1.

0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 General

Agriculture is the fundamental economic sector and main source of income in Ethiopia and at
present, about 81 percent of the country’s populations are engaged in various agricultural
activities. Currently, the sector contributes 45 percent of the country’s GDP, and above all the
sector believed to be the main source of inputs to various industries in Ethiopia, which again
plays the determinant role to bring about sustainable economic development for the country
(CSA 2011).

Even though, Ethiopian agriculture had suffered for years from the use of backward and
traditional farming practices and subsistence level of farming system, as well as limited use of
modern farm inputs, that resulted in the sector’s poor performance (i.e. yield low production and
productivity of the sector). However, improvements in agricultural production had started along
with productivity increments that had registered during the last few consecutive years and
implementation of poverty reduction strategy emphasis on commercialization of agriculture
which characterized by the use of relatively capital intensive, mechanized and market-oriented
farming system with increased use of modern farm management practices and inputs, such as,
the use of high tech-farm machinery and implements, irrigation scheme, use of chemical
fertilizers , pesticides and improved seeds (MoFED, 2011).

The importance of irrigation has been increasingly recognized as one of the strategies to enhance
food-self-sufficiency and promote economic development of the country and improves
agricultural production and productivity by solving the problem of water shortage caused due to
the unpredictable rainfall. Currently, concerted efforts are being made at Oromia regional state
level to transform the prevailing subsistence production system to high value, market-oriented
production system, and one of such efforts exerted in this line embarks on the judicious use of
the available water sources particularly rivers for the small-scale irrigation development in the
region.

Hence, Usman kedo farm enterprise irrigation project study was executing to increase the
agricultural product, its operation managed by farmers of the project area and surrounding
communities. This document contains feasibility study & detail design of Usman kedo farm
 enterprise irrigation project. At the project area, agriculture is the main pillar of the economy,
which depends on the annual crops except some command owned by some commercial farm
like Usman Kedo farm enterprise. The irrigation project could create permanent and temporary
works for the community of the project area on 70.85ha of command area.

Accordingly, topographic survey as well as socio-economic survey has been conducted on

gross area of 70.85 ha and the net irrigable area of this project is found to be 56 ha out of which
about 38ha of land was constructed and 18ha will be plan for future extension irrigation
development with conducting feasibility study as well as detail design.

Therefore, implementation of Usman Kedo farm enterprise irrigation development project as part
of the economic plan of the country would sustain food sufficiency and produce crops of
industrial importance and high foreign exchange rate.

1.2 Objectives of the feasibility and detail design

The main objective of the project is to develop irrigation system that enhance full benefit of
enterprise through a more efficient use of water resource, thereby ensuring sustainable food
security, creating job opportunity in the project area and thus it reduces rural unemployment
and Fruit and vegetables income diversification that contributes for local, regional and national
economic development endeavors which is planned to be achieved through irrigating net area
56ha of land to benefit the users in project area.
The specific objectives of the on-farm system design study are indicated
below:
✓ Identifying Potential and opportunity and also Social and environmental impact of
commercial farm and irrigation development and economical analysis of the project;
✓ To carry out a complete and detailed on farm structure, drainage crossing structures
and related structures for the irrigation which will seek to establish an implementing
plan for the sustainable development of irrigated agriculture, which will optimally
exploit the land and water resources of the project benefit;
✓ To prepare detail-working drawings, BOQ and specification document for execution
of construction works;

1.3. Scope of the feasibility and detail design

The scope of this study mainly focuses on the Water source and Analyzing of hydrological
aspects, Environmental impact assessment, Socio-economic aspect and financial analysis of the
 commercial farm, Agriculture and agronomical study, Soil and land suitability, geology and
geotechnical study, Irrigation and drainage system design & Estimate cost of the project. The
methodology employed for the study is the conventional engineering study with integrated
Multi-disciplinary approaches viz; Collecting relevant data and information useful for the study
such as collection of topographic data, gathering relevant information of Social impact,
environmental impact, marketing survey conducting and data compilation and analysis for
feasibility study and detail design of irrigation and drainage system

