CHAPTER FOUR

DRAINAGE SYSTEMS AND WATER RESOURCE OF

ETHIOPIA AND THE HORN
4.1. Introduction
About 71% of the earth’s total surface is covered
by water bodies majorly occupied by seas and
oceans. Of the earth’s total water surface, nearly
97.5% is Saline or alkaline accumulated in seas
and oceans. The remaining 2.5% is fresh water,
of which nearly 68.7% is deposited in glaciers,
30.1% in ground water, 0.8% in permafrost and
0.4% in surface waters.
 Cont’
• Water in lakes, rivers, atmosphere, soils
and wetlands are considered as surface
waters. Surface and ground waters are by
far the most abundant and easily available
fresh waters. However, fresh water is
distributed unevenly throughout the
world following varied latitudinal
locations, climatic and topographic setups.
 Cont’
• Ethiopia is characterized by complex blend of massive
highlands, rugged terrain, and low plains. The diverse
topographical setup, relatively higher rainfall and its
nearness to equator made the country to have larger
volume of ground and surface water.
• Around 0.7 % of the total land mass of Ethiopia is
covered by water bodies. Although it requires further
detailed investigation, the country’s surface water
potential as studied in different integrated river basin
master plans is estimated to be 124.4 billion cubic
meters (BCM). Consequently, many call Ethiopia, the
water tower of “Eastern Africa”.
 Major Drainage System of Ethiopia

• The flow of water through well-defined

channel is known as drainage. A drainage
system is made up of a principal river and its
tributaries (the rivers that flow into it). A river
system begins at a place called the source or
headwater and ends at a point called
mouth. Therefore, a drainage system is
branched network of stream channels together
with the adjacent land slopes they drain.
 Cont’

• The drainage pattern of an area is the outcome of

the geological processes, nature and structure of
rocks, topography, slope, amount and the
periodicity of the flow.
• A drainage basin is the topographic region from
which a river and its tributaries collect both the
surface runoff and subsurface flow. It is bounded
by and separated from other river basins by a
water divide or topographic divide or Water shed.
 Cont’

• The general patterns of major river basins in

Ethiopia are determined by topographical
structures which can be clarified as:
• a) The topography of the outward sloping of the
Western and South eastern plateaus
• b) The structural formation of the Rift Valley with its
in-ward-sloping escarpments resulting mainly in an
inland drainage system.
• c) Faults and joints that structurally influence part
of the courses of many rivers.
 The Major Drainage Systems

• Following the complex physiographic

setup and geological makeup, Ethiopia
possesses three broadly classified
drainage systems namely Western,
Southeastern and Rift ValleyDrainage
Systems. Western and the Southeastern
drainage systems are separated by the
Rift Valley system.
 The Western Drainage Systems

