Butajira Irrigation Project Summary
Document Code: 09S-844-1982
Organization: National Water Resources Commission
Date: January 1988
Location: Approximately 25km west of Linny, Shoa region, Ethiopia
Project Background
Ethiopia has abundant water resources but limited utilization for irrigation. Only about 38 hectares of the estimated 3 million hectares suitable for large-scale irrigation are currently utilized. The Butajira project aims to address this underutilization through medium-scale irrigation development.
Project Objectives
Development Objective
To develop land and water resources in the Butajira area, increasing crop production through twice-yearly cultivation. The area is known for pepper production and cereal crops.
Immediate Objectives
Phase I
Develop 200 hectares of irrigable land by gravity through construction of a dam (75M m³ capacity, 4m height) and associated structures.
Phase II
Develop additional 2,300 hectares through pumped irrigation from the same reservoir, potentially using electric power or mini-hydro station.
Project Resources
Water Resources: Mean annual runoff of 75M m³ from 435 sqkm catchment area
Land: Approximately 3,000 hectares of agricultural land, with 2,500 hectares suitable for irrigation
Soil: Reconnaissance indicates soils are suitable for irrigation
Project Activities
- Detailed hydrological analysis
- Subsurface investigation
- Detailed design of headworks and land development
- Construction (3-year schedule)
Project Costs
Phase I Costs
- Dam construction: Bin 5 million
- Land development (200 ha): Bin 2 million
- Investigation & design: Bin 1 million
- Total: Bin 8 million (~Bin 40,000/ha)
Beneficiaries
About 400 heads of families will be engaged in Phase I. The project will increase yields of sorghum, maize, wheat, and cash crops like pepper.
Key Considerations
- Addresses Ethiopia's underutilized irrigation potential
- Two-phase approach allows for gradual development
- Multiple technical options considered for Phase II
- Focus on both food security and cash crops