Participatory integrated water resources management (IWRM) planning: lessons from Berki catchment, Ethiopia

Implementing IWRM can often seem overwhelming given the scale and complexity of the changes needed. This article describes how IWRM is a long and participatory process based on an ongoing learning process in Ethiopia. The IWRM pilot project in the“Berki” watershed (Ethiopia) has shown that IWRM involves many changes to the existing system through a step by step approach that creates a sense of ownership amongst all stakeholders. The case/project has demonstrated that gaining political support at various levels, and multistakeholder platforms are crucial for the success of the IWRM process. Building stakeholders’ capacities has also played significant role in facilitating the process.