Groundwater Recharge potential: Integrated Water Management Strategies in Koye Feche, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Water scarcity poses a significant challenge to agricultural productivity and food security, necessitating effective water management strategies. Effective water management strategies are essential to ensuring sustainable access to water for agricultural use. This study evaluates groundwater recharge potential to enhance agricultural water availability and promote sustainable water use. A cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing GIS, remote sensing, and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods to identify potential recharge zones. Approximately 6% of the study area, primarily in the northwest, exhibits high groundwater recharge potential, while moderate and low recharge zones cover 63% and 31%, respectively. The results highlight the importance of integrating groundwater recharge strategies with agricultural water management to enhance irrigation sustainability. To address future water scarcity, integrated water management strategies must be developed, emphasizing groundwater recharge in high-potential areas. Sustainable water allocation policies and advanced irrigation techniques should be implemented to optimize agricultural water use. These measures will support long-term water security and improve agricultural resilience in water-scarce regions.