Project Showcase

Envisioned as one of the largest hydropower projects in the country, TAMS is designed to have an installed capacity ranging from 1,060 MW to 2,000 MW, with a projected annual generation of around 5,760 GWh of electricity, significantly enhancing Ethiopia's renewable energy supply. The proposed Tams Dam will be a 248m high concrete face rockfill structure with a total storage capacity of 5,868 Mm3 and a live storage of 4,807 Mm3. Eight 250MW vertical Francis turbines will be installed and operate under a head of 210m. Developed under the ownership of Ethiopia's Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy, and supported by international engineering consultancies, TAMS is expected to cost more than $3 billion and will be implemented under a BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, Transfer) model. Anticipated payback period is 10.60 years. Beyond power generation, the project aims to support regional development through improved water management and potential irrigation benefits, underscoring Ethiopia's commitment to sustainable infrastructure and energy.

The Geba 1 Dam includes a reservoir for regulation of flows which feed a 286MW hydropower plant 480m below, just upstream of the Geba 2 Dam. The Geba 2 Dam is very small, effectively a weir, diverting a constant flow to the 165MW Geba 2 hydropower plant a further 267m lower down. This cascade arrangement allows both the Geba 1 and Geba 2 powerhouses to efficiently use the regulated water flow from Geba 1's reservoir, optimizing power generation across both plants. The combined project is expected to generate substantial clean electricity, contributing to Ethiopia's renewable energy goals and regional power supply. The Geba cascade hydropower project was included in the short-term priority projects under the Baro-Akobo-Sobat (BAS) Multipurpose Water Resources Development Study Project (2017) after application of the basinwide Strategic Social and Environmental Assessment (SSEA) that was carried out as part of that project.

The Integrated Watershed Management in the Ribb, Gumera and Jema Watersheds project is one of the four fast track projects prepared in 2007 under the Eastern Nile Watershed Management (ENWM) Project. The project was prepared as an integral part of Tana-Beles Watershed Management Project. The project area was comprised of five micro-watersheds/development clusters totaling 80,600 ha in area and split roughly equally between the Ribb, Gumera and Jema watersheds, each of which drains into Lake Tana. The project objective was to improve the livelihoods of rural households living in the upper catchments of Ribb, Gumera and Jema Watersheds in Ethiopia through enhanced productivity and promotion of sustainable land use practices. The project was structured along three mutually supportive themes, namely (a) theme A on livelihoods, which had four components directed at improving livelihoods through better communications, increased productivity and enhanced income generation; (b) theme B on natural resources, which had two main components covering soil and water management and forestry and agro-forestry measures aimed at creating a sustainable landscape that limits erosion and creates a more productive basis for livelihood generation; and (c) theme C on capacity building and project management that addresses the immediate constraints in capacity to implement the project and sustain the outcomes through more robust community and government institutions. Specific interventions under the project included upgrading rural feeder roads; establishing micro-finance schemes; improving water supply and sanitation systems; improving facilities at health posts and primary schools; demonstration of improved cropping practices (such as alley cropping, intercropping, strip cropping, cover cropping, etc), improved seed and fertilizer use; integrated pest management; controlled ploughing; stabilization of terraces and gullies with trees and shrubs; cultivation of pasture grasses and leguminous hedgerows for fodder production; establishment of animal health posts; development of dairy processing and animal fattening programmes; classification of land base on slope and introduction of appropriate soil and water conservation measures such as land closure, bench terracing, stone bunds, earth bunds, contour bunds and check dams; promotion of rainwater harvesting; promotion of small scale irrigation; establishment of tree nurseries and planting of private and community woodlots.

The Jita sub-basin measures 2,915 km2 in area, and is part of the Abbay (Blue Nile) River Basin located in the Central Ethiopian Highlands. The sub-basin partially covers five Woredas in the South Gonder and North Wollo Zones of Amhara Regional State. The sub-basin is characterized by high elevations (2,500 â€" 3000 m amsl in most parts; down to 1,200 m in the lowest part), steep slopes, high rainfall intensity that generates considerable runoff, intensive cultivation, overgrazing and deforestation. These characteristics, and the use of inefficient traditional farming methods and growing human population on naturel resources lead to soil erosion, soil fertility decline, water scarcity and deepening poverty. The objectives of the Jita project are fourfold, to: (a) improve natural resources management through sustainable land management practices; (b) improve agricultural productivity by introducing improved crop and livestock technologies; (c) enhance Institutional capacity through various capacity building activities; and (d) diversify the livelihoods of local communities with a focus on women and youth by introducing different off-farm activities. The project as three components on sustainable land management, livelihoods support, and institution capacity building. The project was identified in 2007 under the Cooperative Regional Assessment (CRA) of the Eastern Nile Watershed Management Project (ENWM), which was itself part of the Integrated Development of the Eastern Nile. Full feasibility and project preparation studies were completed in 2012 under the Project Delineation and Prioritization study supported under the NBI Institutional Strengthening Project (ISP). Both phases of the studies were funded by the Nile Basin Trust Fund.Â

The Anger Irrigation Project is a major multi-purpose water resources development project in Ethiopia, located on the Anger River, a tributary of the Didessa River in the Blue Nile Basin. The project's core component is the construction of the Anger Dam, a concrete-faced rockfill dam (CFRD) with a height of 80 meters and a crest length of 1.3 km. The dam will create a reservoir with a significant storage capacity to regulate water flow. The irrigation component aims to develop 14,450 hectares of land through a network of main canals, secondary canals, tertiary canals, and on-farm irrigation systems. The project also includes a hydropower component with an installed capacity of up to 200 MW, flood protection measures, and cross-drainage structures. It is part of the broader Eastern Nile Irrigation and Drainage Projects (ENIDP) portfolio. Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) are integral components to address potential impacts.

