“Sustainable water management of aquatic ecosystems of Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia in the face of urban expansion, climate and demographic changes”
Country of Study
Ethiopia
Institution
Addis Ababa University
Expected Year of Completion
2024
Thematic Area
Climate Change, Natural Resources and the Environment
Education
Thandile is a PhD student in Water Management at the Africa Center of Excellence for Water Management at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia. She works as a Spatial Analyst at the Inyoni Yami Irrigation Scheme. She has an MSc in Conservation Ecology from the University of Eswatini.
Research Summary
Water scarcity in the city of Addis Ababa is closely linked to water quality. Consequently, Addis Ababa must search for water supplies from distant areas well beyond its boundaries. Furthermore, climate change has increased the level of uncertainty over sustainable water management. Previous studies on water management in Addis Ababa have not attempted to integrate all these aspects together. For example, a previous study showed that high population growth has a great negative impact on the water supply system and that the unmet water demand will increase by 48% by the year 2030. However, the study did not consider the water quality and efficient use but failed to address the issue of how safe the water was and how existing water supply infrastructures can be improved. The findings of Thandile’s research will aid water managers and planners to learn about consumer preferences and opinions, enabling them to upgrade the service to the proper levels. Such data makes it possible for end users to participate in the decision-making process. The results of the study will also give decision-makers the pertinent data they need to develop proper strategies to manage the rapid degradation of water quality in urbanised environments.
Publications:
1. Change detection of riparian woodland vegetation in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
2. Dietary Strategies for Better Utilization of Aquafeeds in Tilapia Farming
