economic impbeations (1989)
11
Ministry of Water Resorces River Basin Development Studies Department
January 2000

Summery

Summary of Aysha Basin Reconnaissance Phase Study

Aysha Basin Reconnaissance Phase Study - Summary

1. Introduction

The Aysha basin is located in eastern Ethiopia, in Somali Regional State, bordering Somaliland, the Awash river, and Djibouti. It covers approximately 2,220 km² and is inhabited by the Issa clan of the Somali tribe, who are primarily pastoralists.

Key Characteristics:

Climate: Harsh with temperatures ranging from 18.2°C to 31.3°C (mean 24.8°C)
Topography: Dominated by plains with some undulating features (altitude 1700-575 m.a.s.l.)
Challenges: Severe water shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and vulnerability to drought and floods
Resources: Endowed with animal, mineral, and natural gas resources but underdeveloped

2. Socio-Economic Survey

2.1 Agriculture and Associated Services

Primarily pastoralism with limited primitive farming. Veterinary and extension services are inadequate.

2.2 Social Services

Service	Status
Education	Very few elementary schools with limited attendance due to pastoral lifestyle
Health	Only 2 health posts for entire basin; major diseases include tuberculosis and malaria
Electric Supply	None beyond Dire Dawa town; reliance on firewood and kerosene
Water Supply	Severe shortage; existing water points poorly maintained, leading to waterborne diseases
Communication	One main road connecting villages to Djibouti; no telecommunication services

2.3 Institutions

Government administrative structures exist at zone, woreda, and peasant association levels.

2.4 Investment

Despite natural resources, no significant investments have been made.

3. Social Anthropology

Ethnic Group

Inhabited exclusively by the Issa people (Somali ethnicity).

Key Cultural Aspects:

Religion: 100% Muslim
Language: Somali
Economy: Primarily pastoralism (cattle, camels, goats, sheep) with some sorghum/maize cultivation
Settlement: Mobile hamlets of easily dismantled huts
Conflict: Historical conflicts with Afars over grazing/water, now mediated
Gender Roles: Women handle domestic tasks and small trade; men handle livestock and defense
Health Practices: Male circumcision and female genital mutilation (with pregnancy complications)

4. Demographics (1997 Census)

Population Overview

Total Population: 46,605
Urban: 6,577 (14.1%)
Rural: 40,028 (85.9%)
Sex Ratio: Balanced overall (100.02)

Age Structure

0-14 years: 45.24%
15-64 years: 52.18%
65+ years: 2.58%
Dependency Ratio: 91.64%

Education

Literacy Rate: 4.91% (urban 19.09%, rural 2.33%)
Primary School Enrollment: 5.3% gross, 1.98% net
Significant gender disparity in education

Economic Activity

Activity Rate: 69.16%
Unemployment: 6.74% (urban 25.69%, rural 3.92%)

Population Dynamics

Fertility Rate: 3.1 children per woman
Infant Mortality: 96 per 1,000 live births
Life Expectancy: 54.8 years

5. Conclusions and Recommendations

The Aysha basin is severely underdeveloped with critical needs in:

Water infrastructure development
Healthcare services expansion
Education access improvement
Road and communication infrastructure
Economic investment in natural resources

The report emphasizes the basin has been "forgotten" and requires immediate intervention to address these challenges.