The Fincha'a sub-basin measures 4,089 km2 in area, and is part of the Abbay (Blue Nile) River Basin located in the Central Ethiopian Highlands. The sub-basin is located in Horo Gudru Wellega Zone of Amhara Regional State. The sub-basin is characterized by high elevations (2000 â€" 3200 m amsl in most parts), steep slopes, high rainfall intensity that generates considerable runoff, intensive cultivation, overgrazing and deforestation. These characteristics, and the use of inefficient traditional farming methods and growing human population on naturel resources lead to soil erosion, soil fertility decline, water scarcity and deepening poverty. The objectives of the Fincha'a project are fourfold, to: (a) improve natural resources management through sustainable land management practices; (b) improve agricultural productivity by introducing improved crop and livestock technologies; (c) enhance Institutional capacity through various capacity building activities; and (d) diversify the livelihoods of local communities with a focus on women and youth by introducing different off-farm activities. The project as three components on sustainable land management, livelihoods support, and institution capacity building. The project was identified in 2007 under the Cooperative Regional Assessment (CRA) of the Eastern Nile Watershed Management Project (ENWM), which was itself part of the Integrated Development of the Eastern Nile. Full feasibility and project preparation studies were completed in 2012 under the Project Delineation and Prioritization study supported under the NBI Institutional Strengthening Project (ISP). Both phases of the studies were funded by the Nile Basin Trust Fund.Â

The Chemoga-Yeda sub-basin measures 2,738 km2 in area, and is part of the Abbay (Blue Nile) River Basin located in the Central Ethiopian Highlands. The sub-basin is located in Amhara Regional State, East Gojam Regional office. The sub-basin is characterized by high elevations (2000 â€" 3900 m amsl in most parts, down to 890 m in the lowest part), steep slopes, high rainfall intensity that generates considerable runoff, intensive cultivation, overgrazing and deforestation. These characteristics, and the use of inefficient traditional farming methods and growing human population lead to soil erosion, soil fertility decline, water scarcity and deepening poverty. The objectives of the Chemoga-Yeda project are fourfold, to: (a) improve natural resources management through sustainable land management practices; (b) improve agricultural productivity by introducing improved crop and livestock technologies; (c) enhance Institutional capacity through various capacity building activities; and (d) diversify the livelihoods of local communities with a focus on women and youth by introducing different off-farm activities. The project as three components on sustainable land management, livelihoods support, and institution capacity building. The project was identified in 2007 under the Cooperative Regional Assessment (CRA) of the Eastern Nile Watershed Management Project (ENWM), which was itself part of the Integrated Development of the Eastern Nile. Full feasibility and project preparation studies were completed in 2012 under the Project Delineation and Prioritization study supported under the NBI Institutional Strengthening Project (ISP). Both phases of the studies were funded by the Nile Basin Trust Fund.Â

Kinyeti River has its origins in the Imatong Mountains close to the South Sudan-Uganda border and from there flows northwards, eventually dispersing into the Badigeru swamp. The proposed project has multiple components including small scale potable water supplies, fisheries management, irrigation, livestock watering and watershed management. The Kinyeti River multipurpose development project is one of the three short term projects proposed as part of the Baro-Akobo-Sobat multipurpose water resources development study project. The three short term projects are based on the sustainable development of water resources. They aim at providing inter-sectoral benefits and improving people’s livelihoods in the sub-basin. The Kinyeti project is centered around the construction of a multipurpose dam in Eastern Equatoria, South Sudan, upstream of the city of Torit. The project has been designed to provide the following benefits: The 45 million m3 reservoir will secure water access for the city of Torit (100,000 inhabitants projected in 2041). It will also support capture fisheries and recreational activities The regulation of the flow will provide water for the development of irrigation (1,000 ha) and aquaculture (100 ponds of 200 m²) downstream of the dam. It will also provide water for the livestock all year round and satisfy an environmental flow during the dry season. Irrigation and aquaculture will be introduced in this area and there would be room for further expansion of these activities in the future. A Feasibility studies completed with an estimated investment costs is USD 92 million

Wad Meskin barrage across Rahad River has been planned to regulate the flood flows during rainy season, for Dinder and Rahad rivers so as to satisfy the needs of Rahad Project Phase I, through Abu Rakham barrage as a downstream regulator, and to divert water to Rahad Project Phase II for summer crops through a main canal. This same barrage would regulate water transported from the Roseires Dam, after the heightening project completion, with the link canal through Dinder River barrage to the project. It lies between Hawata town and Wad Meskin on the eastern side of the seasonal Rahad river. The defunct railway line from Khartoum to Gadarif then Port Sudan crosses the Rahad river at Hawata which lies on the northern end of the project. The Wad Meskin Project site is close to the Rahad Project Phase II.The project area is located on the eastern bank of Rahad River and its land is shared between Gezira and Gadarif States. The 53.8 km long open earth canal linking the two barrages at Salsal and Wad Meskin on Dinder and Rahad Rivers respectively. Its function is to convey part of Dinder waters to Rahad.

The power system interconnection project involved the construction of a high voltage transmission line from Ethiopia to Sudan to utilise surplus hydropower from Ethiopia to replace oil-based thermal generation in Sudan. The interconnection was also intended to allow for pooling of reserves in emergency situations, which would allow electricity to be transferred from Sudan to Ethiopia during times of severe hydrological conditions in Ethiopia. The interconnection will also achieve considerable savings in the operation of power plants in the long run. The Ethiopia-Sudan Transmission Interconnection Project comprised of a new 194 km double circuit 230/220 KV transmission line linking Shehedi in Ethiopia to Gedaref in Sudan; reinforcement of Ethiopia’s existing 260 km single circuit line linking Bahir Dar to Gonder and Shehedi; and a new 36.5 km high voltage, double circuit, 230/220 kV, three phase alternating current transmission line linking Shehedi to Metema at the Ethiopia-Sudan border. The transmission capacity of the power lines is 100 MW. The construction phase of the project was nationally funded and implemented between 2009 and 2013.

