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Author |
Annys, S.; Adgo, E.; Ghebreyohannes, T.; Van Passel, S.; Dessein, J.; Nyssen, J. |
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Title |
Impacts of the hydropower-controlled Tana-Beles interbasin water transfer on downstream rural livelihoods (northwest Ethiopia) |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year  |
2019 |
Publication |
Journal Of Hydrology |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Hydrol |
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Volume |
569 |
Issue |
569 |
Pages |
436-448 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
Despite public awareness of unintended impacts (1980s) and well-developed international standards (2000s), downstream impacts of large hydropower projects still very often are not properly assessed. Impacts of (hydropower-regulated) interbasin water transfers (IBWTs) are considered self-evidently positive, although they can have far-reaching consequences for hydrogeomorphological systems and consequently river-dependent communities. In this study, the downstream direct and indirect impacts of the Ethiopian hydropower-regulated Tana-Beles IBWT are evaluated in an interdisciplinary way. The components of the framework of rural livelihoods are considered and changing contexts, resources availabilities and livelihood strategies are analysed. Mixed methods are applied, combining hydrogeomorphological field observations, GIS analyses, scientific literature, policy documents, and semi-structured interviews with local people and local to federal authorities. Results show that the IBWT drastically increased the Beles rivers discharge (with an average release of +92 m3 s−1 at the outlet; *2 in rainy season and *12 in dry season 100 km downstream of the water release) and introduced dangerous situations for local communities (over 250 people drowned in the river). River bank erosion resulted in the uncompensated loss of farmland (163 ha) and the establishment of large-scale commercial farms increased the pressure on land and led to the impoverishment of displaced communities (4310 households). The project was implemented top-down, without any transparency, benefit sharing or compensation for external costs. This stresses the importance of downstream interdisciplinary impact assessments and highlights the need for decent in-depth ex post-analyses of hydropower projects. Environmental impact assessments should be taken seriously and cannot be considered a formality. In Ethiopia and in many developing countries, the hydropower industry is booming. Although dams and IBWTs can be the best solution for water-related problems in specific contexts, national development goals (such as the expansion of the electricity network) should not be at the expense of rural livelihoods. |
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Wos |
000457952900032 |
Publication Date |
2018-12-15 |
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ISSN |
0022-1694 |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
3.483 |
Times cited |
2 |
Open Access |
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Notes |
; This study was funded by the Flemish Research Foundation (FWO, Belgium), through project No. G022217N and a specific travel grant for a long stay abroad (No. V445417N). We acknowledge the cooperation with the Bahir Dar University VLIR-UOS IUC programme. All support given by Bahir Dar University has been greatly appreciated and many thanks go to Yonnas Shawul and Deribew Fenetie, for assisting and translating in the field. Staff of various ranks in administrative offices are thanked for their cooperation and mostly openness during interviews. Special thanks go to the local farmers and other rural dwellers, for their cooperation and contribution to this research. We thank the two anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 3.483 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:156935 |
Serial |
6215 |
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