Amibara Irrigation Project II - Feasibility Study Summary
Document Overview
This feasibility study examines the reallocation of a planned 2,000 hectare settlement scheme in Ethiopia's Awash Valley between Melka Sadi and Amibara zones. The study was prepared by Halcrow-ULG Limited for the Awash Valley Development Agency in November 1979.
Key Objectives
- Evaluate options for equitable land distribution between Afar clans
- Maintain existing budget and resource allocations
- Consider social, technical, and economic factors
- Propose viable alternatives for settlement relocation
Main Sections
- Introduction: Background and terms of reference
- Historical Situation: Settlement program history and organization
- Scope and Factors: Financial, social, and livestock considerations
- Cost Implications: On-farm development, machinery, buildings
- Location Alternatives: Analysis of six proposed options
- Recommendations: Preferred alternative and action plan
Settlement Alternatives Analysis
| Alternative | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existing Plan | Single 2,000ha block in Amibara | Well understood, Class 1 land | No Melka Sadi land, poor grazing access |
| Alternative 1 | Split: 627ha Melka Sadi + existing Amibara | Simple solution for Melka Sadi Afars | Dispersed management, retains some existing problems |
| Alternative 5 | New contiguous blocks in both zones | Best grazing access, new infrastructure | Radical plan change, complex implementation |
| Alternative 6 | Single northern block (State Farms proposal) | Simplified administration, adjacent to pasture | No Melka Sadi land, delayed development |
Key Recommendations
The consultants strongly recommend Alternative 5 which:
- Creates two new settlement areas (1,374ha Amibara + 627ha Melka Sadi)
- Provides direct access to traditional grazing areas
- Offers better chances for successful Afar settlement
- Allows for future regional township development
If Alternative 5 proves impractical, Alternative 1 is the second choice.
Implementation Requirements
- Immediate policy decision from government
- Consultation with funding agencies
- Inter-agency coordination for asset transfers
- Development of livestock watering points
- Planning for irrigated pasture development