1.4 Description of Project Area

Usman kedo farm enterprise irrigation project is located in Oromia Regional National State,
Arsi administrative zone and Jeju woreda particularly in Achamo Gulo peasant kebele. The
project area is about 174 km and 119 km away from Finfinne city and Asela town (Arsi zone
capital) respectively. The irrigation project is also around 74 km away from the main asphalt
road that traverses from Adama to Asela town. Hence, it is expected that the project area, when
developed will have the opportunity to use such urban areas/centers (like Asela, Adama and
Finfinne) for marketing of agricultural products in particular.

The command area of irrigation is more at the right bank of the Upper awash canal; with
elevations between 1181m and 1213m amsl. The detailed topographic survey is done using
hand GPS with 50m interval and delineate to prepare Location and accessibility map and
System layout of canal and drainage network.

The command area is located between 39°41'26.7"E 8°33'57.8"N in the West, 39°41'09.3"E
8°34'21.11"N in the East; 39°40'58.47"E 8°33'56.08"N in the North, and 39°41'42.5"E
8°34'16.5"N in the South.

The road networks and accessibility in the project area and the surrounds are indicated in Fig. 1.
Figure 1: Location Map of Project area and accessibility

2.O SOCIO – ECONOMY STUDY

2.1 General

The rural development policies and strategies of Ethiopia have duly emphasized the problem of
food security, the deep-rooted and abject poverty that prevails in the country as a whole and also
water-based development is one of the essential intervention areas to get rid of the problem of
food security and the entrenched poverty in the short run and to ensure continuous economic
growth and social development, and hence sustainable development in the long run.
However, increasing food production alone might not suffice in achieving food security. The
problem at the root of food crises were also lack of the access and distribution of food. So, the
country policies focus at the national and international level to improve production and
strengthen the capacity of the people to have access to food, especially for the poor and most
vulnerable people in developing countries. Therefore, this study intended to contribute as much
information as possible with respect to small scale agricultural investment for private in
commercial farms.

This detail study conducted for Usman kedo farm enterprise Irrigation Project; to implement in
Jeju district, Achamo Gulo peasant kebeles which aims to produce vegetables and fruit using
irrigation in the area. The study aims to assess existing socioeconomic conditions of the project
area, identifying the Project boundaries and the beneficiary households or individuals, scrutinize
attitude and willingness of the community for proposed project and forecast impacts and cost
benefits of the project.

The realization of this development project will induce and enhance the all-round development
in the socioeconomic, agro-economic, social and cultural conditions of the target population and
the surrounding areas. Intended for the reason that the district and surrounding area are
experienced with state farm during the last regime, irrigation practice is not a new phenomenon
for the local villagers. In this regard, initiating effective usage of water resource, especially
through utilization of irrigation schemes has got a paramount importance to sustain plant growth.

Accordingly, To arrive at a sound and valid conclusion for the socioeconomic conditions in the
project area, and to come up with feasible recommendations, the study has applied various data
collection methods, the study was Assessed the detail socioeconomic conditions of the area Viz;
Assessing positive and negative impact of the project, social services, existing infrastructures
and basic livelihood system and Irrigation potential (water, land and labor) and is conducive for
the undertaking of new irrigation project.
Finally, as per the result obtained from detail study what would be undertaken have
recommended for irrigation development.
2.2. Objective of the study
2.2.1 Objective of the Study

The main objective of this study conducted to assess the role and contributions of commercial
agricultural investment farms and irrigation project development to local socio-economic
development and financial and economic benefits of the project.

Specifically, this study has investigated the general social and environmental impact of the
project on the communities and forecast the possible financial and economic benefit of the
irrigation development project and positive impact on local communities. And also, to assess the
role and magnitude of employment opportunities created by agricultural investment and propose
ways and mechanisms that may enhance contribution of agricultural investment to local social
development and minimize negative effects.

