HARAMAYA UNIVERSITY

HARAMAYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL OF WATER RESOURCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL
ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF HYDRAULIC AND WATER RESOURCE

ENGINEERING

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESMENT REPORT ON WONJI/SHOA

SUGARCANE PLANTATION IRRIGATION

NAME OF STUDENT ID
LIUL ASHETU 2271/12

TEMESGEN KIFLE 2865/12

MICHAEL KURATU 2415/ 12

ADDIS MINILIK 0124/12

ABDULATIF ABDULWAHAB 3002/12

SEMERE AYALEW 2572/12

SUBMITTED TO: Mr. MEGERSA F.

SUBMSSION DATE: 19/12/2023

Contents
LIST OF FIGURE...............................................................................................................................ii
ACRONYMS....................................................................................................................................iii
1. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................2
1.1. Background..........................................................................................................................2
1.2. Statement of the Problem...................................................................................................4
1.3. Report objective..................................................................................................................4
1.3.1. General objective..........................................................................................................4
1.3.2. Specific Objective..........................................................................................................4
2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION...............................................................................................................5
2.1. Description of the Study Area..............................................................................................5
2.2 Screening of the project........................................................................................................7
2.3. Scoping of the project..........................................................................................................9
2.4. The impact analysis for the project....................................................................................10
2.5. Data Collection and Analysis..............................................................................................12
2.6. Mitigation..........................................................................................................................12
3. CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................14
References....................................................................................................................................15

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LIST OF FIGURE
Figure 1: Map of Wonji/Shoa sugarcane plantation irrigation project.............................................6

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ACRONYMS
ADLI Agricultural development led industrialization

ADSWE Amhara Design Supervision Work Enterprise

DEA Data Envelopment Analysis

GTP Growth Transformation Plan

GDP Gross Domestic Product

Ha Hectare

IPRSP Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper

MASL Meters Above sea level

MLE The maximum likelihood estimates

PASDEP plan for Accelerated and Sustained Development to End Poverty

SDPRP Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction Program

SFP Stochastic frontier parameter

TE Technical Efficiency

WFP World Food Processing

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 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background
Ethiopia is becoming one of the fastest economically growing countries in the World. In
2012/13 fiscal year; Ethiopia’s economy grew by 9.7%, tenth in a row of robust growth.
In 2012, Ethiopia was the twelfth fastest growing economy in the world with average
annual real GDP growth rate for the last decade was 10.9% (Africa Economic Outlook
2014). Accordingly, agriculture, which accounts for 42.7% of GDP, grew by 7.1%, while
industry, accounting for 12.3% of GDP, rose by 18.5% and services, with 45%of GDP,
increased by 9.9% in 2012/13 albeit at a slower pace because of constraints on private-
sector growth (Africa Economic Outlook 2014). Although its share of GDP has been
declining steadily over the past decade, agriculture continues to be the backbone of the
Ethiopian economy, contributing 42.7% to GDP, about80% of employment and 70% of
export earnings in 2012/13.

The GTP is designed for sustaining a rapid and broad-based growth path in the country.
(MOFED 2010). In order to achieve the GTP plan the government has chosen among
others expansion of sugar cane plot and the sugar industry to be one of the tools to meet
the pillars of as one means of economic growth, hence expansion and establishing sugar
cane plots and construction of seven new sugar factories are under progress. Currently,
production of cane for commercial use is limited in three areas namely Wonji-Shoa,
Methara and Fincha. The country has been covering its sugar requirement through local
production using the three sugar industries. However, nearly more than 20% of sugar
requirement is met through import due to the shortages created in the past few years. The
increase in sugar consumption is mainly a result of four demand determining variables.
These are population growth, improvement in income, consumption habit and the growth
of the industrial & service sector, mainly hotels & restaurants as well as the food and
beverage industries (ADSWE2013).While the use of sugar and sugar cane is very diverse
as well as important for one country‟s economy; Ethiopia‟s sugar cane production and
productivity is very low for decades, the reason for this is various and numerous. As
Wonji/Shoa Estate Farm is one of the producer of sugar cane in Ethiopia, it is also
suffering from the low production and Productivity of sugar cane, thusin this paper a

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different attempts was made to examine the reason for low production and productivity of
sugar cane in Wonji/Shoa Estate Farm by using the technical Efficiency.(Wonji/Shoa
Sugar Factory Annual Report 2013)

Sugarcane is a water intensive crop in which the irrigation water becomes increasingly
scarce resource particularly due to high competition on water resources from different
sectors. But due to its increased demand, there is a need to optimize sugarcane
productivity not only per unit of land but also per unit of water.

