Skip to main content

Tag: Ethiopia

The Dembel-Shalla Sub-Basin Multi-Stakeholder Platform is Taking Shape: First Technical Committee Meetings

Written by Johanna Lübbers on . Posted in Countries, Ethiopia.

Natural Resources under Pressure in the Dembel-Shalla Sub-Basin 

The Dembel-Shalla sub-basin (DSSB) is one of the major four sub-basins in Ethiopia’s Rift Valley. With its rich natural resources – including lakes, national parks, and reserves – the region holds both environmental significance and strong economic potential for multiple sectors. These include tourism and hospitality, horticulture (particularly export flowers), fruit and vegetables, livestock rearing, smallholder crop farming and more.

However, the sub-basin is under enormous resource use pressure from anthropogenic and natural influences that jeopardise both the ecology and the socio-economic endeavours it supports. The use and management of water in the DSSB is not well planned and regulated, leading to excessive abstraction and uncontrolled pollution, resulting in decline of water quality and quantity.

Similar challenges are evident in land use: Unsustainable farming practices – such as deforestation, encroachment into buffer zones, and unregulated agrochemical use – contribute to land degradation, resulting in desertification, gully formation, and lake sedimentation. These problems in current water and land-based resources management can only be addressed collaboratively to enable a long-term sustainable development of the sub-basin.

Stakeholders Coming Together: Formation of the Partnership

As a result, around 50 partners from public, private and civil society organizations came together to establish the Dembel-Shalla Sub-Basin Multi-Stakeholder Platform (DSSB MSP), a stewardship partnership supported by the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme (NatuReS). They signed a Memorandum of Action for collective and coordinated efforts in June 2024, formalising membership structure and governing bodies, and combining their activities into a joint partnership action plan. The shared vision of the DSSB MSP is to see natural resources in the sub-basin developed and managed in an efficient, equitable and sustainable manner by 2035 through collective action – fostering a Just Transition that balances environmental stewardship, social justice, and economic development.

Getting to Work: First Technical Committee Meetings

Part of the governance structure of the partnership are three technical committees. Here, the thematic collaboration of the platform partners takes place and specific activities are defined and monitored. From March 25-27, these committees gathered for the first time in Batu town to develop operational plans for 2025, completing the formation of the platform. Now they are setting out to jointly drive the following activities:

  1. Water Allocation, Use and Management:
    • Promoting a water use data monitoring system 
    • Identifying and promoting techniques for water use efficiency in the agriculture sector 
    • Raising awareness on up-to-date legislation and guidelines 
    • Delivering capacity building on efficient water management to key water users
  2. Water Quality, Pollution Control, Wetland and Lake Management: 
    • Supporting water quality and wetlands ecosystem monitoring 
    • Providing capacity building and technical guidance on wastewater management 
    • Raising awareness of water quality and pollution for water users  
  3. Integrated Watershed Development and Management: 
    • Mapping erosion hotspot areas in the DSSB 
    • Identifying good practices in watershed management 
    • Providing targeted capacity development to stakeholders from the sub-basin 
Group photos of the technical committees (from left to right). © GIZ

Looking Ahead

After three months, the committees will meet again to review progress and plan for further activities. Together with the stakeholders’ own activities these will be collected and aligned in the partnership action plan – a key tool of the Natural Resources Risk and Action Framework (NRAF), NatuReS’ guide for stewardship practitioners. Through these joint actions, the partnership contributes to a socio-ecological transformation that leaves no one behind – fostering inclusive, sustainable development and resilient ecosystems across the sub-basin.

Impressions from the technical committee meetings in March 2025. © GIZ

Click on the technical committees below to see which stakeholders are involved where. 

