This document is part of the Final Report for the Baro-Akobo River Basin Integrated Development Master Plan Study, prepared for the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Ministry of Water Resources. It focuses on irrigation development potential in the basin.
Date: May 1997
Prepared by: TAMS (New York) and ULG Consultants Ltd (Warwick, U.K.)
The study evaluates irrigation potential in the Baro-Akobo River Basin (75,912 km²) in southwestern Ethiopia, covering highlands (1,500-2,500m) and lowland Gambela plains (400-600m). The basin includes the Baro, Alwero, Akobo, and Gilo rivers, part of the Pibor Sobat River System flowing to the White Nile.
18 potential irrigation sites were evaluated but most were deemed unsuitable due to:
All upper basin projects were rejected except for further study of the Baro project in the Lower Basin.
The Gambela Plain offers significant irrigation potential (ultimate development: 480,000 ha net). Key findings:
Economic rates of return for top projects:
Primary recommendations:
The recommended projects total over 123,000 ha, requiring an implementation rate of 4,000 ha/year over 30 years. The Alwero Project under construction should be the initial phase.