Sugarcane is a perennial and water intensive crop that requires irrigation in most of the
time but the magnitude of irrigation is influenced by geographic location and climatic
conditions of the area. Water requirement of sugarcane varies from 1200 to 3500 mm
depending on soil types, crop growing duration and the climatic conditions of the area.
Scarcity and growing competition for fresh water resource reduce water availability of
water for irrigation. Not only availability of the irrigation water but also irrigation
efficiency is dominant factor controlling agricultural production on the large scale bases
like sugarcane estate. To increase the efficiency of irrigation, especially for surface
irrigation, an accurate estimation of crop water requirements in irrigated agriculture is
essential for effective planning and management of water resources. In semiarid areas,
agricultural consumptive uses are relatively high, so that saving small percentages brings
an extra availability of significant volumes of water.

Sugarcane production in Ethiopia has increased significantly since the project was
completed. The project has also created jobs and improved the lives of people in the
region.

The Wonji/Shoa sugarcane plantation irrigation project is an initiative aimed at

establishing a sustainable irrigation system for sugarcane plantations in the Wonji/Shoa
region. The project aims to enhance agricultural productivity, promote economic growth,
and contribute to the local and national sugar industry.

The project involves the development of an irrigation infrastructure that will provide a
reliable water supply to support the growth and cultivation of sugarcane crops. This

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infrastructure will include the construction of canals, reservoirs, pumping stations, and
distribution networks to efficiently deliver water to the plantations.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

Ethiopia has very large potential for sugar cane production. Preliminary assessment
reports indicated the availability of more than 20 million hectares of land that is
biophysically suitable and over two million hectares of land potential for irrigation. The
favorable physiographic setting of the country created different ecological zones that are
complementary to each other. The highlands provide substantial water flow as surface
and groundwater, nutrient and soil to lowland plain areas that has warm temperature
suitable for cane production. The lowlands that surround the central highlands have easy
access to ports and engulf the country in all directions. Though there is a wide range of
development of sugar cane plantations on the country, to meet the domestic and foreign
demand still there is a problem of technical efficiency, because of the difference among
sugarcane producing Ethiopian sugar factories such as; Metehara sugar factory harvest
5601 ha, Wonji/shoa harvest 2,777 ha per annum and Fincha‟s harvest7,372 per annum.

1.3. Report objective

1.3.1. General objective
 The General objective of wonji/shoa sugarcane plantation irrigation in an EIA
report is to assess and analyze the potential environmental impacts associated
with the irrigation activities.

1.3.2. Specific Objective

 To measure the environmental impact on Wonji/shoa Sugar cane plantation
irrigation project.
 To identify factors affecting the environmental on the wonji/shoa sugarcane
plantation irrigation project.
 To implementing measures to reduce or eliminate the potential environmental
impacts of the project.

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 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1. Description of the Study Area
The factory is found at Oromiya region near Adama City at 110 Kilo Meters from Addis
Ababa. Commencing production in 1954, Wonji Sugar Factory is the oldest and the
pioneer in the history of Ethiopia’s sugar industry.

Then, followed wonji/shoa Sugar Factory in 1962. It is the second oldest and both Wonji
and Shoa, being obsolete, have stopped production since July, 2012 and July, 2013
respectively. The two factories constructed by the Holland Company known as H.V.A
had a capacity of producing 75 thousand tons of sugar a year altogether. The sugarcane
plantation land of these two factories was 7,000 hectares. In a bid to replace these two
oldest factories with a new and modern one, an expansion project had been carried out
both in the cane cultivation field and the factory since 2013/2014. And, the new sugar
factory building project has come into its completion in July, 2013 and began production
before the beginning of 2014. Accordingly, the newly built and modern Wonji Shoa
Sugar Factory has currently a design capacity of crushing 6,250 tons of cane a day and
producing 174,946 tons of sugar per annum which with further expansion work will reach
up to 12,500 TCD maximizing its production to 220,700 tons of sugar a year.

The new plant, when having an ethanol plant, will initially expected to have a capacity of
producing 10,000 meter cube ethanol per annum and that too with further expansion will
reach 12,800 meter cube a year. The Factory is currently contributing 20 megawatt
electric powers to the national grid, satisfying its own demand which is around 11
megawatt.