2.3. Methodology of the study

It is readily understood that there is an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to planning,

formulation and implementation of project in general and irrigation projects in particular. The
methodology and data analysis have focused on social and development issues in order to
generate data on problems of development rather than just analyzing for the sake of analysis. The
data has also been collected within a limited period of time. Data for the study were collected
from different sources by using various methods. The methodologies applied in the study were
based on purposive and random sampling design.

2.3.1. Major data sources

Two types of data sources were used in this study; viz. secondary and primary data sources. In
this regard attempt has been made to review different secondary data sources that were relevant
and available. These include reports, books, Research and sociological study documents. In
addition, the necessary primary data were also collected from the local community, sector offices
and pertinent experts in the project area in general and the project localities in particular.

2.3.2. Methods of data collection

Certain data collection instruments were applied to generate the necessary primary data. These
comprise unstructured and key informants’ interview and purposive observation. The interview
was involved with Expert, sector officer, Elders, youth, clan leaders and other community to
 generate the necessary data in relation to the farm enterprise irrigation development project in
the area.

In addition, the observation method is primary data collection in which experts collected data
based on their personal observation. As a matter of fact, the data collected about the
employee’s job satisfaction in project area and surrounding community. In the case of this
study expert used to identify the job satisfaction of machine operators and farm workers of
farm enterprise.

On other hand, secondary data which had information collected through other relevant sources.
such data are cheaper and quickly obtainable than the primary data and available when primary
data could not obtain. The collected the secondary data from published and unpublished
materials available at different governmental and non-governmental institutions. Accordingly,
the secondary data was collected from the regional governments, different sectoral bureaus and
other institutions.

2.3.3. Data organization and analysis

The data entry exercise carried out using personal computers. In order to check the quality of the
entered data, a verification exercise carried out. Data entered into the computer needs to be
checked for completeness, consistency and validity. Thus, the collected dates had organized by
using graphs, tables and pi-charts. The collected quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical
Package for Social Science (SPSS version 19) computer program and analyzed using simple
descriptive statistics.

2.4. Scope of the Study

The scope of this study included all the aspects related to socioeconomic, social and Financial and
economic benefit of the project area. The scope of the study comprised the following:
➢ The Socio-Demography of the study area
➢ Local social services and Infrastructure development
➢ Livelihood base of local community
➢ Employment opportunity and Technology transfer
➢ Attitude of local community towards agriculture farm investment
➢ EIA and mitigation measures of the irrigation development project
2.5. Result and Discussion of the Project
2.5.1. The Socio-Demography of the study area
The Socio-demography analysis is essential for various purposes including Educational
background and age interval.

According to CSA the economically active population considered to be between the ages of 15
to 64; thereby, the collected information from the respondents revealed that 93.8% of the them
fall under the category of economically active population. In fact, the majority of the respondents
were between the age of 31 and 50, in that more than half about 53 % [(30% (were between 31
to 40 years) and 23 % (were between 41 to 50 years)] of them were between the age ranges
indicated in table-1 below.

The sample household survey shows that about 52.1% of the respondents were illiterate; this
shows that the literacy rate in the area is about 48%. About 21.9% reported that they can read
and write, while 20.1% were in the range of grade 1 to 8 respectively; and 4.7% indicated that
they attained education level of grade 9 to 10; only 1.2% of the respondents reported they were
from grade 11 to 12 grade as detailed in table-2 below.

Age Range Age Number of

Percent
range respondents
9% Less than Less
20 years than 20 1 0.5
20 to 30 years
0.5%
22% 20 to 30 37 21.8
16% 31 to 40
31 to 40 50 30
41 to 50
41 to 50 39 23
51 to 60 51 to 60 27 15.9
30%
23% 61 and
61 and 15 8.8
above above
Total 169 100

Figure 2; Age range in the project area (Source: OWWDSE,2008) Table 1; Age range
 Education status Nr. of
Educatio Perc
respon
nal ent
dents
0% 1% status
Illiterate 88 52.1
Illiterate
Read and
Read and write 37 21.9
20% 5% write
Grade 1 – 8 Grade 1 –
34 20.1
Grade 9 – 10 8
22%
52% Grade 11 – 12 Grade 9 –
8 4.7
Above 12 grade
10
Grade 11
2 1.2
– 12
Above 12
0 0
grade
Total 169 100

Figure 3: Education status in the project area (Source; OWWDSE,2008) Table 2: Education Status

2.5.2. Local social services and Infrastructure development

Regarding the development of social services and infrastructures around the project the road and
foot path bridge planned to construct for transport production and local community. The reason
for the majority of the company’s failure to participate was lack of
capacity at this stage and lack of awareness on priorities areas.

