Sustainability analysis of water management, with emphasis on Environmental Management Plan (EMP) in Koga Irrigation Scheme, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study focused on investigating how Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) recommended measures are supporting sustainable development. A five-member analysis group was established to ensure objectivity and consensus in addressing the Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) through mDSS software. The Pair-Wise Comparison (PWC) method developed by Saaty (1980) was used for assessing the criterion weights i.e. the relative importance of each pillar of sustainability; relative importance of measures to each pillar and the order of layers in wedding cake framework was determined. Furthermore, it aids in validating the criticisms made regarding the ordering of layers. This pairwise comparisons result gives social 6.3 percent, economic 26.5 percent of the criteria priority, and with the most important criteria being environment, at 67.2 percent. The economic pillar came in the middle layer of the wedding cake framework. The measures were not equally adapted to different pillars. These trade-offs appear to be particularly obvious in the short term, as long-term synergy among the pillars of sustainable development appears to be prominent. The ranking of measures depends on the sustainability framework of the relative importance of pillars and method of aggregation. The analysis shows that the EIA-recommended measures are likely to succeed in promoting sustainable development, especially when synergy in sustainable development is considered, as most of them are progressing well. The most favored adaptation and mitigation measures are training and extension courses, and planting forest seedlings. Planting forests appears to be the only method to achieve sustainable development in some circumstances under Wedding Cake framework. However, planting forest seedlings does not fully comprehend as a sustainable solution because of the negative consequences of eucalyptus plantations on environment and a threat to food security, as it is being planted in fertile lands. Proper planting and management are essential. The academia should also determine the suitable sustainable development framework of whether a triple bottom line or wedding cake framework should be adopted given the current environmental situations.