River Governance and Human Security Topics in Ethiopia: An Examination of the Catchment Area Residents’ Anxiety

Abstract

This paper discussed the human security issue induced from poor river governance in Ethiopia by selecting Borkena River as a show case. To address the problem at hand qualitative Case study research design is employed and primary data were collected through in-depth interview and field observation. Though rivers in Ethiopia in general and Borkena River in particular are sources of livelihood of many people in Ethiopia. Rivers in the country are exposed to different kinds of stressors like environmental pollution, riverside settlement, envision of foreign water weeds, and environmental degradation. This research identified that flood, conflict, pollution and depletion, are the major human securithy threats that affect the local people's normal life. Based on the finding, research implied that there is an urge to clean and treat the river water to make ready for use. Simultaneously the government agency need to control pervasive pollutants and should give compensation for those who lost their livelihood due to pollution. Environmental Protection works are imperative to maximize the rivers utilization and sustainability of the resident's life.