Background

The Blue Nile Water Institute of Bahir Dar University (BDU) was established in 2012 with objectives to carry out research work (both applied and basic) on water resources utilization, development, and management in the Blue Nile basin, provide consultancy and advisory services in the areas of water resources and environment.

After undergoing some restructuring, the institute currently has five research units which have officially assigned leaders (research unit heads) drawn from different colleges of the university. The following are the five research units with some of their research focus areas.

1.Hydrology and Watershed Management Research Unit – led by Dr. Chalachew Abebe from Bahir Dar Inistitute of Technology (BiT)

  • Assessment of surface and groundwater resources in Lake Tana Basin, Blue Nile Basin, and the Amhara Region
  • Monitoring climate change and land degradation-induced rainfall variability in the Blue Nile Basin
  • Assessment of soil erosion and sediment and nutrient flow into Lake Tana and the GERD
  • Development of integrated watershed management strategies to mitigate land degradation, soil erosion, sedimentation, and water pollution
  • Transboundary Rivers Governance

2. Irrigation and Hydraulics Research Unit - led by Dr. Abebech Abera from Bahir Dar Institute of Technology (BiT)

  • Assessment of irrigation and hydropower potential of major rivers in the Blue Nile Basin
  • Environmental impact assessment of irrigation and hydropower projects in the Blue Nile Basin
  • Development and adaptation of best irrigation and drainage practices and technologies for sustainable agricultural water management

3. Water, Sanitation, and Health Research Unit – led by Dr. Agegnehu Alemu from the College of Science 

  • Development of strategies, policies, and decision support tools to ensure sustainable, sufficient, and acceptable quality water sources for domestic and industrial use
  • Development of cost-effective design, operation, and maintenance strategies of water supply systems to ensure continuous and acceptable quality supply of water
  • Assessment of the impact of current wastewater disposal practices on the environment and public health and development of guidelines for sewer system and wastewater treatment plant design
  • Development of scientific solutions to a wide range of problems related to solid waste generation, collection, disposal, and re-use

4. Aquatic and Wetland Ecosystems Management Research Unit – led by Dr. Goraw Goshu from College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences 

  • Blue Economy
  • Biodiversity management and control of invasive species, such as water hyacinth, in Lake Tana and other water bodies in the Blue Nile basin
  • Management of wetland ecology in the Blue Nile Basin
  • Aquaculture and fisheries management in Lake Tana, GERD, and other water bodies in the Amhara region
  • Water Quality Management

5. Water Governance and Socioeconomics Research Unit – A /Head,  Mr. Abebe Yirga from the College of Social Science

  • Hydro-politics and diplomacy of the GERD and the Nile
  • Water policy and institutional analysis for sustainable management of water resources
  • Socio-economic studies of water resources