To contribute to the improvement of the Eastern Nile Flood Risk Mitigation (EN-FRM) Project the following outputs are planned: An enhanced EN FFEWS, so that reliable flood forecasts and early warnings for the EN region become available to member countries. Flood maps with flood hazards and risks for key flood prone areas in the EN region, so that flood protection measures and flood response preparedness actions can be planned adequately and Enhanced forecasting capacity for better management of dam operation and water resources planning.

Remnants of the vegetation cover in the Jema Watershed include scattered trees and patches of shrubs and bushes on hills and mountain slopes and along streams. Grasses also occur with bushes and shrubs, around homesteads, on pasture lands, on field boundaries and along narrow valleys. Scattered natural trees are common within homesteads, in crop fields and along streams as traditional agro-forestry species. A large area of arable land on gently undulating terrain towards the Jema River, and severe gully erosion associated with areas of communal grazing in the north-east of the area. The runoff from the hills is channelled into gullies, which are a problem to the community. Flooding and riverbank erosion are also indicated as priority constraints.

The Atbara Kerib Land Rehabilitation Project was one of 13 potential first-round investment projects identified in 2007 under the Cooperative Regional Assessment (CRA) of Watershed Management in the Eastern Nile Basin. The 13 projects identified under the CRA focused on watered degradation ‘hot spots’ characterized by increasing population pressure on a degrading natural resource base. The project area is located along the western banks of the Atbara River in El Fashaga Locality in Gederef State and stretches from the Kashm el Girba dam to the junction the Setit and Barr as Salem Rivers where a new dam is proposed to be constructed. The project area extends up to 16 km form the river edge. The objective of the Atbara Kerib Land Rehabilitation Project is to arrest land degradation along the Atbara River in Gedaref State, and rehabilitate degraded kerib lands along the river while diversifying community livelihood activities and contributing to poverty alleviation. Karib land is land along a river channel where deep gullies have formed as a result of erosion of soil from land adjacent to the river. Project interventions include construction of field bunds in land adjacent to kerib lands, check dams within kerib land, planting indigenous trees within community forests and general lands, training locals in community forest management, training households in off-farm income generating activities, including processing of farm produce; and establishment of micro-finance institutions The prefeasibility study for the project was carried out in the period 2010-2012 under the Watershed Delineation and Prioritization Project.

The Lau Watershed Management project is one of the four fast track projects prepared in 2007 under the Eastern Nile Watershed Management (ENWM) Project. The Lau Watershed project area is administratively located within Maiwut County, Upper Nile State in Southern Sudan. Maiwut County has six Payams, four of which (Maiwut, Kigille, Jotome and Turuw) fall within the Lau Watershed Project area. The watershed (the part in South Sudan) has an area of 700 km2 that is characterized by rugged densely vegetated mountainous highland terrain at its head and plain lowland in the downstream parts. The altitude ranges from 415 to 1904 m amsl, with about 90 percent of the watershed falling below 500 m asl. During dry seasons, many people move long distances with their livestock in search of forage and water. The people that remain behind in the watershed have great difficulty finding adequate water (for domestic use and for the livestock that has not been driven away. Conflicts over water resources and grazing grounds are common in the watershed. Other issues identified in the watershed include deforestation, overgrazing, land degradation and soil loss, water pollution, and loss of wildlife from hunting and habitat destruction, impacts of climate change manifesting as changes in rainfall patterns, and weak institutions. The project objective was to restore community capacity to sustain and develop livelihoods in an environmentally responsible manner. The project had four components namely: (a) capacity building and institutional strengthening; (b) provision of basic services; (c) support to livelihoods, and; (d) project management. Specific interventions under the project included building capacity of Maiwut County and supporting NGOs; supporting the formation of, and building capacity of Community-Based Organisations; engaging and promoting community participation; constructing water supplies for domestic water use, livestock watering and agricultural irrigation based on sand dams or surface water reservoirs; constructing demonstration pit latrines and carrying out hygiene education; supporting school feeding programmes; introducing adult literacy programs; upgrading rural feeder roads to improve market access; demonstrating improved farming methods (e.g. use of improved seeds and fertilizers, mechanical ploughing; soil and water conservation; pest and disease control, etc); introducing small-scale irrigation; training fishermen in improved capture fisheries; introducing fish farming; supporting establishment of dairy processing cottage industries; establishing fruit tree nurseries, and promoting agro-forestry; diversification of income-generating activities (beekeeping, wood craft and furniture marking, vegetable processing, fruit processing, edible oil processing, grain milling, producing improved stoves, etc.); promoting use of renewable energy sources (biogas, solar); and introducing compressed bricks to replace traditional soil construction techniques.

Majang development project is located in the Dunchaye kebele within the Godere woreda (Majang zone) Gambela Region, Ethiopia. The Majang Project, which will draw water from the Duchaye River, has four components, namely (a) micro-hydropower development for the remotely located area that is not connected to the national grid. A 0.16 MW power plant will be constructed that will generate 1 GWh/annum; (b) equipping 220 ha for irrigation; (c) construct 20 fish ponds, each of surface 200 m2; and training farmers in aquaculture; (d) improving watershed management through reforestation, rehabilitation of degraded areas, planting of fruit trees and supporting alternative livelihood activities like beekeeping. Â The Majang River Multipurpose Development Project is one of the three short term projects proposed as part of the Baro-Akobo-Sobat (BAS) Multipurpose Water Resources Development Study Project. The BAS Project itself was part of the initial 7 sub-projects of the Integrated Development of Eastern Nile (IEDN) Project. Activities under the project commenced in 2008-20012 funded with a seed grant from the Netherlands and French governments. Later on, project preparation activities were carried out with funding from the African Water Facility and NEPAD-IPPF. These included the feasibility study for the Majang Multipurpose project funded by the African Water Facility in 2015-2017.

