Situation Analyses of Sediment Transport With a Focus on Its Management and Policy Implications

A comprehensive analysis of sediment transport in Ethiopia's major river basins reveals significant variations in sediment yield, with the Abbay headwater subbasins and Awash upper and middle subbasins exhibiting exceptionally high values (200–233 t/ha/year and 115.76–47.47 Mt/year, respectively), while the Rift-Valley Lakes basin shows much lower yields (1.9–13.69 Mt/year). These findings highlight critical challenges to water quality, ecosystem health, and climate resilience due to excessive sediment concentrations that often surpass standards for drinking, irrigation, and aquatic life. The study identifies gaps in monitoring and proposes strategic interventions, including enhanced monitoring systems, stakeholder coordination, legislation, and integration of international initiatives like UNESCO's International Sediment Initiative. This research provides actionable insights for restoring land and water resources, emphasizing the urgent need to address sediment pollution to safeguard vital infrastructure such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and Rift Valley Lakes.

Zinabu, E. (2025). Situation Analyses of Sediment Transport With a Focus on Its Management and Policy Implications. World Water Policy, 11(3), 724–734. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/wwp2.70009