Its agricultural expansion project is currently being carried out around the areas known as
Wakie Tiyo, Welenchiti and Dodota areas. The Factory, with the help of this agricultural
expansion project including cultivation fields of out-grower farmers association, is
expected to have 16,000 hectares of sugarcane plantation field in total. From the 12,800
hectares of land developed with sugarcane 7 thousand hectares are developed by 31
sugarcane outgrowing associations who have 9,319 members. The members have
benefited from the higher income they generate from this.

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The Factory has created favorable conditions in giving irrigated land for the out growers,
delivering special seed and giving vocational and technical support so as to benefit them
from growing sugarcane and selling it to the Factory.

With regard to social responsibility, over 13.48 Million Birr spent to the construction of
various social institutions such as schools, health stations, potable water centers, etc.
Furthermore, over 6,491 members the surrounding community have benefitted from the
job opportunities created by the Factory as a permanent, contract, seasonal employees.

Wonji Shoa Sugar Factory is one among the five sugar factories which have become
autonomous by the Council of Ministers Regulation Number 496/2022.

The project consists of a network of canals, dams, and reservoirs. The canals are used to
irrigate the sugarcane plantations. The dams are used to store water for irrigation. The
reservoirs are used to store water for drinking and other purposes.

The Wonji/Shoa sugarcane plantation irrigation project aims to establish an irrigation

system for the cultivation of sugarcane in the Wonji/Shoa region. The project involves
the development of infrastructure and facilities to provide a reliable water supply for
irrigating the sugarcane fields.

The project site is located in the Wonji/Shoa area, which is known for its favorable
climate and soil conditions for sugarcane cultivation. The irrigation system will utilize
water from nearby water sources, such as rivers or reservoirs, to ensure a consistent and
sufficient water supply throughout the year.

The sugarcane plantation will cover a significant land area, with the cultivation of
sugarcane being the primary agricultural activity. The project will involve the preparation
of the land, planting of sugarcane, and the implementation of appropriate agricultural
practices to ensure optimal growth and yield.

The irrigation system will be designed to efficiently distribute water to the sugarcane
fields, taking into consideration factors such as water availability, water quality, and
water conservation. The project will also incorporate measures to minimize water loss
through evaporation or leakage.

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The Wonji/Shoa sugarcane plantation irrigation project aims to contribute to the local
economy by creating employment opportunities and generating income through the
production and sale of sugarcane. It is expected to enhance agricultural productivity in
the region and support the development of the sugarcane industry.

It is important to note that the project description provided here is a general overview.
For a more detailed and comprehensive understanding of the project, it is advisable to
refer to the specific project documentation and reports prepared for the Wonji/Shoa
sugarcane plantation irrigation project.

Figure 1: Map of Wonji/Shoa sugarcane plantation irrigation project.

2.2 Screening of the project

The screening process for the Wonji/Shoa sugarcane plantation irrigation project involves
assessing its potential environmental impacts to determine if it falls under the purview of
an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The screening aims to identify projects that
may have significant environmental effects and require a comprehensive assessment.

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Projects that may have significant environmental impacts and require a comprehensive
assessment for the Wonji/Shoa sugarcane plantation irrigation project could include:

 Land Use Change: The conversion of land for sugarcane cultivation may result
in the loss of natural habitats, deforestation, and disruption of ecosystems. This
could have implications for biodiversity, soil erosion, and carbon sequestration.
 Water Resources: The irrigation system for the sugarcane plantation may require
significant water extraction from local water sources, such as rivers or
groundwater. This could potentially impact water availability for other users, alter
water quality, and affect aquatic ecosystems.
 Soil and Nutrient Management: Intensive sugarcane cultivation may require the
use of fertilizers and agrochemicals, which can have implications for soil health,
nutrient runoff, and water pollution. Proper soil and nutrient management
practices need to be implemented to minimize these impacts.
 Pesticide Use and Pest Management: The control of pests and diseases in
sugarcane cultivation may involve the use of pesticides. It is important to assess
the potential impacts of pesticide use on human health, non-target organisms, and
the wider environment. Integrated pest management strategies should be
considered to minimize pesticide use.
 Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The production and processing of sugarcane can
contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly through the use of fossil
fuels, such as for machinery and transportation. These emissions can contribute to
climate change and its associated impacts.
 Socio-economic Impacts: The sugarcane plantation project may have socio-
economic implications, such as changes in land ownership, displacement of local
communities, or impacts on livelihoods. These aspects should be assessed to
ensure that the project benefits local communities and adheres to social
sustainability principles.

It is important to conduct a comprehensive assessment of these and other potential

environmental impacts associated with the Wonji/Shoa sugarcane plantation irrigation
project to ensure sustainable and responsible project implementation.

