Water Resources Development Projects Research Articles

Evaluation of Hydrometeorological Characteristics in the Northern Ethiopia, Gerado Catchment

In Northern Ethiopia, land degradation, together with population pressure foster soil erosion. Soil erosion in turn escalates surface runoff which is a serious challenge to agricultural production and economic growth in the region. Understanding the characteristics and dynamics of hydrometeorological variables are important elements in water resources development projects. Present study was carried out to evaluate hydrometeorological characteristics in the Northern Ethiopia, Gerado Catchment. Long term meteorological data such as precipitation, temperature and other climatic factors were collected from existing meteorological stations. Thornthwaite empirical equation and thornthwaite soil water balance models were employed in estimating potential and actual evapotranspiration. The first approach used air temperature as an index of energy available for evapotranspiration. Similarly, groundwater recharge of the catchment was computed as a difference of between outflow and change in a water storage. The runoff of the area was calculated based on the rainfall coefficient, annual precipitation and aerial coverage. On the other hand, groundwater potential (GWP) of the area was mapped based on important selected controlling factors. The result indicated that the annual potential and actual evapotranspiration of the catchment was found to be 755 mm/year and 723 mm/year respectively. The actual evapotranspiration was evaluated and weighted based on the dominant soil textures, depth root soil, and the respective land uses. As result, high evapotranspiration was observed in moderate deep rooted cereal crops and sandy loam soil texture which accounted 48.5% influence. But, cereal crops with moderate deep rooted and clay loam type have low AET (42.2%). Because of absence of gauging stations in the catchment, the volume runoff was computed using the runoff coefficient method. Accordingly, surface runoff from the catchment was calculated to be 120,581,841 cubic meter (m3) or 326 mm. Whereas, the groundwater recharge of the area was also found to be 52,208,159.5 cubic meter (141.5mm). Thus, out of the given mean annual precipitation, 27.6% and 12% of the mean annual rainfall lost because of runoff and recharge and the rest (60.4%) due to evapotranspiration. Regarding GWP suitability mapping, lithology, liniment density and geomorphology were found the most essential factors affecting groundwater mapping. The suitable GWP areas were lied within lithology and geomorphology class. Moreover, areas with flat slope and low lineament density are also located in most rich groundwater areas. Furthermore, installation of rain gauges at appropriate areas are essential for all inclusive and consistent data availability. 
 Keywords: Hydro-meteorological, Gerdo Catchment, groundwater recharge, runoff, evapotranspiration, GWP

Responses of soil erosion and sediment yield to land use/land cover changes: In the case of Fincha'a watershed, upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia

BackgroundLand use/land cover change (LULCC) exacerbates the global environmental changes through affecting ecosystem services. Soil erosion, which is the most significant global environmental problems caused mainly by LULCC, negatively affects agriculture and water resources development projects by increasing siltation of a reservoirs. As such, up-to-date and reliable information on the LULCC, trends, and its impacts on soil erosion and sedimentation is highly required. However, such an integrated study that uses high spatial earth observation data is limited in most basins of Ethiopia including the Fincha'a watershed. This study was, therefore, to quantify changes in LULC and its impacts on soil erosion by integrating RUSLE model and geospatial technologies. MethodsFor this study, spatial datasets such as Landsat TM, ETM+, and OLI/TIRS satellite images, satellite rainfall, soil, and digital elevation model (DEM) datasets were employed. As such, land use/land cover maps of the 1991, 2006, and 2021 were produced using the supervised image classification techniques of maximum likelihood algorithm. In addition, the impacts of changes in LULC on soil erosion were assessed by changing the C-and P-factors and keeping the other parameters constant. ResultsThe result showed increasing cultivated land, settlement land, and waterbody at the expenses of forest land, shrub land, and grassland. In response to the changes in LULC, the mean annual soil loss increased from 34.5 t ha−1year−1 during the 1991 to 46.4 t ha−1year−1 during the 2006 and to 58.7 t ha−1year−1 during the 2021 year. The result further shows that about 29,180.1 ha (7.6 %), 40,095.6 ha (10.5 %), and 40,969.0 ha (10.7 %) of the watershed were severely eroded during the 1991, 2006, and 2021 years, respectively. Likewise, increasing sediment yield from 1991 (6.7t ha−1year−1), 2006 (8.5t ha−1year−1), and to 2021 (10.3 t ha−1year−1) were observed. ConclusionThe increased soil erosion and sedimentation negatively affects water resource availability and agricultural production. Therefore, proper land management systems should be employed in the watershed to minimize the off-site and on-site effects of soil erosion.

