A risk-based socio-hydrological analysis to prioritize water security in the Awash River Basin, Ethiopia

Water scarcity, flooding and water pollution are causing challenges to life and development in regions facing high poverty and environmental degradation. The Awash River Basin, which lies in the arid and semi-arid part of Ethiopia, is facing more frequent drought and flooding. River pollution is at high risk from the rapid urbanization and industrial developments. This study aims to identify the state of water security by analyzing the socio-hydrological systems. A digital overlay analysis conducted to identify the state of water security in the different parts of the Basin. A framework is developed and used by adding more socio-hydrological variables attributed to the risks of pollution, drought, and flooding. The water-security status was ranked on the scale to 1 to 6, where 1 represents the highest water-insecure units and 6 the least water-insecure. The results showed areas in the Northwestern headwaters as well as highlands of the Southeastern parts of the Basin are relatively water secure, while the middle range and downstream areas are most water-insecure, areas in between the headwaters and middle part of the Basin are moderately water-insecure. This prioritization of water security helps to engage water security interventions for national and international agencies working in the Basin. The study emphasizes the application of a modified socio-ecological overlay analysis tool for background assessment in risk-based water security planning and development activities.