2.5.3. Livelihood base of local community

2.5.3.1. Crop cultivation

According to the data obtained from Agriculture and Natural Resources bureau of Jeju district
crops grown as well as the irrigation project kebeles include various types of cereals, pulses and
horticulture among other like maize, sorghum, teff, wheat, barley, oats, onion, potato and tomato
are grown in the area.
2.5.3.2. Constraints of crop production
Crop cultivation and production in the irrigation project area has been constrained by a number of
problems, which include recurrent drought (mainly due to inadequate and erratic rainfall), low
agricultural extension service (shortage of agricultural inputs in particular), prevalence of crop
pests and diseases among others. This can be depicted in the table below.
Table 3: Main problems of crop production in the project area as reported by the sample
households

Problems encountered Number of respondents Percent

Drought 165 97.6
Pest 39 23.1
Weed 14 8.3
Diseases 38 22.5
Scarcity of farmland 14 8.3
Shortage of inputs 39 23.1
Weevils 6 3.5
Lack of oxen 9 5.3
Source: Field survey (OWWDSE, 2008)

2.5.3.3. Livestock production

In addition to crop production, the people in the area have also engaged in livestock rearing and
production. Meanwhile, livestock can augment the income of the people and major livestock that
are available both in the district of Jeju include cattle, goats, sheep, camel and poultry.
2.5.3.4. Alternative off farm income sources
In this study most, respondents could not have any alternatives sources of income and get their
additional income from employment, as daily labour. Therefore, agricultural investment creates
job opportunities for the rural community and can increase their income.

2.5.4. Attitude of local community towards agriculture farm investment

The attitudes of respondents towards investors were varied; out of 20 respondents interviewed 12
of them had a favorable attitude and did not observed drawbacks.
Table 4: Frequency distribution of attitudes of the respondents

Category Frequency Percent

No drawback of investors 15 75
Under payment by investors - -
Deforestation by investors - -
Created shortage of land 3 15
Created conflict with local people - -
Not helping local communities 2 10
Source: Field survey, 2023
2.5.5. Employment Opportunity
Table 4.10 indicated 68% of them had 1- 50 daily labourers, while the rest employ ranging
between 51-500 daily labours, depending up on the crop calendar. Also, from the total daily
laborer, only 2% were women and there was no permanent female worker in the commercial
farm (Table). This indicates that the government and companies should jointly work to create job
opportunities for the women.
Table 5: Distribution of employment creation response from the investors

Detail Male Female Percentage

Total No. of employees in
10 4 56.0
the company
No. of Permanent workers 12 5 92.0
No. of Daily Labourers 7 2 68.0
Total 29 11
Source: Field survey, 2023

2.5.6. Development Potentials, Constraints and Opportunities

The development potentials could either be related with the project or may relate to other
development potentials which can affect project implementation. Out of the types of economic
activities which affect the project implementation relates to existing or planned economic
activities which share or utilize project resources. The irrigation project could be a potential for
those who will have interested to participate in its production and marketing. The proposed
irrigation project also creates a market opportunity for those who will interest to supply an input
for irrigators and marketing the output. Currently, the government has created an opportunity
through working road that link with district & other neighbor market areas, and develop
information communication system, and other development potentials. On the other hand, the
shortage and erratic rain fall condition, livestock disease, inadequate agricultural input supply,
etc. were a constraint at the area.