Malaria positivity rate trend analysis at water resources development project of Wonji Sugar Estate Oromia, Ethiopia.

Evidence on the trends of the proportion of malaria infections detected by routine passive case detection at health facilities is important for public health decision making especially in areas moving towards elimination. The objective was to assess nine years of trends on clinical malaria infections detected at health facility and its associated climate factors, in the water resource development set up of Wonji sugar estate, Oromia, Ethiopia. Retrospective data were collected from malaria-suspected patient recording logbook at Wonji sugar factory's primary hospital. Monthly average meteorological data were obtained from the estate meteorological station. Data were collected from April through June 2018 and January 2022. The data were analyzed using Stata version 16.0 software for Chi-square and regression analysis. Over the last nine years, 34,388 cases were legible for analysis with complete data. Of these, 11.75% (4039/34388) were positive for clinical malaria. Plasmodium vivax test positivity was the highest proportion (8.2%, n = 2820) followed by Plasmodium falciparum (3.48%, n = 1197) and mixed infections (P. falciparum and P. vivax, 0.06%, n = 21). The odds of being positive for malaria was highest in males (AOR = 1.46; 95%CI = 1.36-1.52; P < 0.001) compared to femalesand in older individuals of above 15years old (AOR = 4.55, 95%CI = 4.01-5.17, P < 0.001) followed by school-aged children (5-15years old) (AOR = 2.16; 95%CI = 1.88-2.49, P < 0.001). There was no significant variation in the proportion of malaria-positive cases in the dry and wet seasons (P = 0.059). Malaria test positivity rates were associated with average monthly rainfall (AdjIRR = 1.00; 95%CI = 1.00-1.001, P < 0.001) while negatively associated with average monthly minim temperature (adjIRR = 0.94; 95%CI = 0.94-0.95; P < 0.001) and average monthly relative humidity (adjIRR = 0.99, 95%CI = 0.99-1.00, P = 0.023). There was year-round malaria transmission, adults especially males and school children frequently tested malaria positive. Hence, alternative vector management tools like larval source management have to be deployed besides ITNs and IRS in such water development areas to achieve the malaria elimination goal.

Assessment of the Impacts of Proposed Water Resources Development Projects in Baro-Akobo-Sobat Basin on Nile Inflows at High Aswan Dam

Study regionThe Baro-Akobo-Sobat (BAS) basin, which is a portion of Africa's Eastern Nile Basin (ENB). Study focusThe Baro-Akobo-Sobat (BAS) is one of the four sub-basins in the Eastern Nile Basin (ENB). The Machar Marshes swamp, a wetland in the BAS basin, has significant water losses, which have an impact on the BAS's regional hydrology. Future development initiatives, such as irrigated agriculture and hydropower, are expected to concentrate on the BAS. These initiatives will make a huge contribution to the BAS development, but they may also have a negative impact on the flow of the Nile into downstream countries, which is assessed in this paper. New hydrological insights for the regionThe HEC Reservoir Simulation Model (HEC-ResSim) and the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model are coupled offline. The BAS modelling system was used to produce the baseline scenario (no anticipated planned development projects) and three additional scenarios (hydropower scenario, irrigation scenario, and integrated scenario between hydropower and irrigation). According to the results, the hydropower scenario increased the flow arriving at Aswan by an average of 1.3 km3/year by reducing losses in marshes due to the controlled flow pattern. The irrigation scenario decreased the flow arriving at Aswan by an average of 4.4 km3/year. The combined hydropower and irrigation development scenario decreased the flow arriving at Aswan by an average of 3.6 km3/year.