Water Allocation, Use and Management Technical Committee

Members:

  • Oromia Region Water and Energy Bureau 
  • Central Ethiopia (CE) Region Water, Mining and Energy Bureau  
  • Oromia Region Environmental Protection Authority 
  • CE Region Environment and Climate Change Bureau  
  • Oromia Region Plan Commission  
  • CE Region Plan and Development Bureau  
  • Oromia Region Irrigation Bureau 
  • CE Region Irrigation Bureau 
  • SOS Sahel  
  • International Water Management Institute (IWMI) 
  • Meki-Batu Veg & Fruit Growers Union 
  • Ziway Roses PLC 

Water Quality, Pollution Control, Wetland and Lake Management Technical Committee

Members:

  • Oromia Region Water and Energy Bureau 
  • Central Ethiopia (CE) Region Water, Mining and Energy Bureau 
  • Oromia Region Environmental Protection Authority 
  • CE Region Environment and Climate Change Bureau  
  • Oromia Region Plan Commission  
  • CE Region Plan and Development Bureau  
  • Oromia Region Irrigation Bureau 
  • CE Region Irrigation Bureau 
  • Wetlands International Ethiopia 
  • Tamra for Social Development 
  • Adami Tulu Pesticide Processing Share Company  
  • Ziway Roses PLC 

Integrated Watershed Development and Management Technical Committee

Members:

  • CE Region Agricultural Bureau  
  • Oromia Region Agricultural Bureau  
  • Oromia Region Water and Energy Bureau 
  • CE Region Water, Mining and Energy Bureau  
  • Oromia Region Environmental Protection Authority 
  • CE Region Environment and Climate Change Bureau  
  • Oromia Region Plan Commission  
  • CE Region Plan and Development Bureau  
  • PHE-Ethiopia 
  • SOS Sahel 
  • Batu Caustic Soda Factory  
  • Abijata Shalla Soda Ash Factory 

Anchoring the NRAF in Learning Institutions: Exchange and lessons learned

Written by a.linke on . Posted in Countries, Ethiopia.

During a half-day online regional exchange on stewardship and the multi-stakeholder partnership process, 25 participants from learning institutions in Ethiopia, South Africa, Zambia, and Tanzania came together to explore the integration of the Natural Resources Risk & Action Framework (NRAF) into academic curricula.

Developed by the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme, the NRAF serves as a practical tool for setting up and supporting stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships. During the exchange, Dr. Adey Mersha from the Ethiopian Institute of Water Resource Module at Addis Ababa University, explained how she and her team have successfully integrated the NRAF into their curriculum.

NRAF: A Tool for building stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships

The Natural Resources Risk & Action Framework (NRAF) is a structured, five-step tool designed to help diverse stakeholders collaboratively identify, assess, and address risks related to natural resource management. Developed by the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme (NatuReS), the NRAF guides multi-stakeholder partnerships through a systematic process of preparing, assessing, committing, acting, and scaling sustainable solutions jointly, thus promoting collaboration across sectors. NRAF provides over 25 practical tools that can be used during the partnership journey. So far, the NRAF has been applied in over 45 stewardship partnerships globally and NRAF trainings for partners from all sectors have been carried out in over 12 countries worldwide. To further disseminate the NRAF, the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme together with its partners aims to anchor the NRAF within education institutions such as the Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources at Addis Ababa University.

Integrating NRAF within Water Resources Management Modules at EIWR

The Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources (EIWR) is a higher education and research institute under Addis Ababa University. Founded in 2011 under the Africa-U.S. Higher Education initiative which later was fully integrated under Addis Ababa University’s programs, EIWR’s mission is to provide outstanding higher education programs, conduct internationally recognized research, and perform high-impact community outreach to address all aspects of sustainable development and the management of water resources in Ethiopia.

During the event, Dr. Abey Mersha highlighted the synergy between the NRAF and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). Given that sustainable water management requires coordination across sectors with contrasting goals, the partnership-oriented approach of NRAF fosters exactly this cross-sectoral and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The application of NRAF allows for a more holistic, systems-thinking approach, overcoming siloed methodologies and harmonizing diverse interests using the stewardship approach. These principles can be applied to natural resources management in general and are not only relevant for water management.

Advancing Collaborative Water Management Through NRAF

The partnership and collaboration aspects of the NRAF framework, which were previously absent, are now embedded in the coursework of two modules (Water Governance & Hydrodiplomacy (PhD level)); Water Resources Systems Planning and Management (M.Sc. level). Instead of being an additional module, the NRAF has been integrated as a core unit within these modules. As an example, whereas water resources risk management was already established within research thematic materials, now it also includes water resources action strategies, providing the foundation for the application in the real world.

