Eng. Sisay Getachew Araga

Professional Summary

Ethiopian Water Resources Engineer and Irrigation Engineering specialist with an MSc in Water Resources Engineering, specialization in Irrigation Engineering, and a BSc in Soil Resource and Watershed Management. Eng. Sisay Getachew Araga has more than ten years of practical experience in major irrigation, soil survey, land evaluation, land-use planning, watershed management, and natural resources conservation projects across Ethiopia. His professional work combines engineering knowledge, field-based soil and land evaluation, GIS, remote sensing, Civil 3D, WaterGEMS, and WEAP-based analysis to support sustainable irrigation development, agricultural productivity, food security, watershed restoration, and climate-resilient land and water management.

Key Expertise

Major Projects and Contributions

• Senior Soil Expert and Irrigation Professional – Engineering Corporation of Oromia
  Served as a soil and irrigation-sector professional with more than ten years of experience in soil survey, land evaluation, irrigation project study and design, land-use planning, data collection, data analysis, report writing, and technical quality control for irrigation and agricultural development projects.
• Arjo Dhidessa Large Scale Irrigation Project
  Participated as Junior Soil Expert from January 2014 to June 2017 in the Arjo Dhidessa Large Scale Irrigation Project covering East Wollega, Dhidesa, Cheweka, Arjo Gudatu areas in Oromia and Soge area in Benishangul-Gumuz. The work included soil survey and land evaluation for irrigation development.
• Gibe and Baro Basin Integrated Land Use Planning Project
  Worked as Soil Expert from July 2017 to June 2018 on the integrated land-use planning project covering Jimma Zone, East Wollega, Ilu Abba Bor, Qellem Wollega, and West Wollega areas of Oromia Region, supporting land-use planning, natural resources assessment, and irrigation-related development planning.
• Ija Lenca and Anuba Medium Scale Irrigation Project
  Contributed as Soil Expert from July 2018 to December 2019 to the Ija Lenca and Anuba Medium Scale Irrigation Project in West Hararghe Zone, Burka Dhintu Woreda, Oromia Region, supporting soil survey, land evaluation, and irrigation project study.
• Kilkile Large Scale Irrigation Project
  Worked as Soil Expert from January 2020 to October 2020 on the Kilkile Large Scale Irrigation Project in Borena Zone, Yabelo and Gamole Woredas, Oromia Region, contributing to irrigation land evaluation and soil-related project studies.
• Lower Genale Loti One Large Scale Irrigation Project
  Served as Soil Expert from November 2020 to July 2021 on the Lower Genale Loti One Large Scale Irrigation Project in Liban Woreda and Somali Region project areas, contributing to soil survey and land evaluation for irrigation development.
• Weybi Large Scale Irrigation Project
  Worked as Senior Soil Expert from August 2021 to December 2021 on the Weybi Large Scale Irrigation Project in East Bale Zone, Dawe Sareri Woreda and Chereti Woreda, Somali Region, supporting land evaluation and irrigation planning.
• Lower Genale Loti Two Large Scale Irrigation Project
  Served as Senior Soil Expert from January 2022 to December 2022 on the Lower Genale Loti Two Large Scale Irrigation Project in Dollo Odo, Dollo Bay, and Malka Dida Woredas of Somali Region, contributing to soil survey, land evaluation, and irrigation project preparation.
• Erer Large Scale Irrigation Project
  Worked as Senior Soil Expert from January 2023 to April 2023 on the Erer Large Scale Irrigation Project in East Hararghe, Babile Woreda, Oromia Region, supporting irrigation land suitability and soil evaluation activities.
• Ramis Large Scale Irrigation Project
  Served as Senior Soil Expert from March 2023 to December 2023 on the Ramis Large Scale Irrigation Project in East Hararghe, Gola Oda and Malka Bal’o Woredas, Oromia Region, contributing to soil survey and land evaluation for irrigation development.
• Bore Large Scale Irrigation Project
  Participated in the Bore Large Scale Irrigation Project from January 2024 to December 2024 in Jimma Zone, Shabe Sombo and Gera Woredas, Oromia Region, supporting soil and land evaluation activities for irrigation planning.
• Anger Large Scale Irrigation Project
  Currently contributes as Senior Soil Expert to the Anger Large Scale Irrigation Project from January 2025 onward in East Wollega Zone, Gida, Limu, and Haro Limmu Woredas, Oromia Region.
• MSc Research on Surface Irrigation Land Suitability and Water Allocation
  Completed MSc research focused on assessment of land suitability for surface irrigation and optimal water allocation using ArcGIS and WEAP modelling, linking irrigation engineering, geospatial analysis, and water resources planning.
• Professional Training in GIS, Remote Sensing, Civil 3D, WaterGEMS and Hydraulic Modelling
  Completed professional training and practical courses in GIS and Remote Sensing, water supply system design using hydraulic models, ArcGIS, Civil 3D, SAP2000, WaterGEMS, diversion weir and canal design using Civil 3D, MS Excel, and computer applications for water and irrigation engineering work.