2.5.7. Social, environmental and Economic Impacts of the Irrigation Development of the Project
The sustainable agriculture is an environmentally friendly agricultural practice that involves the
use of limited natural resources to satisfy the present generation without compromising the interest
of the future generation. The proposed project will result in positive/negative impacts through its
project cycle. Project places that affect properties such as Night storage/pond and quarry sites as
well as places that benefit the people which are the command area should be clearly distinguished.
Positive impact Negative impact Mitigation measures proposed for the negative
impacts
❖ Adequate moisture will be obtained for crop cultivation; ❖ Different water related diseases like ❖ Pre- and post-health care activities (malaria
malaria will aggravate in the area; prevention and control, environmental hygiene
❖ Different agronomic and horticultural practice will be and sanitation, etc.) should be duly undertaken in
undertaken in the area; ❖ Bushes, shrubs and forests may be the project area and its surroundings;
destroyed as a result of population
❖ Food self-sufficiency will be ensured and cash crops for growth and agricultural farm land ❖ Trees, bushes and shrubs discarded should be
market will be produced; expansion; replanted in accordance with land utilization type
and the farm design.
❖ The agricultural sector will be developed into agro- ❖ Water logging and salinity problems
processing industries; may occur if necessary caution is not ❖ Drainage system have designed
taken timely;
❖ Cooperatives focusing on marketing of various
❖ Different rural growth centers (clusters) will gradually ❖ Lack of adequate market access for agricultural products has to be established and
appear in the area. agricultural production may affect strengthened in the area;
production of agricultural products;
❖ Farmers and jobless people in the area will have the ❖ Cooperatives should be established and
chance of year-round job opportunity; ❖ Shortage/or lack of inputs (such as strengthened and facilitate the supply and
chemical fertilizer, improved seeds, provision of such inputs to the users in the
irrigation project area;
❖ The irrigation can produce crops for both household pesticides, improved forage seed, etc.),
consumption and for market (cash crop production) and may lead to low productivity and less
stabilized local market production;
❖ Flood diversion schemes are necessary to
❖ Transferring technology from investor to the local ❖ Water discharge of the irrigation may prevent the problem of flood;
farmers break the canal and consequently will
create destruction ❖ Crossing points or bridges should be constructed
❖ Helps in reducing inflation of costs for food in urban and over the canals in areas where schools, health
❖ Lack of accessible crossing points institutions and other social services are situated;
other areas where dwellers used to gain food ingredients (bridges) on the canal
through buying,
❖ Commercial farms created wage and self-employment for
the country and the region

Table 6: Social, economic and environmental impact of farm enterprise irrigation project
2.6. Conclusion and Recommendation
2.6.1. Conclusion
The socio-economic detail study of Usman Kedo farm enterprise Irrigation Project was assessed
the demographic characteristics, existing social services, economic factors and employment
opportunity and technology transfer. These Socio-economic components have direct and indirect
impact on the agricultural sector and their role either to dissipate or accelerate economic
wellbeing was identified in the study.

Based on the assessment, Livelihood system of the target community is based on both mixed
crop & livestock production. Both economic bases are challenged in a lot of constraints that
reduces production and productivity, which affect livelihood of the community.

Sustainable agriculture is an environmentally friendly agricultural practice that involves the use
of the limited natural resources to satisfy the present generation without compromising the
interest of the future generation. In addition, for that agricultural investment’s sustainable
development, the communities have significant role in terms of labor, security and other social
influenced factors of the investment.

Therefore, the investor should prepare and have an employment procedure and labor
administration to have good working environment otherwise the above factors have directly or
indirect impact on the agricultural investment sector.

2.6.2. Recommendation
The improvement of livelihoods of the population in the project areas depends on the sustainability
and effectiveness of all development interventions.
Therefore, to realize the benefit of the community the following recommendations has given;
✓ Considering water demand for domestic and livestock consumption, and also for the
downstream community,
✓ Ensuring irrigation resource (land, water, etc.) utilization according to rules and regulations
for improving production and productivity, for reducing/avoiding conflicts to assure
improvement of community’s livelihood;
✓ Market is the main constraints of the irrigators in most of the area; hence, the concerned
government body at all levels should make a market linkage, etc.
 ✓ Cooperatives should be established and strengthened and facilitate the supply and
provision of such inputs to the users in the irrigation project area;
✓ Pre- and post-health care activities (malaria prevention and control, environmental
hygiene and sanitation, etc.) should be duly undertaken in the project area and its
surroundings;

1. Hydrology & Sources of water

General

Hydrology study of the project is prepared secretly in Hydrology study report.