In addition to integrating the NRAF into the curriculum, learners attended an awareness-raising and knowledge-sharing workshop to better understand the framework, its implications, and its applications.

Despite these advancements, incorporating a new concept into an existing curriculum remains a challenge. Formal academic processes often require extensive approval procedures. However, ongoing curriculum revisions provided a valuable entry point in the case of EIWR, allowing to integrate NRAF without disrupting existing structures.

A tool proven to work in different contexts

The exchange also shed light on the practical benefits of NRAF for practitioners in other contexts. NRAF has been applied in over 45 stewardships partnerships globally with different thematic foci. Good practice examples from the application of NRAF tool such as the stakeholder analysis or the risk and opportunity assessments were given from the Partnership for Circular Value Chains in Addis Ababa.

Recognizing the NRAF´s practical approach and relevance for development activities, Hawassa University has taken steps to mainstream NRAF within community outreach programs. By applying the framework to real-world projects, institutions hope to enhance sustainability and impact.

Mr. Mulugeta Dadi Belete, Professor at Hawassa University and former NatuReS colleague Dr. Natahalie Richards, have jointly published a research paper on the topic of environmental stewardship using the example of the Protecting Lake Hawassa Partnership in Ethiopia, further highlighting its significance.   

Future Prospects: Training and Wider Adoption

The regional exchange and learning event provided a valuable platform for sharing experiences, fostering connections, and gaining insights from one another. As learning institutions continue to integrate the NRAF into their curricula, they can draw on key lessons from the Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources (EIWR) to enhance their approaches. The exchange reaffirmed the vital role of collaboration and knowledge sharing in advancing sustainable natural resource management. The NRAF has proven to be a powerful tool for partners, practitioners, and learners alike, strengthening stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships and driving collective action toward a more sustainable future. As more institutions take on the opportunity to adopt the NRAF, it has the potential to shape the next generation of professionals equipped to tackle natural resource challenges through collaborative and practical approaches.

If you are interested to learn more about the NRAF and its application, please reach out!

Promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Stewardship Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships 

Written by a.linke on . Posted in Countries, Ethiopia.

The Natural Resources Stewardship Programme II is a regional project which facilitates Stewardship Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (SMSPs) as an instrument for consensus-building processes in areas facing significant resource use pressure (e.g. economic zones).

Women’s Role in Resource-Intensive Sectors in Ethiopia  

In Ethiopia, women make up much of the workforce in resource-intensive sectors like textiles, waste management, and agriculture. However, they have historically been excluded from decision-making processes. The NatuReS program prioritizes women as a key focus group, aiming to strengthen partnership members’ understanding of their roles, rights, and needs—along with those of other marginalized groups—within Just Transition processes towards a more socially just and environmentally sustainable economy.

The Protecting Lake Hawassa (PLH) Partnership

Through the Protecting Lake Hawassa (PLH) Partnership, NatuReS endeavors to address the pressing challenges posed by factors such as land degradation and insufficient waste management, while promoting sustainable practices that safeguard environmental integrity and social well-being. Central to this endeavor is the recognition of gender equality and social inclusion as foundational principles for achieving meaningful and lasting impacts.  

Challenges Faced by Women and Marginalized Groups

In the Protecting Lake Hawassa Partnership, as in many similar initiatives across the country, women and marginalized groups continue to face systemic obstacles in fully participating in decision-making processes and benefiting from development interventions. These challenges undermine the effectiveness and sustainability of efforts for a transition to a climate-friendly economy. Existing legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms aimed at promoting gender equality in Ethiopia provide a foundation for addressing these disparities. However, gaps remain in translating these policies into tangible outcomes on the ground.   

Female community members discussion on horticulture production and environmental management. ©Ephrem Tesema, Dugda District (Ziway Watershed)

Bridging the Gap: Training for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

Therefore, NatuReS partnered with the local NGO Tamra for Social Development to develop and implement a targeted training program that equips stakeholders and partners of the PLH partnership with the necessary knowledge and skills to integrate gender equality and social inclusion principles effectively into their institutions and activities within the partnership.

The training content was developed based on an initial capacity gaps assessment among stakeholders of the Protecting Lake Hawassa Partnership, regarding the roles, rights, and needs of women and marginalized groups in decision-making processes.

