Abstract
Matahara Sugar Estate (MSE), after nearly 60 years of irrigation, is experiencing effects of
waterlogging and salinization in some fields. The problem is believed to be the result of the
expansion of (saline and alkaline) Lake Basaka towards the plantation fields. The objective of this
study was to determine the geometry of the lake (area and shape) in the past about a half century
(1957-2015) from both Landsat images and local information and then assess its negative effects
on MSE's soil and water quality. Monthly groundwater (GW) depth was monitored using
piezometer tubes. Water and soil samples were collected from each of the piezometer location and
analysed for important physico-chemical parameters. The results indicate that the lake expanded
approximately 47.3 km2 in the past about a half century. The soil quality is found to be very poor
in plantation sections with very shallow GW depth and severe salinity condition. The lake, as
revealed by the results, is intruding into the groundwater system of MSE on the Abadir side.
Assuming continuation of the past trends, the lake is expected to inundate parts of MSE in the
next few years and hence, challenge the production and productivity of MSE significantly. The
Lake has the potential to join Awash River, thereby impacting all downstream irrigation
developments in the Basin and the livelihood of the people depending on the water resources. As
the area is situated in the uppermost part of MER, other factors are expected to exacerbate its...