Perspectives of human–water co‐evolution of blue–green water resources in subtropical areas

AbstractBlue–green water resources and their transformation play a vital role in crop production and ecosystem services regulation, and their distribution and utilization are affected by human activity, such as policy‐driven green water resources development projects. However, it is unclear how policy‐driven green water resources development projects, such as the Grain for Green Project (GGP) in China, affect eco‐environmental quality and socio‐economic development, that is, human–water co‐evolution. Therefore, considering the GGP in a subtropical ungauged basin in southern China as an example, based on remote sensing hydrological station (RSHS) technology and multisource remote sensing data, this study analyzed the impact of the GGP on human–water co‐evolution from the perspective of blue–green water resources. The results show that: (1) From 2001 to 2020 the GGP transformed more blue water resources into green water resources, resulting in an increase in green water resources of 282.29% compared to that of blue water resources. (2) Due to the initial success of the GGP in 2005, there was a distinct positive correlation between the green water coefficient (GWC) and basin development index (BDI) from 2005 to 2020 (R2 = 0.70, p &lt; 0.05), indicating that the GGP did not cause conflict between the sustainability of socio‐economic development and the health of the ecological environment. (3) In the GGP scenario, in which the cultivated land area maintained 50% of the current decreasing rate, the overall efficiency index maintain a continuously increasing trend at an average rate of 0.001 year−1 from 2021 to 2050, which not only improved the eco‐environmental quality but also met cultivated land demand. This research reveals the role of GGP in promoting the transformation from blue to green water resources, and proves the feasibility of the simultaneous promotion of GGP and socio‐economic development, providing significant insights for the promotion of policy‐driven green water resources development projects and long‐term blue–green water resources planning and management in other countries or regions.

Enhancing Malaria Research, Surveillance, and Control in Endemic Areas of Kenya and Ethiopia.

Malaria control programs in Africa encounter daunting challenges that hinder progressive steps toward elimination of the disease. These challenges include widespread insecticide resistance in mosquito vectors, increasing outdoor malaria transmission, lack of vector surveillance and control tools suitable for outdoor biting vectors, weakness in malaria surveillance, and an inadequate number of skilled healthcare personnel. Ecological and epidemiological changes induced by environmental modifications resulting from water resource development projects pose additional barriers to malaria control. Cognizant of these challenges, our International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research (ICEMR) works in close collaboration with relevant government ministries and agencies to align its research efforts with the objectives and strategies of the national malaria control and elimination programs for the benefit of local communities. Our overall goal is to assess the impact of water resource development projects, shifting agricultural practices, and vector interventions on Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax malaria in Kenya and Ethiopia. From 2017 to date, the ICEMR has advanced knowledge of malaria epidemiology, transmission, immunology, and pathogenesis, and developed tools to enhance vector surveillance and control, improved clinical malaria surveillance and diagnostic methods, and strengthened the capacity of local healthcare providers. Research findings from the ICEMR will inform health policy and strategic planning by ministries of health in their quest to sustain malaria control and achieve elimination goals.

Impact of Environmental Modifications on the Ecology, Epidemiology, and Pathogenesis of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax Malaria in East Africa.

Food insecurity, recurrent famine, and poverty threaten the health of millions of African residents. Construction of dams and rural irrigation schemes is key to solving these problems. The sub-Saharan Africa International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research addresses major knowledge gaps and challenges in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria control and elimination in malaria-endemic areas of Kenya and Ethiopia where major investments in water resource development are taking place. This article highlights progress of the International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research in malaria vector ecology and behavior, epidemiology, and pathogenesis since its inception in 2017. Studies conducted in four field sites in Kenya and Ethiopia show that dams and irrigation increased the abundance, stability, and productivity of larval habitats, resulting in increased malaria transmission and a greater disease burden. These field studies, together with hydrological and malaria transmission modeling, enhance the ability to predict the impact of water resource development projects on vector larval ecology and malaria risks, thereby facilitating the development of optimal water and environmental management practices in the context of malaria control efforts. Intersectoral collaborations and community engagement are crucial to develop and implement cost-effective malaria control strategies that meet food security needs while controlling malaria burden in local communities.

Watershed ecology-based rethinking of Oncomelania snail control

Oncomelania hupensis is the only intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum, and control of O. hupensis is of great significance in schistosomiasis control. As an amphibious mollusk, O. hupensis is frequently distributed in the fluctuating zones of rivers and lakes, and its distribution is along the water system and watershed. Nevertheless, there is little knowledge on the impact of watershed factors on the landscape and dynamic changes of O. hupensis distribution. As a novel discipline, watershed ecology will help reveal the internal relationship of snail distribution, identify the vulnerable areas of snail distribution, and define the priority areas for snail control and protection based on the specific needs of schistosomiasis control and ecological protection of the Yangtze River. In addition, watershed ecology may be used to evaluate the impact of water resource development projects on snail control from the perspective of watershed hierarchy.