Group exercise during gender equality and social inclusion training. ©Tamra for Social Development

Training Objectives and Key Focus Areas

In December 2024, the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) training sessions were conducted in Hawassa, organized in two rounds. 34 participants from PLH partnership member organizations from public, private, and civil society institutions participated in the trainings. Each round had 17 participants, with a balanced representation of men and women (7 female and 10 male; 8 female and 9 male).

The primary goal of the GESI training was to foster gender equality and social inclusion within the participants’ organizations. The trainings aimed to:

  • Provide a deep understanding of gender concepts relevant to sustainable natural resources management.
  • Analyze the roles, rights, and needs of women and marginalized groups in Just Transition processes.
  • Equip participants with skills to devise action plans and strategies for mainstreaming gender equality and social inclusion.
  • Teach stakeholder mapping and SWOT analysis for internal and external assessments.
  • Develop individual action plans for GESI-related activities.
Group exercise during gender equality and social inclusion training. ©Tamra for Social Development

Training Methodology and Engagement

The sessions covered essential topics on:

  • Basic Gender Concepts and Gender Analysis
  • Rights-Based Development Approach (RBDA)
  • Stakeholder Analysis and Diversity Inclusion Processes
  • Setting GESI indicators for Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Community Resources Mapping and Action Plan Preparation

Training techniques included role play, group exercises, debates, and visual aids. The training environment was designed to foster collaboration and practical application of the concepts learned. Participants engaged in group discussions, provided feedback, and shared their experiences, which enriched the learning process.

Group picture of training participants. ©Tamra for Social Development

Evaluating the Impact of GESI Training

The training sessions were evaluated through pre- and post-training tests, as well as participant feedback. The evaluations indicated a significant improvement in participants’ understanding of GESI concepts. Participants appreciated the interactive nature of the training and its practical relevance to their work. They expressed that the training empowered them and provided clear guidance on applying the skills learned.

“The training approach is unique and full of interactive exercises, energizer and role plays etc. The content is very important. We had a lot of information within three days which is useful for us to know more about GESI and the challenges facing the Hawassa Lake in general” (training participant).

Expanding GESI Training to Dembel-Shalla Sub-Basin

As a next step, in the second half of March 2025, an additional 40 people from stakeholder institutions of the Dembel-Shalla Sub-Basin Multi-Stakeholder Platform will receive this training. NatuReS is supporting the facilitation of this platform, and building on the experiences gained in Hawassa, will continue to foster awareness and co-develop actionable work plans to address the roles, rights, and needs of women and marginalized groups in collective action for environmental stewardship in Ethiopia.

Saving Lake Hawassa from Distress – Article about NatuReS Protecting Lake Hawassa Partnership published in the InfoNile

Written by a.linke on . Posted in Countries, Ethiopia.

The Natural Resources Stewardship (NatuReS) Programme partnership, Protecting Lake Hawassa (PLH), was featured in the article “Saving Lake Hawassa from Distress“, published in the InfoNile [30.10.2024].

View from Lake Hawassa. ©GIZ

The Protecting Lake Hawassa (PLH) partnership was established in 2018 with the aim of mitigating the environmental and social risks affecting Lake Hawassa. Supported by the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme, stakeholders from the private, public sector and civil society work together in a participatory process to safeguard the lake and its ecosystem, ensuring sustainable economic growth in Hawassa City and the sub-catchment. The partnership engages in different activities aimed at ecosystem protection, livelihood diversification of communities and awareness raising about natural resources stewardship.

Lake Hawassa, one of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley lakes, faces challenges from rapid urbanization, industrialization, and population growth, which have led to increased pollution, resource over-extraction, and habitat degradation. As a critical water source and ecosystem, the lake supports local industries and agriculture, fishing, and tourism, all of which are vital to the regional economy. All members of the partnership agree ad work on joint action and solutions solutions to reduce the pressures on Lake Hawassa. Through this participatory approach, the stewardship multi-stakeholder partnership especially includes women and marginalized groups in decision-making processes and thus contribute to a Just Transition where no one is left behind.

Find more information about the partnership and its activities, read more here.