A Regional Training was held in Ethiopia on the use of the WATDEV Modelling Toolbox
- May 12
- 2 min read
WATDEV successfully delivered the WATDEV Toolbox Modelling Regional Training in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marking another key milestone in the project’s capacity building efforts. Held on 5-6 May 2026, the training focused on the practical application of the WATDEV Toolbox, resulting from an integrated modelling system, and featuring an innovative decision-support tool designed to improve water use efficiency and sustainable food production systems in the region.
The event brought together experts, public officials and water managers from Ethiopia and Kenya to explore innovative approaches for sustainable agriculture and climate-smart water management. Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, participants strengthened their technical knowledge and enhanced their ability to support evidence-based decision-making for resilient food systems.
The training started with welcome remarks by Dr. Tena Alamirew, from Water and Land Resource Centre and Mr. Moses Odeke, from ASARECA who equally emphasised on the importance of active engagement of participants and sharing feedback in enhancing the usability and effectiveness of the WATDEV Toolbox.
Following the opening session, Dr. João Nunes, from ISRIC, introduced participants to the WATDEV Toolbox, a platform that allows users to visualize and assess Best Management Practices (BMPs) implementation scenarios, and design new scenarios tailored to local conditions.
During the first day, participants explored three regional real case studies: Koga in Ethiopia, Hola/Bura in Kenya and Gezira in Sudan. The sessions emphasized collaborative learning, with participants working in small groups to design and assess BMPs scenarios, followed by plenary discussions to share insights and feedback.
On the second day, the focus shifted to integrating socioeconomic considerations into water management planning. Participants learnt how to use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) techniques within the Toolbox to evaluate trade-offs between environmental sustainability and economic viability.
The programme combined theoretical introductions, hands-on tutorials, and group exercises, equipping participants with the practical skills needed to make more informed, data-driven decisions in water resource management under varying socioeconomic and climate conditions.
Advanced Training: From Modelling to Implementation
On 7th May 2026, an additional advanced WATDEV Toolbox training was organised for modelling experts and researchers from Ethiopia and Sudan. The advanced training provided participants with deeper technical insights into the Toolbox and modelling framework, including hands-on experience in modifying model inputs such as crop selection, irrigation practices, and fertilization strategies.
Participants also conducted full BMP analyses, from scenario design and implementation to assessment and interpretation, further strengthening their analytical and scenario-development capacities.
WATDEV is funded by the European Union under the DeSIRA Initiative, and the training was organized through the collaborative efforts of Water and Land Resource Center – WLRC Ethiopia, in collaboration with ISRIC, Syke, CIHEAM Bari, ASARECA, KALRO and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation – AICS Cairo.
By equipping regional stakeholders with advanced modelling and decision-support tools, WATDEV continues to contribute to smarter water management, sustainable agricultural development, and stronger climate resilience across East Africa.
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