A socio-hydrological framework for understanding conflict and cooperation with respect to transboundary rivers

Abstract. Increasing hydrological variability, accelerating population growth and urbanisation, and the resurgence of water resources development projects have all indicated increasing tension among the riparian countries of transboundary rivers. While a wide range of disciplines develop their understandings of conflict and cooperation in transboundary river basins, few process-based interdisciplinary approaches are available for investigating the mechanism of conflict and cooperation. This article aims to develop a meta-theoretical socio-hydrological framework that brings the slow and less visible societal processes into existing hydrological–economic models and enables observations of the change in the cooperation process and the societal processes underlying this change, thereby contributing to revealing the mechanism that drives conflict and cooperation. This framework can act as a “middle ground”, providing a system of constituent disciplinary theories and models for developing formal models according to a specific problem or system under investigation. Its potential applicability is demonstrated in the Nile, Lancang–Mekong, and Columbia rivers.

Water Rights Analysis Package Modeling System

The water rights analysis package simulates surface water development, allocation, management, and use and performs reliability and frequency analyses of simulation results. The computer modeling system facilitates assessments of hydrologic and institutional water availability and reliability in satisfying requirements for reservoir storage, water supply diversions, environmental instream flows, and hydroelectric energy generation. Reservoir system operations for flood control can be simulated. Capabilities are also provided for tracking salinity concentrations. Basin-wide impacts of water resources development projects and management practices are modeled. The modeling system is generalized for application anywhere, with input datasets being developed for particular river systems of concern. The water availability modeling system maintained by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and routinely applied by the professional water management community consists of the water rights analysis package and simulation input datasets for all of the river basins of Texas. Model-users modify the input datasets as appropriate to evaluate alternative water use scenarios, development projects, and management strategies of interest. This paper explores concepts and methodologies incorporated in the water rights analysis package and other comparable modeling systems, implementation of water availability modeling in Texas, and contributions to effective water management.

Application of SWAT in Hydrological Simulation of Complex Mountainous River Basin (Part II: Climate Change Impact Assessment)

This study aims at analysing the impact of climate change (CC) on the river hydrology of a complex mountainous river basin—the Budhigandaki River Basin (BRB)—using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrological model that was calibrated and validated in Part I of this research. A relatively new approach of selecting global climate models (GCMs) for each of the two selected RCPs, 4.5 (stabilization scenario) and 8.5 (high emission scenario), representing four extreme cases (warm-wet, cold-wet, warm-dry, and cold-dry conditions), was applied. Future climate data was bias corrected using a quantile mapping method. The bias-corrected GCM data were forced into the SWAT model one at a time to simulate the future flows of BRB for three 30-year time windows: Immediate Future (2021–2050), Mid Future (2046–2075), and Far Future (2070–2099). The projected flows were compared with the corresponding monthly, seasonal, annual, and fractional differences of extreme flows of the simulated baseline period (1983–2012). The results showed that future long-term average annual flows are expected to increase in all climatic conditions for both RCPs compared to the baseline. The range of predicted changes in future monthly, seasonal, and annual flows shows high uncertainty. The comparative frequency analysis of the annual one-day-maximum and -minimum flows shows increased high flows and decreased low flows in the future. These results imply the necessity for design modifications in hydraulic structures as well as the preference of storage over run-of-river water resources development projects in the study basin from the perspective of climate resilience.

