Improving the access to accurate information about the water system, and therewith empowering the Afar and Oromo regions, the Awash Basin Authority, vulnerable (downstream) communities, domestic users and farmers. With improved water system data boosting the transition towards improved regulation and cost recovery, improved management and more efficient use of water resources in the Awash basin, and achieving equitable and sustainable access for the poorest with more economic return of water.

The installation of new monitoring equipment (60 locations) for a real-time water information system enables the water authority to implement and monitor a water allocation plan, and introduce a licensing and charging system. All water abstractors in the sub-basin will be registered, and all non-traditional users licensed; the water authority will collect at least 90% of user charges from 80% of the water volume allocated – allowing a free-of-charge threshold for smallholders (the pro-poor factor). Implementing a water-use priority ladder will benefit 85 smallholder Water User Associations (1,700 smallholders, 40% women).