Integrated Rainwater Management Strategies: Hydrometric Monitoring Meja Watershed in Jeldu Woreda Description Located in the south of the Abbay basin to the north-east of Ambo town Tributary to the Guder river Rainfall: 1,400 – 2,000 mm The headwaters are in a flat wide valley, which is heavily utilized by livestock Downstream, the catchment comprises deeply incised mountain streams Slopes of up to 80 o are being cultivated Plantations of eucalyptus occupy approximately 10-15% of the landscape Challenges Seasonal water scarcity Heavily deforested in the last 10-20 years Slope slumping and gullying are common phenomena Productivity has “halved” in recent years (according to local farmer) Interventions • Some traditional diversions for irrigating potatoes, maize and onions • Drainage furrows to remove water from fields in the wet season • Planting of euclayptus to halt gullying and erosion CPWF Nile Project 2: Integrated rainwater management strategies – technologies, institutions and policies Poster Prepared for the NBDC Launch Workshop, Addis Ababa,29 September 2010 Gully with eucalyptus Middle catchment Upper catchment Drainage Traditional bridge Rainwater management for resilient livelihoods