Survivorship of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato in irrigated sugarcane plantation scheme in Ethiopia

BackgroundTo ensure food security, sub-Saharan Africa has initiated massive water resource development projects, such as irrigated agriculture, in recent years. However, such environmental modifications affect the survivorship and development of mosquitoes, which are vectors of different diseases. This study aimed at determining the effects of irrigation practices on development and survivorship of Anopheles gambiae s.l. in Ethiopia.MethodsA life table experiment was conducted to examine the effect of environmental modification on survivorship of both immature and adult An. gambiae s.l. in irrigated and non-irrigated areas. The pupation rate and development time of the immatures and adult longevity and fecundity were compared between the two settings.ResultsThe estimated mean survival time of female An. gambiae s.l. in the irrigated and non-irrigated areas was 37.9 and 31.3 days, respectively. A survival analysis showed that adult females of An. gambiae s.l. placed in an irrigated area lived significantly longer than those in a non-irrigated area (χ2 = 18.3, df = 1, P <0.001), and An. gambiae s.l. females lived significantly longer than males in both areas (P < 0.001).ConclusionsAdult An. gambiae s.l. survivorship was found to be enhanced in the irrigated area compared to non-irrigated area. Longer survival of adult mosquitoes in irrigated areas could have important implications for vectorial capacity and hence malaria transmission.Graphical

Hydrological modeling in the Upper Blue Nile basin using soil and water analysis tool (SWAT)

Hydrological models are essential to understand the hydrological response of the basin. It is one of the most significant aspects of water resources management and development programs at the small catchment or basin level. A semi-distributed, physical-based hydrologic modeling system, SWAT, was used to model the hydrological responses of the Upper Blue Nile basin. The model was calibrated and validated using the sequential uncertainty fitting (SUFI-2) algorithm in SWAT-CUP. The coefficient of determination (R2), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), and percent of bias (PBIAS) were used to measure the performance of the model. The value of R2, NSE, PBIAS was range from 0.81–0.85, 0.68–0.83 and − 10.8 to (− 4.7%) during calibration and 0.89–0.93, 0.88–0.89 and 8.3–9.7% during validation period, respectively. The results indicated a strong correlation between the observed and simulated streamflow during the calibration and validation periods. The overall hydrological water balance analysis showed that 49.5% of precipitation is lost by evapotranspiration, while 22.43% of precipitation is contributed to streamflow as surface flow. Furthermore, the hydrological water balance components of the basin showed a good spatial correlation. Since the water resource planning and management need the temporal and spatial water resource information, the results of this study will be used as a guide for the proposed water resource development projects of the basin.

Incorporating Reservoir Greenhouse Gas Emissions into Carbon Footprint of Sugar Produced from Irrigated Sugarcane in Northeastern Nigeria

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from reservoirs are responsible for at most 2% of the overall warming effects of human activities. This study aimed at incorporating the GHG emissions of a reservoir (with irrigation/sugar production as its primary purpose), into the carbon footprint of sugar produced from irrigated sugarcane. This study adopts a life-cycle assessment (LCA) approach and encompasses the cradle-to-gate aspect of the international organization of standardization ISO 14040 guidelines. Results show that total carbon footprint of refined sugar could be as high as 5.71 kg CO2-eq/kg sugar, over its entire life cycle, depending on the priority of purposes allocated to a reservoir and sugarcane productivity. Findings also reveal that the dammed river contributes the most to GHG emissions 5.04 kg CO2-eq/kg sugar, followed by the agricultural stage 0.430 kg CO2-eq/kg sugar, the sugar factory 0.227 kg CO2-eq/kg sugar, and lastly the transportation stage 0.065 kg CO2-eq/kg sugar. The sensitivity analysis shows that carbon footprint CF of sugar production is largely influenced by the rate of biomass decomposition in the impounded reservoir over time, followed by the reservoir drawdown due to seasonal climatic fluctuations. Significant amounts of GHG emissions are correlated with the impoundment of reservoirs for water resource development projects, which may account for up to 80% of total GHG emissions to the reservoir’s primary purpose. Sugar production expansion, coupled with allocating more functions to a reservoir, significantly influences the CF of sugar per service purpose. This study is an indicator for policymakers to comprehend and make plans for the growing tradeoffs amongst key functions of reservoirs.