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2.3. Scoping of the project
The Wonji/Shoa sugarcane plantation irrigation project is a large-scale irrigation project
located in the Wonji and Shoa districts of Ethiopia. The project was initiated in 1967 with
the goal of increasing sugarcane production in Ethiopia. The project has been successful
in increasing sugarcane production, but it has also had a number of negative
environmental impacts.

The project has also led to the loss of biodiversity. The canals and reservoirs have
destroyed wetlands and forests, which have been replaced by sugarcane plantations. This
has led to the loss of habitat for many plant and animal species.

The project has also had a negative impact on the water quality of the Awash River. The
canals that irrigate the project's land are not lined, which means that water from the
canals seeps into the ground and contaminates groundwater. This contaminated
groundwater is then used for drinking and irrigation, which can lead to health problems
for people who consume it.

The project has also had a number of social impacts. The project has displaced people
from their homes and land, and it has led to the loss of jobs in traditional agricultural
sectors. The project has also led to the increased use of pesticides and fertilizers, which
has had a negative impact on the health of people who live in the project area.

During the scoping phase of the Wonji/Shoa sugarcane plantation irrigation project, the
key environmental issues and potential impacts associated with the project will be
identified and assessed. This process involves consultations with stakeholders, experts,
and relevant authorities to gather input and ensure that all significant impacts are
considered during the assessment.

The scoping process for the project may include the following steps:

 Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with stakeholders such as local

communities, farmers, environmental organizations, government agencies, and
other relevant parties to understand their concerns, interests, and expectations

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 regarding the project. This helps in identifying potential environmental and social
impacts that should be considered during the assessment.
 Baseline Data Collection: Gathering comprehensive data on the existing
environmental conditions in the project area. This includes information on land
use, water resources, biodiversity, air quality, socio-economic conditions, and any
other relevant factors. The baseline data provides a basis for comparing and
assessing the potential impacts of the project.
 Impact Identification: Identifying and assessing the potential environmental,
social, and economic impacts that may arise from the sugarcane plantation
irrigation project. This includes both direct and indirect impacts, such as changes
in water availability, soil erosion, habitat loss, water pollution, greenhouse gas
emissions, and socio-economic changes in the local communities.
 Impact Prioritization: Prioritizing the identified impacts based on their
significance and potential severity. This helps in focusing resources and efforts on
addressing the most critical impacts during the subsequent stages of the project.
 Scoping Report: Documenting the scoping process and its outcomes in a scoping
report. This report serves as a reference document for the EIA process and
provides a clear understanding of the identified environmental issues and potential
impacts to be addressed in the subsequent stages.

It is important to note that the scoping process may vary depending on the specific
regulations and requirements of the country or region where the project is being
implemented. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the relevant authorities and follow the
specific guidelines applicable to the Wonji/Shoa sugarcane plantation irrigation project.

2.4. The impact analysis for the project

The impact analysis for the Wonji/Shoa sugarcane plantation irrigation project would
assess the potential environmental, social, and economic impacts associated with the
project. Here are some key areas that may be considered during the impact analysis:

 Land Use: The project may involve the conversion of land for sugarcane
cultivation, which could impact existing land uses, such as displacement of other

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 crops or changes in land cover. The analysis would evaluate the extent of land use
change and its implications.
 Water Resources: The irrigation system for the sugarcane plantation would
require water supply. The impact analysis would assess the potential effects on
water availability, water quality, and the hydrological balance in the area. It
would also consider the potential impacts on downstream water users and
ecosystems.
 Biodiversity: The project may affect local biodiversity, including flora and fauna.
The impact analysis would evaluate the potential loss or alteration of habitats, the
introduction of invasive species, and the potential impacts on endangered or
protected species.
 Air Quality: The project may have implications for air quality, particularly if it
involves the use of machinery, burning of agricultural waste, or the release of dust
or pollutants. The impact analysis would assess the potential air pollution impacts
and propose measures to mitigate them.
 Socio-economic Factors: The project's impact on local communities, livelihoods,
and socio-economic conditions would be considered. This may include assessing
potential changes in employment opportunities, income generation, and social
dynamics in the area.
 Infrastructure and Services: The project may require the development or
expansion of infrastructure, such as roads, irrigation channels, or storage facilities.
The impact analysis would evaluate the potential effects on local infrastructure,
services, and the surrounding communities.

The impact analysis would involve collecting data, conducting assessments, and using
appropriate methodologies to evaluate the potential impacts. It would aim to identify both
positive and negative impacts and propose mitigation measures to minimize adverse
effects and enhance positive outcomes.