The Alatish-Dinder Transboundary Park Project was one of 13 potential first-round investment projects identified in 2007 under the Cooperative Regional Assessment (CRA) of Watershed Management in the Eastern Nile Basin. The 13 projects identified under the CRA focused on watered degradation ‘hot spots’ characterized by increasing population pressure on a degrading natural resource base. The Alatish National Park (2,666 km2, Ethiopia), and Dinder National Park (8,960 km2, Sudan) are located along the Ethiopia-Sudan border and form a contiguous ecosystem with a high diversity of plant and animal species due to their location on the ecotone between the Sahel and Ethiopian Highlands eco-regions, and location along a major migratory bird flyway between Eurasia and Africa. The two parks are important for protecting the main sources of water for the Blue Nile, Dinder and Rahad Rivers. The biodiversity of the two parks is threatened by surrounding communities, among whom is a large number of internally displaced persons. Members of the surrounding communities in the two countries, who number over 150,000, encroach on the two parks to poach wildlife, graze and water livestock, cultivate crops, fish in the rivers in the park, collection of honey, cutting trees for firewood, and starting bush fires. The objective of the Alatish-Dinder Transboundary Park Project is to support the coordinated sustainable management of the two parks and protection of their biodiversity. Project interventions include supporting coordination and network between the two governments and conservation NGOs in the two states; coordinated development of management plans for the two parks; capacity building for park officials; capacity building for local communities to engage in co-management of the parks; construction of tourism and patrol roads in the two parks; construction of park administrative buildings; conducing joint research and monitoring programmes Prefeasibility studies were performed on the project in 2010-2012 under the Watershed Delineation and Prioritization Project and re-prioritized in 2015 under the Multi-Sectoral Investment Opportunities Assessment (MSIOA) conducted under the Nile Cooperation for Results (NCORE) Project.

The Dinder, Atbara and Bau Watershed Management Project is one of the four fast track projects prepared in 2007 under the Eastern Nile Watershed Management (ENWM) Project. Three watersheds were selected for the Sudan Project based on a number of factors including community interest and prior experience, impact on poverty, chances for demonstrating early results of improved land and water management, and government support. The three watersheds were (i) Dinder National Park and surroundings; (ii) Lower Atbara, and (iii) the Bau locality. The project objective was to stimulate, support and demonstrate alternative livelihood practices and local governance systems that contribute to poverty reduction and environmental sustainability. The three selected watersheds have different characteristics and needs and are located within different ecological zones. Area specific characteristics and objectives for the three watersheds were as follows:            (DNP) Area â€" Features: remote and poorly connected area; degraded natural resources in the lands surrounding the Park; encroachment by surrounding communities on the Park natural resources (grazing of large herd sof livestock) leading to conflicts with park management; conflicts between different communities over natural resources; area prone to droughts and floods; previous experience with community participatory planning and development. Objective: To safeguard the natural resources and the biodiversity of the Dinder National Park by improving the Park management and enhance participatory planning and offering alternative livelihoods to target groups who at present depend on the park's natural resources          â€" Features: desert area with low rainfall and scare natural resources; pronounced urban-rural interaction, limited mechanized farming, low environmental carrying capacity; substantial previous experience with community participatory planning and development. Objective: to combat desertification, improve environmental resilience and reduce people’s vulnerability by promoting more reliable and environmentally sound livelihoods to the people dependent on the scanty natural resources in the Lower Atbara.          â€" Features: remote, poorly connected, war-stricken area; facing influx of people from IDPs; favourable precipitation and natural resources base; area prone to droughts and floods; land tenure distribution/management still ongoing; very limited experience with community participatory planning. Objective: to reduce the pressure on and conflicts over the natural resources, to capture the long-term development potential of the area, and to build a foundation for sustained peace by promoting alternative, more reliable and environmentally friendly livelihood practices. The project had three components namely: (a) institutional strengthening; (b) project management; and (c) integrated watershed management and development (IWM&D) interventions. Specific interventions under the Project included strengthening capacity of supporting government institutions and stakeholder institutions; building capacity of Community-Based Organisations; construction of weirs with intake structures, construction of shallow wells, deep boreholes; construction of micro-and small dams for irrigation with diversion structures and distribution canals; construction of sand dams; construction of rainwater harvesting structures; improving farm production and farming systems through diversification and intensification of farming and farm infrastructure; improving grazing lands in wadis through water harvesting and reseeding with local legumes and seeds; reviving and improving animal migration routes; planting trees along animal migration routes for shade and browse; constructing livestock watering points and veterinary service centres, control of livestock pests and diseases; rehabilitating degraded parts of existing forests; controlling illegal logging, fires and grazing in protected areas; training local communities in forest management; introducing appropriate technology for small-scale miners to reduce their pollution impact; an diversification of income generating activities (fodder harvesting and packing; gum Arabic packing and marketing; dates grading and packing; vegetable and fruit processing; dairy processing; fish processing; wood handcraft making; mat making with camel wool; small scale metal fabrication; hand woven cotton fabric.

Transboundary Hydro-Meteorological and Environmental Monitoring System and Environmental Flows Assessment Project is one of nine medium and long-term projecs identified and prioiritized under the Baro-Akobo-Sobat (BAS) Multipurpose Water Resources Study Project that was implementd from 2015 to 2017. The Baro-Akabo-Sobat sub-basin, which consists of the Baro, Akobo and the Pibor rivers, has a catchment area of about 260,000 km2. The Baro River originates in the highlands of Ethiopia (2,000 â€" 3,500 masl) and flows northwest wards through Gambella plains (450 masl) into South Sudan. The Pibor River originates in the Imatong Mountains close to the South Sudan-Uganda border and flows nothwards through grassy flat plains. The Pibor is joined on its journey by the Akobo, Gilo and Alwero Rivers originating from the Ethiopian highlands. The Pibor river eventiually joints with the Baro River to form the Sobat River.  The project identification was completed in 2015 with funding from the World Bank under the Nile Cooperation for Results Project (NCORE).