The Impact of Multi-Projects on the Alteration of the Flow Regime in the Middle and Lower Course of the Hanjiang River, China

A large number of water resources development projects have significantly changed the natural flow regime of the middle and lower reaches of the Hanjiang River, especially the Danjiangkou Reservoir, cascade reservoirs, the South-to-North Water Diversion Middle Line Project and their compensation projects, completed in 1973, 2000, and 2014, respectively. The daily streamflow data of three stations in the middle and lower mainstream of the Hanjiang River are divided into four periods corresponding to pre-impact (1954–1973), interim (1974–1999), transition (2000–2013) and post-impact (2014–2018). Eco-flow metrics and indicators of hydrologic alteration (IHA) were used to study the change of natural flow regime. The annual streamflow decreased gradually during the four periods. The construction of the Danjiangkou Reservoir increased streamflow, minimum flow value, and the number of reversals in the dry season along the middle and lower course of the Hanjiang River. Moreover, the dam reduced streamflow, maximum flow value, low pulse duration, and the rise and fall rates in the wet season. Additionally, the streamflow reduced corresponding to the completion of cascade reservoirs and the Middle Route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project. In particular, the streamflow decreased drastically from July to September, affected by the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Furthermore, the compensation projects, such as the Yangtze-Hanjiang Water Diversion Project, mitigate the reduction of streamflow from July to September in the downstream. The study provides insights into the ecological and economic benefits associated with water resources development and use in the mainstream of the middle and lower course of the Hanjiang River for the achievement of sustainable development in the region.

From fast-track implementation to livelihood deterioration: The dam-based Ribb Irrigation and Drainage Project in Northwest Ethiopia

The 21st century revival of large-scale water resources development projects makes it important to keep assessing their impacts – preferably from an interdisciplinary perspective – in order to not repeat past mistakes and explore whether they could improve livelihood conditions for rural communities. In this study, costs and benefits of the World Bank-funded Ribb Irrigation and Drainage Project (RIDP) were investigated using a unique systems approach. The impact for farmers with different initial farming systems (rainfed – residual moisture – irrigated) was studied using field observations, document analyses, remote sensing, agronomic data and semi-structured interviews (n = 165). Data on project-induced changes to land and water availability, cropping patterns, farming systems and farm-level economics were collected. The results show that dam and dyke construction has reduced flooding, which has resulted in declining rice productivity (−42%) and concomitant shifts to lower value cropping systems. Results also reveal that the land redistribution has caused widespread livelihood deterioration as households had to give up 25% of their farmland and the communal grazing land was fully converted into farmland. Due to top-down implementation, nontransparent communication, delayed construction and lagging financial compensation, social resistance has appeared in the command area, impeding the construction works. In addition to these problems, if no rapid change to higher value crops can be realized, 20.5% of the farmers (those who already irrigate) will experience a loss of livelihood, 64.1% of the farmers (those with rainfed and residual moisture cultivation) will be on the verge of livelihood deterioration and only 13.5% of the farmers (those with solely rainfed cultivation) will enjoy RIDP-induced improved livelihoods. The fate of this project stresses the importance of investigating initial farming systems, exploring worthy project alternatives, improving participation, communication and benefit-sharing and strengthening the institutional capacity of implementing authorities.

A Hydro-Informatic Approach For Estimation Of Design Flash-Flood In Bargi Dam Cross-Section Of Narmada River, India

Estimation of design flood is imperative for hydraulic designs of spillways and various other water resources development projects as well as very essential for flood risk assessment. The objective of the present study is to apply Geographical Information System (GIS) supported hydro informatics approach for estimation of design flash-flood in Bargi dam cross-section. A criterion used for estimation of design flash flood is validated by central water commission (CWC). A hydrologic modelling software (HEC-GeoHMS) is used for the delineation of basin characterises for simulation of the precipitation-runoff process of the dendritic basin system. The SUH (Synthetic Unit Hydrograph) and flood hydrographs for 25, 50 and 100 year return periods are computed along with time distribution curve which can be used to derive the time distribution co-efficient of storm rainfall in the sub-basins for the rainstorm of any duration. It is observed in this research that the peak characteristics of the design flash-flood are more perceptive to the various design storm pattern. It is demonstrated that flood hydrographs are important in flood-risk management. The results attained exhibit the capability of the flood hydrograph to describe the effects of different hydraulic systems.

