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ABSTRACT
Groundwater management is highly complex, with many users sharing the same resource
often with limited understanding of their interconnectedness. Behavioral experiments
(games) that simulate real-life common-pool resource use have shown promise as
an experiential learning tool for improving resource governance. This study pilots an
experiential learning intervention in Ethiopia using a groundwater game to help raise
awareness of groundwater over-extraction and improve understanding of the importance
of collective action in governance. In the Meki River catchment in Ethiopia, small-scale
irrigation is expanding, but overextraction and competition over groundwater have not
yet reached alarming levels. The groundwater game, adapted from India and including
the addition of a rule-making round, was played in 15 villages with 30 groups. The game
was accompanied by subsequent community-wide debriefing in each village to reflect
on the experience and lessons learned, which stimulated discussions about groundwater
governance. We surveyed participants to capture individual mental models regarding
groundwater use and management, as well as any immediate learning effects. Focus
group discussions in each village prior to the intervention and again six months after the
intervention assessed possible lasting effects. The findings indicate cognitive, normative
and relational learning, including increased understanding of groundwater dynamics
(such as the joint effect of diverse water uses and users), the importance of collective
action in resource management, and the benefits of communication. We find gendered
differences in decision-making about resource extraction in the game and development of
group-level resource management, confirming the need for gender-responsive approach
to sustainable groundwater management interventions. We discuss community-wide
learning and institution-building, and considerations for future intervention designs. We
recommend embedding experiential learning, facilitated by local extension officers and
other practitioners, in intervention packages that include both technical assistance on
water-conserving technologies and groundwater management approaches and support
in building communities’ institutional capacity.

Irrigated agriculture is dependent on an adequate water supply of usable quality. Water containing impurities, which are injurious to plant growth, are not satisfactory for irrigation. Water quality for agricultural purposes is determined on the basis of the effects of the water on the quality and yield of the crops, as well as the effects on drainage efficiency and characteristic changes in the soil [16]. This study aims to assess the quality of groundwater in Modjo river catchment for irrigation. Hence, the groundwater samples were collected from well and borehole situated at different site within the catchment to analyze for necessary parameters. Consequently, in-situ measurements such as; EC, pH and TDS were carried out in the field inventory using portable ( pH) meters, whereas major ions are analyzed in Sinana
Agricultural Research Center Soil laboratory. The chemical analysis of the samples shows that Na-Ca-HCO3 water type in the recharge area, intermediate water type Ca-Mg-Na HCO3 in northern and central part of the area and Ca-Mg-HCO3 water type towards the east of the sub-basin. Most of the water in the study area is clustered as Calcium-Sodium-Magnesium-Bicarbonate type, which is characterized by a high concentration of HCO3 and Ca. Generally water quality analysis shows that as the concentrations in the water sample is below the maximum allowable limits for irrigation (i.e.EC<2000 µS/cm and SAR<9) and therefore the groundwater could be used safely for irrigation.

ABSTRACT: Broad hydrochemical survey has been carried out to study the spatial variation of the
major ions composition of the surface and groundwater systems in the Ethiopian volcanic terrain and
associated Plio-Quaternary sediments. The result revealed wide hydrochemical variations controlled by
geological, geochemical, geomorphological and climatological factors. The total ionic concentration
increases dramatically from the highlands towards the rift valley following the regional groundwater
flow directions to low-lying regions characterized by low annual rainfall and high evapotranspiration.
In the rift the total dissolved solids (TDS) variation is dramatic (in places more than 50 fold). The
highland waters are predominantly fresh with low total ionic concentrations, TDS varying often from 50
to 1200 mg/l; with dominant ions of Ca, Mg and HCO3. The rift valley waters have very high TDS
(varying in a wide range between 200 and 73,015 mg/l) characterized by high Na and HCO3, in places
highly enriched with F. Waters of the southern and central Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) are dominated by
HCO3 tending to SO4 and Cl type in northern and central Afar mainly due to changes in lithology related
to evaporite deposits and due to the natural chemical evolution of waters as they move from highland
recharge to low-lying rift discharge areas. Deep geothermal waters, alkaline terminal lakes of the MER
and small highly evaporated saline and brackish lakes of the Afar have the highest ionic concentrations