Telkuk Water Harvesting Project Telkuk Water Harvesting Project is to promote the sustainable management of rangeland in the Talkuk Locality, Kassala State. Proposed project interventions include: Increasing water harvesting through constructing traditional teras, libish, and small dams; delineating wild flooding areas; multiplying local grass varieties and forage trees with re-seeding and planting them to improve rangelands, construction of livestock watering points in rangelands and along stock migration routes, rehabilitation of existing hafirs, improvement of livestock market infrastructure; training of para-veterinary workers; supporting participatory landuse planning; promoting off-farm income generating activities, supporting formation of savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOs), improving processing of agricultural products. The prefeasibility study for the project was carried out in the period 2010-2012 under the Watershed Delineation and Prioritization Project.

The Akobo-Gambella floodplains transboundary development programme is one of the three short term projects proposed as part of the Baro-Akobo-Sobat multipurpose water resources development study project. The three short term projects are based on the sustainable development of water resources. They aim at providing inter-sectoral benefits and improving people's livelihoods in the sub-basin. The Akobo-Gambella programme is designed around solar pumping and the provision of water for various uses. This programme is designed to reduce extreme poverty and improve livelihoods in an area of the BAS sub-basin which is highly vulnerable (conflicts over the resources, food insecurity, no access to a safe source of water, etc.). This area currently receives humanitarian aid and the programme focuses on the transition between aid and development. The programme includes generic components such as potable water supply, sanitation, livestock watering, capture fisheries, aquaculture, small scale irrigation and capacity building. The implementation of the programme will include field work to select pilot areas, identify specific needs and refine these generic components. Akobo-Gambella Floodplains Transboundary Development Programme covers parts of the Baro-Akobo-Sobat basin in Ethiopia and South Sudan. In Ethiopia, the programme focuses on the plains of Gambella region (Nuer Zone) and in South Sudan, it is located in Jonglei State (Akobo County) and Upper Nile State (Ulang County). The Programme is located in an area that is highly vulnerable and suffers from frequent conflicts over natural resources, food insecurity, no access to a safe water, etc., and is heavily dependent on humanitarian aid. The Akobo-Gambella Programme aims to facilitate a transition from aid dependency to self-sufficiency in food and other basin services. The objective of the programme is to reduce transboundary conflicts associated with water, improve food security and lead to improved livelihoods. The programme comprises of several generic components such as potable water supply, sanitation, livestock watering, capture fisheries, aquaculture, small scale irrigation and capacity building. The implementation of the programme will include field work to select pilot areas, identify specific needs and refine these generic components. The basic approach of the programme is to abstract water from the ground and rivers using solar-powered pumps, transfer it to storge tanks, and from there distribute it for multiple purpose including domestic water supply and sanitation, small scale irrigation, livestock watering and aquaculture. The water sources and pumping systems could be different for each of the uses. Hardware interventions will be complemented by software interventions such as hygiene education, training on fish farming, training on operation and maintenance of water infrastructure, and awareness on watershed management. The indicated costs below are for interventions in a single village. Â The Akobo-Gambella Floodplains Transboundary Development Programme is one of the three short term projects proposed as part of the Baro-Akobo-Sobat (BAS) Multipurpose Activities under the project commenced in 2008-20012 funded with a seed grant from the Netherlands and French governments. The feasibility study for the Akobo-Gambella Floodplains Transboundary Development Programme was funded by the African Water Facility and carried out in 2015-2017.

The Sudd wetland is one of the most unique and valuable ecosystems on Earth. It is the largest wetland in Africa, and a designated a Ramsar site. The Sudd wetlands are of critical importance to South Sudan and the wider region through two competing factors â€" the value of the oil deposits below them, and the important ecosystem services they currently provide. The Sudd is an important environmental resource that supports large populations of wildlife (including endangered and endemic species) rich and abundant fish populations, and around 1 million people whose engage in agriculture, fishing and livestock husbandry for livelihoods. The Suud is also pivotal in regulating the weather patterns in the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and the greater East Africa region and acts as a barrier to the southward encroachment of the Sahara desert, and in controlling the hydrology of the White and Main Niles. Due to decades of conflict in South Sudan, very little research has been undertaken on the Sudd, hence information to support its management is scanty. The region is suffering from impacts of climate change, which manifest as increasing frequency of extreme high inflows and rainfall, leading to cycles of expansion and contraction of the Sudd. An economic valuation study put the value of the Sudd at $3.3 billion based primarily to the climatic regulation, flood control and biodiversity services, but also through provisioning services including livestock grazing and watering, fishing, and papyrus crafts.

Integrated BAS Hydropower, Irrigation and Multipurpose Development Programme - Phase 1: Baro/Sobat Component.’ is one of nine priority medium to long-term projects under the Integrated Water Resources Development and Management Plan for the Baro-Akobo-Sobat Sub-basin in the Eastern Nile region. The project will implement Phase 1 of the BAS IWRDM Plan whose objective is to sustainably develop water resources for hydropower, irrigation, water supply and sanitation, fisheries, navigation and other sectors with the dual aim of reducing poverty within the sub-basin and generating revenue. The proposed study shall also make recommendations on the sequencing, operating principles and management rules of priority large scale hydropower projects (TAMS and Geba dams) on the Baro and Sobat Rivers so that the development of the available water resources is optimised and supports transboundary and inter/intra sectoral cooperation and benefit sharing with a view to minimizing resource-based conflicts. The TAMS Dam has a proposed installed capacity of 1,700 MW while the Geba 1 and 2 projects will have installed capacity of 372 MW.  The project identification was completed in 2017 with funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Baro-Akobo-Sobat multipurpose water resources development study project.

The Dal project site is located on the Nile in Sudan some 280 km downstream of Dongola and immediately upstream of Lake Nubia / Lake Nasser. The project comprises of a 30 m high dam with 1400 m long crest and 400 MW installed generation capacity. The dam will create a reservoir of area 300 km2 and 2470 MCM storage volume. It also includes the construction of 240 km 220 KV AC double circuit power transmission line from Dal to Dongola. Prefeasibility studies were completed in 2007 with grant funding from the African Development Bank under the Easer Nile Power Trade Program.

