A critical review of integrated river basin management in the upper Blue Nile river basin: the case of Ethiopia

It is known that river basin is the most appropriate unit for planning, developing and managing water resources and for analysing water availability and water use. However, conflicting views of water resource utilization and ownership as well as sedimentation and flooding have challenged the development of appropriate management of the Nile River basin. The riparian states', especially Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia's, livelihood and energy source are solely dependent on the Nile River. Thus, effective and cooperative management of soil erosion/sedimentation in the upper Nile basin is increasingly important from an economic, social and environmental perspective. The Ethiopian government alone has implemented watershed management practices since 1980s which have not proved to be satisfactory. However, there is a lack of updated information concerning the Upper Nile River basin where many questions are raised from downstream and upstream states, communities and scholars. To fill this gap, the study included the following research questions: Is there updated published information about integrated river basin management (IRBM) concerning the Upper Blue Nile basin (BNB)? What effects brought the implementation of IRBM practices in the Upper BNB? What is the role of stakeholder's participation in the river basin management at various levels? How are institutions contributing for successful river basin management? Is there strong linkage between upstream and downstream countries so far? Thus to answer these questions, this review paper intends to provide comprehensive information about the IRBM impact in the upper BNB in Ethiopia. According to the study, the implemented in situ watershed management practices in the upper Blue Nile River had brought positive effects on sediment and flooding reduction as well as on improving water flow. Moreover, the upstream-downstream linkages and cooperation are essential for sustainable water resources management and equitable water share among the Nile riparian states. It was founded that strong institutions and stakeholder participation at all levels as well as appropriate policy could facilitate the river basin management implementation. It is concluded that a better understanding of the sustainable impact of river basin management in the headwaters of the BNB is of paramount importance because of the divergent interest in water resources access, and the ever-growing demand for energy and food in upstream and downstream countries. Thus, it is suggests that the negotiations of riparian states in the Nile basin should continue focusing on 'benefit sharing' and the win-win option.