The impact analysis for the Wonji/Shoa sugarcane plantation irrigation project based on
scientific data anad methodologies.

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2.5. Data Collection and Analysis
Both secondary and primary field level data were collected. Secondary data included
general description of the scheme, hydrological about the topology and geological
characteristics of the area and about irrigation infrastructure. Report and data collection
have been conducted using the “with or without” and whenever possible the “before and
after” approach comparing secondary and primary data sets.

The availability of land meteorological relevant data, information secondary soil and
water quality data in the two case studies allows, to some extent, impact analysis using
the “before – after” approach. Whenever possible, baseline and secondary data of report
documents have been collected. For data collection activities, specific data sheets have
been designed for field level research as well as for secondary data collection.

2.6. Mitigation
The Ethiopian government has taken some steps to mitigate the environmental impacts of
the project. The government has established a number of environmental protection
measures, including the creation of a buffer zone around the project area. The
government has also funded research on the environmental impacts of the project and has
developed plans to reduce these impacts.

Despite these efforts, the environmental impacts of the Wonji/Shoa sugarcane plantation
irrigation project are still significant. The project has led to the loss of biodiversity and
has increased water pollution and soil erosion. The government needs to take further
steps to mitigate the environmental impacts of the project in order to protect the
environment and the livelihoods of the people in the region. One way to mitigate the
environmental impacts of the project is to reduce the amount of water that is used for
irrigation. This can be done by using more efficient irrigation methods, such as drip
irrigation.

The government can also promote the use of drought-tolerant crops, which will require
less water to grow. Another way to mitigate the environmental impacts of the project is to
reduce the amount of pollution that is generated from the project. This can be done by
using cleaner energy sources, such as solar and wind power. The government can also

11
invest in wastewater treatment plants to reduce the amount of pollution that is discharged
into the environment.

The government also needs to work to protect the biodiversity that has been lost due to
the project. This can be done by creating protected areas for wildlife and by restoring
degraded habitats. The government can also educate the public about the importance of
protecting the environment.

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 3. CONCLUSION
In general the irrigation water used in Wonji/Shoa Sugar Plantation is of high quality.
Hardly any adverse impacts on the soil quality resulting from irrigation activities are to
be expected on this scheme. During the field study and the analysis in a soil pit
destruction of the natural structure of the soil in some places could be observed. Most
sugarcane fields of Wonji/Shoa slight to moderate soil infiltration problems are
expected if groundwater occurs at shallow depths. In this regard, the groundwater depth
was at all the times too shallow (in the root zone) for nearly all sugarcane fields
considered in this study. This indicates that in Wonji/Shoa, sugarcane fields are prone to
waterlogging and physical degradation of topsoil. Drainage water and factory used water
are stored in reservoirs and reused for irrigation, therefore it is of major importance to
monitor the quality of this irrigation source.

The Wonji/Shoa sugarcane plantation irrigation project has had a significant impact on
the environment. The government has taken some steps to mitigate the environmental
impacts of the project, but more needs to be done. The government needs to reduce the
amount of water that is used for irrigation, reduce the amount of pollution that is
generated from the project, and protect the biodiversity that has been lost due to the
project.

In Wonji problems due to irrigation are reported with regard to waterlogging. However,
not only within the sugar cane plantation but in the whole region a rise of the water table
has been reported. This might be due to irrigation (seepage losses out of reservoirs and
channels, overwatering, etc) but also due to seepage losses in a great extent from the
Lake Koka reservoir.The water of the Awash River is retained by Koka dam. The dam
was built to assure a constant discharge in the Awash River for two hydropower stations,
but it also guarantees sufficient irrigation water supply.

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 References
Agricultural Services (1971): Annual Report of 1970/71, Wonji, Ethiopian Sugar
Industry Support Center Sh. Co., Wonji.

Agricultural Services (1974): Annual Report of 1973/74, Wonji, Ethiopian Sugar

Industry Support Center Sh. Co., Wonji.

EIAR (2006): Assessment of Salt Affected Soils in Ethiopia and Recommendations and
Management Options for their Sustainable Utilization, Taskforce Report, Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia.

Ethiopian National Meteorological Service Agency (2006): Meteorological Data.

Ethiopian Ministry of Water Resources (2002): Study Guideline on Soil Survey and Land
Evaluation, Part B. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

FAO (1965): Report on the Awash River Basin, Imperial Government of Ethiopia, United
Nation Special Fund FAO/SF: 10/ETH, 1995 Vol. IV, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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