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<p>Droughts remain major global challenges. In 2015/2016 the Tigray region (northern Ethiopia) was hit by the worst drought in 50 years. The region has been implementing various climate change adaptation practices for four decades at scale, including: soil and water conservation (SWC), small to medium size dams (SMSD), small-scale water harvesting (SSWH) (check-dams, check-dam ponds, ponds, etc.), and groundwater development. This study assessed water level and yield dynamics and resilience of groundwater systems to effects of droughts. We carried out a regional assessment of Tigray and a detailed study on 17 representative watersheds for four years (2015–2018) that involved: (i) evaluation of the implemented technologies and approaches, (ii) geohydrological characterization, (iii) monitoring groundwater wells (levels, yields) (<i>n</i> = 78) and spring discharge (<i>n</i> = 41), and (iv) participatory evaluations of the interventions. Groundwater wells and springs recharged by SWC, SSWH, dams and a natural lake were less affected by the 2015/2016 droughts and to any rainfall variability during the study period. Though the implemented groundwater recharge techniques/approaches were not designed systematically, they have created drought resilient groundwater systems. Key considerations for systematic recharge include: available excess runoff; appropriate recharge structures/technologies; suitable geohydrology for storage; upstream-downstream linkages and effects; and climate change. The evidence from northern Ethiopia shows the potential of nature-based solutions to create drought resilient groundwater systems through measures that enhance recharge. This study has important implications for future sustainable water and land management, and climate change adaptation practices in similar environments.</p>

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Drought resilient groundwater systems: evidence from semi-arid areas of northern Ethiopia

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月23日

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  • Kifle Woldearegay,
  • Rudi Hessel,
  • Luuk Fleskens,
  • Frank van Steenbergen,
  • Asmelash Abay,
  • Fethanegest Woldemariam,
  • Solomon Aberra

摘要

Droughts remain major global challenges. In 2015/2016 the Tigray region (northern Ethiopia) was hit by the worst drought in 50 years. The region has been implementing various climate change adaptation practices for four decades at scale, including: soil and water conservation (SWC), small to medium size dams (SMSD), small-scale water harvesting (SSWH) (check-dams, check-dam ponds, ponds, etc.), and groundwater development. This study assessed water level and yield dynamics and resilience of groundwater systems to effects of droughts. We carried out a regional assessment of Tigray and a detailed study on 17 representative watersheds for four years (2015–2018) that involved: (i) evaluation of the implemented technologies and approaches, (ii) geohydrological characterization, (iii) monitoring groundwater wells (levels, yields) (n = 78) and spring discharge (n = 41), and (iv) participatory evaluations of the interventions. Groundwater wells and springs recharged by SWC, SSWH, dams and a natural lake were less affected by the 2015/2016 droughts and to any rainfall variability during the study period. Though the implemented groundwater recharge techniques/approaches were not designed systematically, they have created drought resilient groundwater systems. Key considerations for systematic recharge include: available excess runoff; appropriate recharge structures/technologies; suitable geohydrology for storage; upstream-downstream linkages and effects; and climate change. The evidence from northern Ethiopia shows the potential of nature-based solutions to create drought resilient groundwater systems through measures that enhance recharge. This study has important implications for future sustainable water and land management, and climate change adaptation practices in similar environments.