Effect of Lake Basaka expansion on the sustainability of Matahara SE in the Awash river basin, Ethiopia

Megersa Olumana, Willibald Loiskandl, Josef Fürst

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Matahara Sugar Estate (MSE) establishment nearly 40 years ago is experiencing effects of a rising GW table and salinity in some fields, and as the result the yield of certain fields is decreasing and a significant area of cultivated lands are abandoning The problem is believed to be the result of the expansion of saline Lake Basaka towards the plantation field. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of expansion of the Lake (area & shape) in the past 35 years period from Landsat images and assess its negative effects on the nearby sugarcane plantations' GW dynamics & soil salinity. The result indicates that the lake expanded approximately 34 km 2 in the past 35 years. The GW table is very shallow in the Abadirextension areas and north section where the GW salinity is under severe condition.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWater, Sanitation and Hygiene
Subtitle of host publicationSustainable Development and Multisectoral Approaches - Proceedings of the 34th WEDC International Conference
Publication statusPublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes
Event2009 34th WEDC International Conference - Water, Sanitation and Hygiene: Sustainable Development and Multisectoral Approaches - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Duration: 18 May 200922 May 2009

Publication series

NameWater, Sanitation and Hygiene: Sustainable Development and Multisectoral Approaches - Proceedings of the 34th WEDC International Conference

Conference

Conference2009 34th WEDC International Conference - Water, Sanitation and Hygiene: Sustainable Development and Multisectoral Approaches
Country/TerritoryEthiopia
CityAddis Ababa
Period18/05/0922/05/09

Keywords

  • Groundwater
  • Lake Basaka
  • Landsat
  • Salinity
  • Spatial mapping

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Waste Management and Disposal
  • Water Science and Technology

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