• The Western Drainage Systems are the largest

of all drainage systems draining 40 percent of
the total area of the country and carry 60
percent of the annual water flow. Most of the
catchment area coextends with the westward
sloping part of the western highlands and
western lowlands. This drainage system
comprises four major river basins namely the
Tekeze, Abay, Baro-Akobo, Ghibe (Omo).
 Cont’
• Unlike other river basins in the system,
the Ghibe (Omo) flows southward.
• The Abay, Tekeze and Baro flow
westward ultimately joining the Nile
which finally ends at Mediterranean Sea.
• The largest river both in volumetric
discharge and coverage in the western
drainage systems is the Abay
 Cont’
• Abay river basin covers an area of 199,812 km2,
covering parts of Amhara, Oromia and
Benishangul-Gumuz regional states. Together with
its tributaries, most of which are left-bank
tributaries; it carries 65 percent of the annual
water flow of the region.
• Abay which rises from Lake Tana (some sources
indicate its origin from Sekela, Choke mountain)
flows about 1,450 kilometres and joins the White
Nile in Khartoum, Sudan to form the Nile River.
 Cont’
• More than 60 streams drain the Abay
within elevation ranging between 500 -
4261 meters above sea level. The largest
of these is Ghilgel Abay (LittleAbay).
Abay flows eastward, turns 180 to make
a large bend and after cutting an
impressive and deep gorge emerges out
in the west.
 Cont’
• Similarly, the Tekeze and its tributaries,
carrying 12 percent of the annual water flow
of the region drains 82,350 Km2 of land surface
within elevation ranging between 536-4517
meters above sea level. Erosion in the basin
resulted in large tablelands, plateau blocks and
isolated mountain groupsThe basin has two
main tributaries (Angereb and Goang) which
rises in the central highlands of Ethiopia..
 Cont’
• Tekeze river is termed Atbara in Sudan, which
is a tributary of the Nile. The total mean
annual flow from the basin is estimated to be
8.2 billion metric cubes (BMC, here after).
• The Baro-Akobo and Ghibe / Omo rivers drain
the wettest highlands in the south and
southwestern Ethiopia. They carry 17 percent
and 6 percent of the annual water flow
respectively..
 Cont’
• Baro Akobo river basin has an area of 75,912
km2, covering parts of the Benishangul-Gumuz,
Gambella, Oromia, and SNNPR. The total mean
annual flow from the river basin is estimated to
be 23.6 BMC. The Baro together with Akobo
forms the Sobat River in South Sudan. The Ghibe
/ Omo River finally empties in to the Chew-Bahir
at the mouth of Lake Turkana (an elongated Rift
Valley lake) thereby forming an inland drainage.
 The Southeastern Drainage Systems

• Nearly the entire physiographic region of

southeastern part of Ethiopia is drained by the
southeastern drainage systems. The basin which is
mainly drained by Wabishebelle and Ghenale,
slopes southeastwards across large water deficient
plains. Major highlands of this basin include
plateaus of Arsi, Bale, Sidama and Harerghe.
Wabshebelle and Ghenale rivers cross the border
into Somalia, carrying 25 percent of the annual
water flow of Ethiopia.
 Cont’
• Ghenale river basin has an area of 171,042
km2, covering parts of Oromia, SNNPR, and
Somali regions. Ghenale, which has fewer
tributaries but carries more water than
Wabishebelle, reaches the Indian Ocean. The
basin flows estimated to be 5.8 BMC within
elevation ranging between 171-4385 meters
above sea level. In Somalia it is named the
Juba River.
 Cont’
• Wabishebelle with a total catchment area of
202,697 km2, is the largest river in terms
catchment area. It drains parts of Oromia, Harari
and the Somali regions. It is the longest river in
Ethiopia. Its tributaries are mainly left bank and,
most of them, are intermittent. Despite its size, the
Wabishebelle fails to reach the Indian Ocean
where at the end of its journey it flows parallel to
the coast before its water disappears in the sands,
just near the Juba River.
 The Rift Valley Drainage System

