ABSTRACT
Ethiopia is a major source of freshwater for northeastern Africa. Rising high above the surrounding areas, it supplies its neighbours with both freshwater and vast amounts of alluvial soil through rivers that originate from its territory. Many of its rivers are short mountain streams. At their upper reaches, they run through deep and narrow canyons and are strongly influenced by rainfall. Many form numerous rapids and waterfalls. As a result, their use is limited because they are not navigable, and only a few of them have broad valleys to pursue irrigation agriculture. Utility is usually higher at their lower ends, but this part of their course often falls outside Ethiopia. Still, freshwater represents Ethiopia’s most plentiful natural resource. Overall, annual rainfall is adequate, and the country has several major lakes and rivers and significant groundwater resources. Ethiopia’s per capita share of a renewable water resource is better than most Sub-Sahara African countries. However, this situation is changing with increasing water demand induced by high population growth and increased socio-economic development activities. This chapter deals with the state and distribution of freshwater resources in the country, threats to water ecosystems, and the challenges of water resource development and management.