Dinder and Rahad Rivers originate in the Ethiopian Highlands and flow northwestwards before joining with the Abbay River downstream of Sennar dam to form the Blue Nile River. The two are seasonal rivers of nearly equal length that cease to flow in the dry season. The catchment of the Dinder River is 16,000 km2 while that of the Rahad river is 8,200 km2. The Dinder and Rahad Rivers, together with the Abbay River, contribute about 70% of the sediment load from the Eastern Nile. The two rivers traverse, and sustain the biodiversity of the Alatish ad Dinder National Parks located in Ethiopia and Sudan respectively. The two rivers are also important for sustaining the the Rahad-Dinder wetlands, which comprise a large number of ox-bow lakes and cut-off meanders, and supporting social-economic activities in the countries. There has been considerable development of mechanized rain-fed irrigation systems west of Dinder national park in Sudan. Key environmental and development challenges in the two watersheds include poverty, population pressure, soil erosion, sediment transport, reservoir and irrigation canal siltation, conflicts between farmers and pastoralists. The project will be used to identify and prepare water resources management and development projects for the Baro-Akobo-Sobat Sub-basin focusing on expanding irrigation and improving food security, improving household incomes, improving water supply and sanitation access, improving access to energy and promoting sustainable management of the natural resources base in the sub-basin. Other interventions include the establishment and implementation of a transboundary water management programme, building capacity of national and state/provincial officials, and carrying out scientific research. The project was one of several priority projects identified by the Eastern Nile states under the Eastern Nile Multi-Sectoral Investment Opportunity Analysis (MSIOA). The project identification and prefeasibilitystudies were completed in 2015 with funding from the World Bank under the Nile Cooperation for Results Project (NCORE).

Its main aim is to promote transboundary cooperation among Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan, to tackle watershed degradation, reduce sedimentation, and foster sustainable livelihoods and food security. The Baro-Akobo-Sobat IWRDMPlan's proposed "Livelihoods-based Watershed management - taking to scale for a basinwide impact was planned to build on this initiative but has not as yet been implemented.

Akobo and Pibor Rives that are shared by Ethiopia and South Sudan have a lot of potential to support socio-economic development, including hydropower generation, agricultural irrigation, fisheries resoures development and water supply and sanitation. However, due to prolonged conflict and instability in the area, to date, there has not been a detailed quantitative study to assess the water resources development potential of the two rivers and their ability to support the socio-economic development of the area. The project titled -Akobo Pibor transboundary multipurpose development projecta is one of nine medium to long-term priority projects under the Integrated Water Resources Development and Management Plan for the Baro-Akobo-Sobat Sub-basin in the Eastern Nile region. The project will carry out a detailed assessment of the Akobo sub-basin, include the assessment of hydropower on the upper part of the joint South Sudan / Ethiopia border section of the Akobo River, irrigation further downstream and associated multipurpose development opportunities along the two rivers. The project will carry out detailed pre-feasibiity and feasibility studies for preferred multi-purpose infrastructure development options and support capacity bulding for institutions in involved in water resources management in the two countries at national, state/province and local levels. Â The project identification was completed in 2017 with funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Baro-Akobo-Sobat multipurpose water resources development study project.

Gambela National Park (GNP) (4,575 km2) â€" the largest protected area in Ethiopia â€" is located in south western Ethiopia adjacent to the border with South Sudan. Located south of Gambela and lying close to the Ethiopia border is South Sudan’s Boma National Park, about five times the size of GNP (22,800 km2). The two parks feature a vast collection of savannahs, rivers and associated flood plains, riverine forests and grasslands and a number of wildlife species like the Nile lechwe and white-eared kob not found in other protected areas in the region. The Boma-Gambella Transboundary National Park Project is one of nine medium to long-term priority projects identified by the Eastern Nile states under the Integrated Water Resources Development and Management Plan for the Baro-Akobo-Sobat Sub-basin in the Eastern Nile region. This project aims at ensuring a more effective protection of the two existing national parks, securing a migration corridor for large mammals like giraffes, elephants and white eared kobs, and reducing the paching of wildlife, through cooperation between Ethiopia and South Sudan. The project will facilitate the designating of the Boma and Gambella national parks as one transboundary national park to strengthen transboundary cooperation and provide for their effective protection. Other project components include the physical demarcation of the boundaries of the two parks, and capacity building for park officials from the two countries. Preliminary activities have already been implemented as part of the project of transboundary cooperation between South Sudan and Ethiopia led by the Horn of Africa Regional Environment Centre (HoA-REC) for the cooperative management of Boma and Gambella national parks.  The project identification was completed in 2017 with funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Baro-Akobo-Sobat multipurpose water resources development study project.

The Butana Plains Watershed Management Project was one of 13 potential first-round investment projects identified in 2007 under the Cooperative Regional Assessment (CRA) of Watershed Management in the Eastern Nile Basin. The 13 projects identified under the CRA focused on watered degradation ‘hot spots’ characterized by increasing population pressure on a degrading natural resource base. The project area is located in Gederef State in Eastern Sudan. Within the large expanse of the plans, an area measuring 4,990 km2 in El Faw Locality has been identified for water harvesting under this project. Among other things, the area suffers from rangeland degradation and conflicts for pasture and water resources by pastoral groups. The objective of the Atbara Kerib Land Rehabilitation Project is to arrest land degradation within the Butana Plains, and rehabilitate degraded rangelands within the plains. Project interventions include construction of water harvesting structures for crop and fodder production; establishment of grass and forage tree multiplication centres; rangeland re-seeding; constructing water supplies for livestock in the plains and along livestock migration routes; rehabilitation of hafirs; improving livestock marketing facilities; malaria control through mosquito spraying; training of local communities in off-farm income generating activities; establishment of micro-finance institutions; training of local communities in value chain services relate to agriculture and liestock. The prefeasibility study for the project was carried out in the period 2010-2012 under the Watershed Delineation and Prioritization Project.