• The Rift Valley drainage system is an area of

small amount of rainfall, high evaporation and
small catchment area. The size of the
drainage area is restricted by the outward
sloping highlands, which starts right from the
edge of the escarpment. The Rift Valley
drainage system is therefore left with the
slopes of the escarpment and the Rift Valley
floor itself as the catchment area.
 Cont’
• The only major river basin is that of the
Awash. Awash river basin has a catchment
area of 114,123 km2 and has an average
annual discharge of 4.9 billion cubic meters.
The Awash River originates from Shewan
plateau in central highlands of Ethiopia, and
flows 1250 kms. It covers parts of the Amhara,
Oromia, Afar, Somali, Dire Dawa, and Addis
Ababa City Administration.
 Cont’
• Awash is the most utilized river in the country.
• In the Rift Valley drainage systems, there is no one
general flow direction, as the streams flow in all
directions. Following the Rift Valley orientation, the
Awash flows in a northeast direction. It finally ends
in a maze of small lakes and marshy area; the
largest of which is Lake Abe on the Ethio-Djibouti
border.
• The Afar drainage sub-basin has practically no
stream flow.
 Cont’
• It is an area of little rain, very high temperature and very
high evaporation. Lake Afrera and Asale are the only main
surface waters in the basin which are not the result of any
meaningful surface flow. Their formation is related to
tectonic activities.
• The Southern part of the Rift Valley sub-basin is
characterized by a number of lakes and small streams. It is
also described as lakes region. The lakes occupy fault
depression. There are small streams that drain down from
the nearby mountain slopes which supply water to the
lakes. For example, Meki and Katar Rivers flow into Ziway;
Bilate into Abaya; and Segen into Chew Bahir.
 Cont’
• Likewise, some of these lakes are
interconnected. Lakes Ziway and
Langano drain into Lake Abijiata through
the small streams of Bulbula and
Horocolo respectively.
Water Resources: Rivers, Lakes and Sub-Surface Water

• The Ethiopian Rivers

• Unlike many other African countries, Ethiopia
is endowed with many rivers. Majority of the
rivers originate from highland areas and cross
the Ethiopian boundary. Altogether, Ethiopian
rivers form 12 major watersheds.), separating
the Mediterranean Sea from the Indian Ocean
drainage systems. (see table4.1)on the
module.
 General Characteristics of Ethiopian Rivers

• Owing to the highland nature of the Ethiopian

landmass, surface ruggedness, the outward
inclination of the highlands, and the climatic
conditions, Ethiopian rivers have the following
characteristics.
• Almost all major rivers originate from the highlands
elevating more than 1500 meters above sea level,
• Majority of Ethiopian rivers are trans-boundary,
• Due to the marked seasonality of rainfall, Ethiopian
rivers are characterized by extreme seasonal
fluctuation.
 Cont’
• In the wet season, runoff is higher and rivers are full bursting
their banks, destroying small bridges, damage roads and
flooding low lands; during the dry seasons they became mere
trickles of water or even dry up,
Due to surface ruggedness they have rapids and waterfalls along
their course,
• They have cuts, steep-sided river valleys and deep gorges along
their courses,
• Rivers in Ethiopia flow on steep slopes having steep profiles.
• Some of the rivers serve as boundaries, both international and
domestic administrative units.
•
 The Ethiopian Lakes

• Relatively Ethiopia is rich in lakes. Almost all

Ethiopian lakes are result of tectonic process
that took place during Quaternary period of
Cenozoic era. Except few Ethiopian lakes,
majority of lakes are located within the Rift
Valley System. The lakes in the drainage are
mainly formed on faulted depressions and are
clustered along the system forming linear
pattern.
 Cont’
• Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia occupies a
shallow depression in the highlands. The Tana
depression is believed to be formed following slower
sinking and reservoir by lava flow between Gojjam
and Gonder massifs. Ethiopia is also gifted with
crater lakes. These include the lakes at and around
Bishoftu, Wonchi (near Ambo), Hayk (near Dessie)
and the Crater Lake on top of Mount Zikwala. Lake
Ashenge (Tigray) is formed on a tectonic basin. Other
types of lakes in Ethiopia are man-made such as
Lakes Koka, Fincha and Melka Wakena, and many
other lakes dammed following hydroelectric power
 Cont’
• Cluster of lakes are lined up within main
Ethiopian rift. Lake Abaya is the largest of all
the lakes in the system. The southern tip of
the Rift Valley forms the marshy land called
the Chew Bahirwhich is drained by Segan and
Woito. Shala and Ziway are the shallowest
and the deepest lakes in the central Ethiopian
Rift (Table 4.2).
Subsurface (Ground) Water Resource of Ethiopia

