Evaluating Integrated Water Resource Management Practices And Experiences In Ethiopia (Tigray) In Line With Iwrm Pillars And Dublin Principles For Sustainable Water Resource Management: In Case Of Genfel River

Abstract

Fresh water resource is becoming a scarce resource in the world. This is due to human and natural induced factors and the impact of climate changes. To manage water resources, nowadays, integrated water resources management is advocated as a better approach. This study deals with Evaluating Integrated Water Resource Management practices and experiences in Ethiopia (Tigray), in line with IWRM pillars and Dublin principles for sustainable water resource management, as case study of Genfel River. The study aims to assess the existence and status of integrated water resources management Pillars, to evaluate the implementation of IWRM based on IWRM principles and to identify the main challenges that hinder the sustainable implementation of IWRM. Qualitative research method is utilized for the analysis of collected data. The study finds that, existing enabling environment at National, and regional level in terms of water policy, legislations and financial arrangement are in place. And different institutions working in water resources management and related fields at federal, regional and woredas level are established. However, Management instruments are not well developed and organized. The implementation of water resources management based on Principles, regarding to consideration of fresh water as vulnerable and vital resource and economic value of water are not appreciable. Different stakeholders are participating in water resources development and management. However, they do not have clear stakeholder participation platform. From the interview of local community 60 % respondents are participating in water resources development, however they are not involved in decision making processes. 18% of the respondents also participated in water resources related trainings. Women are also participating in water resources management and construction works through contribution of labour force. This study concluded that implementation of water resources management in the study site does not follow the water resources management policy. And which is not implemented purposefully with IWRM Approach. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that, the implementation of water resources management should follow the principles and policy statements and the national water resources management strategies.