Cingaineta River originates in the Didinga foothills of the Imatong Mountains close to the South Sudan â€" Uganda border, and flows through the town of Kapoeta in in Eastern Equatoria state of South Sudan. The water resources of the Cingaineta River and its tributaries are largely untapped. The Cingaineta River Multipurpose Development Project is one of nine medium and long-term priority projects identified by the Eastern Nile states under the Integrated Water Resources Development and Management Plan for the Baro-Akobo-Sobat Sub-basin in the Eastern Nile region. The Project objective is to improve the livelihoods of agro-pastoralists and pastoralists living in the counties around Kapoeta town while reducing environmental degradation in the headwater regions of the Cingaineta River. The project will carry out pre-feasibility and feasibility studies to investigate options for the development and management of the water resources of the Chingaineta River with a view to provide a more reliable water source for those living in and around Kapoeta, which is located along this river. The project will be multipurpose in nature, and assess how the development of water resources can also support aquaculture, livestock watering and small-scale irrigation development. The project will also have a component for capacity building of institutions at national, state and payem levels in integrated water resources management and development.  The project identification was completed in 2017 with funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Baro-Akobo-Sobat multipurpose water resources development study project.

Rapid population increase coupled with expanding agriculture, urbanisation, industrialisation, aging waste water treatment infrastructure and expansion of irrigation schemes in the Eastern Nile pose a serious threat to water quality in the EN Basin. The conflicts associated with access to water is expected be heightened by deterioration in water quality. The Eastern Nile Transboundary Water Quality Monitoring Programme is one of several priority projects identified by the Eastern Nile states under the Eastern Nile Multi-Sectoral Investment Opportunity Analysis (MSIOA). This project will be used to develop a water quality monitoring programme within the whole of the Eastern Nile. Propose dproject components include the review of water quality standards and guidelines (and development of a standard set of water quality guidelines and standards for the EN Basin; review of baseline data on water quality and filling of gaps; identification of physical, chemical and biological water quality parameters to be monitored, developing and implementing a monitoring programme; review of legal, institutional and capacity related requirements; identification of existing and future pollution sources and pollutants and analysis of associated environmental, socioeconomic and health risks. Â The project identification was completed in 2015 with funding from the World Bank under the Nile Cooperation for Results Project (NCORE).

Gambella National Park (GNP) (5,060 km2) â€" the largest protected area in Ethiopia â€" is located in southwestern Ethiopia adjacent to the border with South Sudan. The park consists of a vast collection of savannahs, rivers and associated flood plains, riverine forests and grasslands and has a number of wildlife species like the Nile lechwe and white-eared kob not found in other protected areas in Ethiopia. The Machar Marshes to the northwest and west of South Sudan consist of vast areas of swamps and seasonal flood plains interlaced by an intricate reticulate system of water courses. The marshes extend over the border into Ethiopia. The whole area plays a key role in the livelihood strategies of local groups living in the area. The Gambella â€" Machar Transboundary National Park Environmental Protection Project is one of several priority projects identified by the Eastern Nile states under the Eastern Nile Multi-Sectoral Investment Opportunity Analysis (MSIOA). This project will develop an institutional framework for the management of the proposed Gambella-Machar Transboundary National Park (GMTBNP) and develop a Management Plan for the GMTBNP. The project identification was completed in 2015 with funding from the World Bank under the Nile Cooperation for Results Project (NCORE).

There are more than 5.3 million ha of land currently under irrigation in the Eastern Nile, most with a poorThe project titled ‘Rehabilitation and modernization of the existing Irrigation schemes (Ethiopia) Abbay/Blue Nile’ is one of several priority projects identified by the Eastern Nile states under the Eastern Nile Multi-Sectoral Investment Opportunity Analysis (MSIOA). This programme will be used to rehabilitate existing irrigation schemes in the Abbay/Blue Nile Sub-basin in Ethiopia and introduce improved irrigation and drainage technologies and agronomic practices so as to improve the water efficiency and agricultural productivity of the schemes. Proposed activities under project include undertaking detail studies (feasibility level) to identify soft and hard action plans as well as, cost estimates required to improve the performance of the schemes, and securing finance for the investments.

There are more than 5.3 million ha of land currently under irrigation in the Eastern Nile, most with a poorThe project identification was completed in 2015 with funding from the World Bank under the Nile Cooperation for Results Project (NCORE).

Sor Watershed Project . The Sor River originates in the highland Montane Forests that straddle the Illubabor Administrative Zone of Oromiya Regional State and of Kaffa Administrative Zone in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples regional State (SNNPRS). The Sor watershed receives high rainfall and is well endowed with natural resources and biodiversity that is still only partially exploited. However, the watershed has the challenge of rising population, influx of refugees, widespread poverty and use of poor agricultural practices. The challenges are leading to increasing pressure on the natural resource and driving deforestation, land degradation, wetland loss, and biodiversity decline, among others. The objective of the Sor Watershed Project is to promote the sustainable management of the natural resources of the watershed while exploiting them to support livelihoods of the local communities. Project interventions include Participatory landuse planning, training woreda and kebele staff and Water User Associations in sustainable watershed management approaches; promoting participatory forest management approaches; promoting improved farming practices including use of manure and compost, improved tillage; construction of grass strips; establishment of on-farm forage lots for small ruminants; improvement of degraded communal land through construction of cut-off drains, check dams, and tree plantation to stabilize gullies; supporting small-scale irrigation; supporting community member to switch to alternative livelihood activities like beekeeping, operation of nursery for coffee seedlings; processing of agricultural produce; promoting energy-efficient stoves; and establishing Community Development Funds to improve access to access for local enterprises. The prefeasibility study for the project was carried out in the period 2010-2012 under the Watershed Delineation and Prioritization Project.

The Regional Transport and Navigation Development Project is one of several priority projects under the Integrated Water Resources Development and Management Plan for the Baro-Akobo-Sobat Sub-basin in the Eastern Nile region. This project will investigate and evaluate the feasibility of investments to improve the role of navigation in the Baro-Akobo-Sobat sub-basin within the context of regional transport and access to markets as a whole. It will also to carry out the necessary planning and design work to get the project ready for implementation and support its implementation. The project identification was completed in 2017 with funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Baro-Akobo-Sobat multipurpose water resources development study project.