The Study on Impact of Ujina Irrigation Canal on Malaria Transmission in District Nuh (Erstwhile Mewat), Haryana

Man-made ecological transformations have occurred at an unprecedented magnitude over the past 50 years. Prominent among them are water resource development projects which has a significant impact on transmission dynamics of malaria. The link between irrigation system and malaria in District Nuh (Erstwhile Mewat) of the State of Haryana is studied. Larval and adult mosquitoes were collected fortnightly between January 2017 and December 2017 from two irrigated and two non-irrigated (control) villages in the PHC Ujina. Analysis was done to determine relationships of larval/ adult vector densities between irrigated and non- irrigated villages. Malaria incidence was reported to be over six-fold higher in the irrigated villages than the non-irrigated villages. The number of anopheline breeding habitats was 3.6 times higher in the irrigated villages than the non-irrigated villages. Larval and adult anopheline densities were three to four times higher in the irrigated villages than in the non-irrigated villages, respectively, during the study period. Anopheles culicifacies was the predominant species in the study area. Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum rate were significantly higher in the irrigated villages than the non-irrigated villages. The study concludes that proper canal water management could reduce vector abundance and malaria transmission in the irrigated villages.

Integrated modelling of the impacts of hydropower projects on the water-food-energy nexus in a transboundary Himalayan river basin

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the Paris agreement target a global cleaner energy transition with wider adaptation, poverty reduction and climate resilience benefits. Hydropower development in the transboundary Koshi river basin in the Himalayan region presents an intervention that can support the SDGs whilst meeting the regional commitments to the Paris agreement. This study aims to quantify the benefits of proposed water resource development projects in the transboundary basin (4 storage and 7 run-of-the-river hydropower dams) in terms of hydroelectric power generation, crop production and flood damage reduction. A hydro-economic model is constructed by soft coupling hydrological and crop growth simulation models to an economic optimization model. The model assesses the potential of the interventions to break the vicious cycle of poverty and water, food, and energy insecurity. Unlike previous studies, the model (a) incorporates the possibility of using hydropower to pump groundwater for irrigation as well as flood regulation and (b) quantifies the resilience of the estimated benefits under future climate scenarios from downscaled general circulation models affecting both river flows and crop growth. The results show significant potential economic benefits generated from electricity production, increased agricultural production, and flood damage control at the transboundary basin scale. The estimated annual benefits are around USD 2.3 billion under the baseline scenario and USD 2.4 billion under a future (RCP 4.5) climate scenario, compared to an estimated annual investment cost of USD 0.7 billion. The robustness of the estimated benefits illustrates the climate resilience of the water resource development projects. Contrary to the commonly held view that the benefits of these proposed projects are limited to hydropower, the irrigation and flood regulation benefits account for 40 percent of the total benefits. The simulated scenarios also show substantial irrigation gains from the construction of the ROR schemes, provided the generated power is also used for groundwater irrigation. The integrated modelling framework and results provide useful policy insights for evidence-based decision-making in transboundary river basins around the globe facing the challenges posed by the water-food-energy nexus.

Rainwater in Ethiopia as A New Energy Resources. New Approach to Sustainable Development in the Mountain Area

Rainwater harvesting can be not just the process of collecting, moving and the storing of rainwater for future use in the domestic area, offices or in the garden. Water collection can also be a process that can be used as one of the renewable energies sources. Ethiopia is the country where the rainwater in the mountain area is between 1270 to 1280 mille meter per year. Small-scale settlements integrated with irrigation technologies, especially micro irrigation, are still relatively new in Ethiopia - especially in connection with energy generation. The first part of the paper a water problem in Ethiopia is presented. Though the country’s highland has excessive rainfall, its poorest harvesting method and improper water management challenges development of the society in their activity toward poverty alleviation. In other way when there is heavy rainfall that the Ethiopian highland exhibits, there is the downstream rivers pollution and soil degradation with turbidity that challenges the aqua lives. It also hurts the existing limited number of hydro power reservoirs those generating the hydropower for major cities in the country. The second part presents result of the research program undertaken at Wollega University with co-operation with the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin by authors. The program goes on to attempt to solve the problem through application traditional and new technologies. This study highlights the use of rainwater and the formation of terrain to generate energy for human settlements in mountainous areas. In conclusions emphasizes, If the implementation of water and energy resources development projects will be really successful, significantly to ensure food security, vegetables and other cash crops will be produced to increase incomes and improve nutrition, and the burden of women in collecting water will be reduced. A virtuous cycle is then possible to increase food. That the research program will force architects, engineers and urban planners to revise and redefine contemporary design process and understanding of sustainable design.