Speakers - AFHWC2025

Abstract

This study focuses on water availability and future demand dynamics in the Awash River Basin, considering the impacts of climate change. The Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model, leveraging climate data from 1977 to 2020 and discharge data from 1999 to 2020, and pertinent soil and demographic data was employed to assess water availability gap. Besides, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), MATLAB, and SPSS were utilized in data processing and analysis. The findings revealed a significant water deficit in the basin, starting from 2026 and persisting throughout the projection. Projections indicate deficits of -67.8 million cubic meters (MCM), -110.1 MCM, -1608.7 MCM, and -3855.3 MCM in 2026, 2030, 2050, and 2080, respectively. The projected water deficits highlight the urgent need for effective water resource management strategies in the Basin. These deficits have significant implications for various sectors, including agriculture, domestic water supply and livestock water demand. Sustainable solutions, such as improved water storage and conservation measures, efficient water management practices, and demand management initiatives, should be considered to mitigate the projected gaps. The findings of this study can inform policymakers, water resource managers, and stakeholders in making informed decisions and formulating adaptive measures to ensure water security in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Keywords: water deficit, water demand, climate change, water management, WEAP