Upper Birbir (West) Watershed Project Upper Birbir (West) Watershed Project is to promote the sustainable management of the natural resources of the watershed while exploiting them to support livelihoods of the local communities. Project interventions include participatory landuse planning, promoting sustainable wetland management approaches, training woreda and kebele staff and Water User Associations in sustainable watershed management approaches; promoting participatory forest management approaches; promoting improved farming practices including use of manure and compost, improved tillage; construction of grass strips; establishment of on-farm forage lots for small ruminants; improvement of degraded communal land through construction of cut-off drains, check dams, and tree plantation to stabilize gullies; supporting small-scale irrigation; supporting community member to switch to alternative livelihood activities like beekeeping, operation of nursery for coffee seedlings; processing of agricultural produce; promoting energy-efficient stoves; and establishing Community Development Funds to improve access to access for local enterprises. The prefeasibility study for the project was carried out in the period 2010-2012 under the Watershed Delineation and Prioritization Project.

Wadi Allaqi Livelihoods Support Project Wadi Allaqi Livelihoods Support Project is to promote alternative livelihood activities that protect the unique biodiversity of the area. Project interventions include promoting tree planting for charcoal production; cultivation of fodder crops like lucerne; planting indigenous tress species in degraded parts of the wadi; establishing tourist camps and promoting eco-tourism; carrying out training in selected off-farm livelihood activities; promoting value addition activities along the value chain and strengthening market links. Â The prefeasibility study for the project was carried out in the period 2010-2012 under the Watershed Delineation and Prioritization Project

Wadi Allaqi/Gabgaba (Sudan) UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Baseline Studies The prefeasibility study for the project was carried out in the period 2010-2012 under the Watershed Delineation and Prioritization Project.

The project was identified and prepared under the Eastern Nile Watershed Management Project in 2007, and implemented nationally. The project objective was to support the development of a Lake Nasser/Nubia Management (LNNM) Framework that would guide the long-term sustainable and integrated management and development of the lake and ensure the protection of its ecosystem. Due to the growing population of the two countries, there is pressure from key stakeholders in Egypt and Sudan to develop and intensify economic activities around the Lake Nasser/Nubia in order to support economic growth and the poverty alleviation. The main issues identified in the Lake basin include water quality degradation, sedimentation caused by bank erosion and up-stream activities, wind-born erosion and drifting sand-dunes, low fertility of land on the Egyptian side, aridity, water scarcity, over fishing, loss of biodiversity, high ground water table, population increase and near shore economic development including increase in agricultural, industrial, mining and tourism activities. These pressures make it imperative to put in place measures to ensure the integrated and sustainable management and development of the lake and protection of its ecosystem.  The Lake Nasser/Nubia Watershed Management Project’s main input was to design a Regional LNNM Monitoring Program to support the sustainable management of the lake and its ecosystem. The building blocks of the monitoring system were the development of survey and measurement procedures and techniques for water quality and sedimentation; development of mathematical modelling tools and procedures; development of a database; and sand encroachment analyses and identification of mitigation measures. The project also identified measures to improve weaknesses in the policy and institutional setting in the two countries such as poor coordination, overlapping responsibilities, sectoral approaches to natural resource management and development, and inadequate enforcement of laws. Finally, a number of priority intervention measures were implemented to demonstrate immediate local benefits to key stakeholders, raise awareness about lake issues, and build confidence for future measures on lake management. The measures included the following: training of farmers on efficient irrigation and improved agricultural practices that increase agricultural productivity; promoting fruit gardens; promoting integration of livestock in faming systems; training farmers in fish farming; creating shelterbelts to reduce sand encroachment on the lake and settlements; promoting non-farm income generating activities; promoting use of renewable energy sources; establishing micro-finance institutions to improve access to credit; and improving water supply and sanitation systems.

Zamra-Araqua Watershed Project was one of 13 potential first-round investment projects identified in 2007 under the Cooperative Regional Assessment (CRA) of Watershed Management in the Eastern Nile Basin. The 13 projects identified under the CRA focused on watered degradation ‘hot spots’ characterized by increasing population pressure on a degrading natural resource base. The Zamra and Arequa Watersheds are located in the upper part of the Tekeze-Atbara Sub-basin in Ethiopia and have a combined area of 5,021 km2. Administratively, the two watershed cover parts of five Woredas in Tigray Region: Alaje, Enderta, Hintalo-Wajirat, Seharti-Samre and Tanqua-Abergele. The two watersheds receive high amounts of rainfall and are well endowed with natural resources and biodiversity that is still only partially exploited. However, the watersheds have the challenge of rising population, widespread poverty and use of poor agricultural practices. The challenges are leading to increasing pressure on the natural resource and driving deforestation, land degradation, soil erosion and sediment transport, wetland loss, and biodiversity decline, among others. The objective of the Zamra-Araqua Watershed Project is to promote the sustainable management of the natural resources of the two watershed and facilitate their wise and sustainable utilization in support of poverty reduction and social-economic development in the area. Proposed project interventions include training woreda and kebele staff in sustainable watershed management approaches; promoting improved farming practices including use of manure and compost, improved tillage; construction of grass strips, stone bunds and earth bunds; on-farm water harvesting; establishment of on-farm forage lots; agroforestry; improvement of degraded communal land through construction of cut-off drains, check dams, and tree plantation to stabilize gullies; supporting small-scale irrigation; stocking fish in reservoirs; supporting community member to switch to alternative livelihood activities like beekeeping, processing of agricultural produce; promoting energy-efficient stoves; improving market access for farm produce; and establishing revolving funds to improve access to credit for local enterprises.  The prefeasibility study for the project was carried out in the period 2010-2012 under the Watershed Delineation and Prioritization Project