• As compared to surface water resources, Ethiopia

has lower ground water potential. Climate and
geophysical conditions determine the availability of
groundwater resource. Based on existing scanty
knowledge, the groundwater potential of Ethiopia
is estimated to be 2.6 - 6.5 BMC. However, this
estimate is now considered underestimated.
Considering various separate studies, Ethiopian
potential of groundwater is believed to range
between 12-30 BMC.
 Water Resources Potentials and
Development in Ethiopia
• The enormous water resource potential of
Ethiopia is underutilized due to so many
factors. However, there are plenteous of
opportunities that can transform the resource
into our collective social and economic needs.
The followings are some of potential
development uses of water resource of
Ethiopia.
 Cont’
• a) Hydro-electric Potential
• Ethiopian rivers have a very high potential for
generating electricity. The exploitable potential of
Hydroelectric power is estimated at about 45000
megawatts. The first hydroelectric power
generation plant was installed on Akaki River (Aba
Samuel) in 1932. Currently many hydroelectric
power dams are operating and many others are
under construction to realize Ethiopia’s ambitious
energy goals.
 Cont’
• Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is the
country’s largest dam under construction aiming to
generate 6400 megawatts. Gilgel Gibe III
hydropower project has gone operational
generating 1870 megawatts. Currently Ethiopia is
administering 14 hydroelectric power plants
constructed on lake Aba Samuel, Koka, Tis Abay,
Awash, Melka Wakena, Sor, Fincha, Gibe/Omo,
Tana Beles and Tekeze, generating close to 4000
megawatts of energy.
 Cont’
• Besides the domestic use of generated electricity,
the country is exporting electricity to the
neighboring countries. The major problem related
to the use of Ethiopian rivers for the generation
of hydroelectric power is the seasonal flow
fluctuations and impact of climate change and
variabilities. The sever erosion from the highlands
and sedimentation in the reservoirs is also a
critical problem for hydroelectric power
generation.
 Cont’
• a) Irrigation and Transportation The terrain in
Ethiopia is so rugged that it limits the uses of
Ethiopian rivers both for irrigation and
transportation. In the highlands, steep slopes,
rapids, waterfalls, narrow and deep valleys and
gorges are important obstacles. But on the
lowlands, their demand for irrigation is high.
Regardless of existing physiographic setups,
Ethiopia’s potential of irrigation is estimated to be
5.3 million hectares.
 Cont’
• The Baro-Akobo and Genale Dawa river
systems have large irrigation potential
compared to other basins. Despite the
untapped irrigation practice, more than 60%
of the area under irrigation so far is located in
Rift Valley Drainage System. Except few,
majority of hydro-electric reservoirs are multi-
purpose and are expected to contribute for
irrigation.
 Cont’
• Majority of Ethiopian rivers are not suitable
for transportation. The Baro at its lower
course is the only navigable river.
Comparatively, Ethiopian lakes are much
suitable for transportation than rivers. Lake
Tana and Abaya are relatively the most used
for transportation.
 Cont’
• c) Fishing and Recreation
• The majority of Ethiopian lakes are rich in
fish.Currently the annual production of fish is
estimated to be 31.5 thousand tons. The
exploitable potential is however, by far greater
than the current production. Exploitable fish
potential in lakes varies. Currently Lake Tana
leads the potential by estimated 8,000-10,000
tons per year.
 Cont’
• Fish production from Lake Chamo is estimated
at 4,500 tons per year. However, more than
60% of fish supplies are coming from
Ethiopian main Rift Valley lakes. However,
some of the lakes are currently threatened by
sedimentation, invasive species (water
hyacinth), over exploitation and expansion of
investments around lakes.
 Cont’
• There are a variety of fish, birds and other
aquatic life forms in the lakes. This and the scenic
beauty of the lakes, the hot springs around them,
the spectacular river gorges and the most
impressive waterfalls make Ethiopian rivers and
lakes important recreational and tourist
attractions. As they are the natural habitat of a
variety of wild life, some of which are only
endemic to Ethiopia, their value for scientific
purposes is immense.