ETHIOPIA: Mapping ground water resources in regions affected by recurrent droughts

Ethiopia is a vast, predominantly rural country with a rapidly growing population of 115 million as of 2020 (the second largest in the region), over 80% of whom live in rural areas. 

Ethiopia is endowed with abundant ground and surface water resources, with groundwater providing 90% of the domestic water supply. However, the spatial distribution of this resource is variable and unpredictable, resulting in chronic and devastating droughts. 

Available information on groundwater resources in Ethiopia is insufficient and fragmented. Data from the Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE) shows that proven knowledge of groundwater only covers 17% of the country, underlining the need for greater investment in this sector.

Rainfall, temperature, watershed vegetation and other parameters are considered to affect groundwater recharge in Ethiopia, but no study has been able to assess this precisely.

The Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM) will support MoWE in improving knowledge and monitoring of groundwater resources.

Recognized internationally for its expertise in groundwater management, a BRGM resident expert will be on site in Ethiopia for part of the project to ensure its smooth implementation, while maintaining a close level of collaboration with the MoWE.

The training program consists of 6 training sessions, with one week of training per month over 6 months. Each training session will be conducted face-to-face in Ethiopia, 5 days a week for 4 to 6 hours a day.

The field work carried out by BRGM will lead to:

• Production of a map illustrating the terrain suitable for Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR). MAR aims to increase available groundwater volumes by increasing storage through artificial means.
• A detailed characterization of the impacts of climate change on groundwater resources to quantify the potential decrease in aquifer recharge associated with climate projections.
• Development of climate change adaptation solutions to preserve these resources, and an economic analysis of this type of solution.