However, it is very essential to discuss some important points and the source of water for
foreside irrigation project. Water source for Bofa irrigation development project is diversion
weir at Awash Melkasa on Awash River which constructed by Wonji Shawa Sugar Factory
(WSSF).
As it is understood from investigation, the part of project under discussion has partly studied and
designed for sugar cane development project. So, Diversion weir, Intake structure and Main
canal are already constructed

Figure 4 Photograph shows partial existing infrastructure at Awash River at Melkassa (Intake Structure)
Additionally, Primary canal two, (PC2) which irrigates around welenchiti area and PC 3 which is
planned to irrigate some part of Bofa area is also constructed.
 PC2

PC1

As per the previous study and design by WSSF, Main canal is designed and constructed to
3
irrigate command area 6,241 ha with 8 m /s design discharge. But, except PC2 which irrigates
about 1,100 ha, Bofa as well as the remaining areas are not functional or totally failed by now.
Therefore, the remaining water is sufficient for command area of 4,050ha.
Accordingly, the sources of water for aforesaid project are discharge of main canal of WSSF
sugar can project.
So, we would like to recommend that, decision shall be made by Oromia Regional State
Government by discussing with stockholders as the owners of main canal are WSSF.

Conclusion and Recommendation

As it is mentioned earlier, Hydrology of the Project is papered separately. So, Conclusion and
Recommendation stated in the report is highlighted as follows.
1.1.1 Conclusion
Awash, in relative terms is the most extensively used river as compared to other basins of the
country. Though the river has great deal of flow during the rainy season, its dry season discharge
decreases considerably, As regulation to dry and wet season flow especially from its upstream
catchments, Koka dam serve as storage and reliable water source for generation of Electricity at
Awash I, II, III hydropower plants and all irrigation and water supply projects situated between
Koka and Tendaho dams.
 Koka Dam since its commissioning in 1960 has served for 60 years with
considerable decrease of its storage capacity due to accumulation of
sediment. As per the study conducted in 2015, it has lost 41% of its
 reservoir capacity from the initial storage volume ( from 1650MCM to
978MCM). The storage capacity reduction conducted at different years
show that annual sedimentation rate of 10Million Cubic Meter (MCM) to
16MCM has been observed. Halcrow (1989) on the other hand estimated
the annual sedimentation rate to reach as high as 25MCM. If no
rehabilitation and protection works are practiced for the dam and if the
annual sedimentation trend continues with these rates, its storage
capacity will be null within 60 to 75 years. This implies both current and
future development projects will be dependent on the dry season flow of
the river which could be a great catastrophe to all water demand sites of
upper and middle valley areas situated along the river.
 So as to prolong the live storage of the dam reservoir and sustain the
current and future development projects of the river, attention shall be
given for rehabilitation of the storage area and watershed management of
the whole upstream catchment area. These could be done with regular &
attentive silt removal through bottom outlet during rainy season and
mechanical hauling to nearby degraded lands of Melemele and
surrounding gulley areas to sustain the storage area. For the catchment
situated upstream of the dam on the other hand, it needs extensive and
practical implementation of mechanical and biological water and soil
conservation practices.
 With the expectation of sustained storage capacity of Koka dam and
development of other dams on the river within the upper and middle
valley areas, the river has the potential to supply for the whole potential
command area. Moreover, through improving irrigation water efficiency
 of existing and future farms, it is possible to maximize the command area
to be developed with the existing flow condition. However, most
irrigation projects along the river practice furrow and basin irrigation
with mostly unlimited regulation. Except those sprinkler irrigation
projects of Wonji and Welenchiti sugarcane farms, most projects practice
aforementioned irrigation systems which are intensively water
consuming due to seepage and evaporation losses. Hence attention for
maximizing efficiency and improving water management practices
should be concern of the current Bofa project and those implemented
previously.
 In relation to overall climatic condition of the Bofa irrigation project area,
Rainfall and temperature estimates made using Sodere meteorological
station shows that the area has mean annual rainfall of 753mm which can
lower to 759.5mm for 75% dependability. The mean annual minimum and
maximum temperature of the area has been computed as 15.4c 0 and 31.4c0
respectively. On the other hand, computed mean annual reference
evapotranspiration ETo over Bofa irrigation area was 4.70 mm/day. As
per the estimation, the maximum 5.10 mm/day has been observed in
April and the minimum 4.34 mm/day was in December. The data used
for computing evapotranspiration parameters was taken Meteorological
stations of Sodere and Wonji.
 From various studies conducted by various consultants, like Booker Tate,
Halcrow, WWDSE, and Ministry of Water Resource, at full
implementation of planned & existing irrigation farms, at Wonji,
Metehara and other potential areas of Fentale-Tibila-Nura era-Merti Jeju,
 and those middle valley farms of Melka sedi, Amibara, Angelele,
Belhamo, Gewane etc, the discharge obtained from Koka dam and joining
tributary rivers and riverine areas couldn’t satisfy the demand after 2020
unless additional dam is constructed on the river. However, those project
sites implemented currently are not to the planned level. For instance, at
Welenchiti from planned 7,480ha in some documents or 9,000ha in others
for sugarcane irrigation development, only 2100ha has been practiced so
far. This implies the canal infrastructure constructed for Welenchiti
expansion can serve for irrigating Bofa project planned area. The area to
be irrigated by primary canal -1 (5338ha) that crosses the main asphalt
road and railway from Adama to Djibouti was not started yet. As per
preliminary study, instead of transporting water through too long idle
canal with requirement of boosting units, it is economical to look for other
water sources near targeted command area like studying the potential of
Tebo river.
 In relation to the great desire to intensify those existing irrigation projects
and development of new sites on the river basin, it is highly mandatory
to construct additional dams for storing rainy season flow of the river
besides to undertaking rehabilitation and protection works on Koka dam.
Unless great attention is given in this regard, water shortage will
jeopardize productivity and sustainability of development projects for
irrigation including the project under consideration, water supply and
the demand for maintaining ecological balance of the river system.
 As an immediate impact of Bofa project in particular and Welenchiti
expansion of Wonji Shewa Sugarcane plantation will be observed on
 Hydropower plants of Awash II and III for water is shared from the same
weir. As per the design of respective irrigation canal & hydropower
plants, 8m3/sec will be deducted from the rated turbine discharge which
is 66m3/sec implying a reduction of 12% on discharge and 4.36Mw
power production on each plant. The output to be obtained from the
current irrigation project shall be considerate and able to exceed economic
value of 8.72MW or 44.1GWh/year installed power capacity reduction
created due to its implementation while undertaking cost-benefit
analysis.
 In relation to the current resistance of the farmers who has been involved
as sugarcane out growers, implementation of further irrigable land for
similar development may not be feasible. Hence implementation the
remaining planned area especially at Welenchiti could face difficulty due
to compliant of the farmers. Hence utilizing already constructed
infrastructure for Welenchiti -Bofa area irrigation potential for crop
production becomes feasible and solves development demand of
beneficiary farmers.
1.1.2 Recommendation
For the time being, as expansion of all development projects planned in the upper and
middle valley of the river are not fully implemented, it is possible to irrigate Bofa area
irrigation command area from the existing discharge released from Koka dam.
However, for full implementation of those remaining irrigable lands within upper and
middle valley, it is mandatory to construct additional dams and undertake tangible soil
and water conservation practices. So as to overcome seasonal water shortage during the
dry season with the existing discharge, both existing and new irrigation projects shall
practice water efficient systems and cognizant use of scarce water resource.