This study addressed rural energy poverty by developing a community-managed micro-hydropower scheme for the Dingamo community in Southern Ethiopia. A proximity approach and sensitivity analysis were applied to identify nearby gauged catchments for calibrating and validating the hydrological model for the ungauged Maytsile River. Among the five catchments, the calibration results showed strong performance for the Maze watershed, with NSE 0.84, RMSE 0.42, and validation results of NSE 0.73, RMSE 0.51, and R 2 0.811. Consequently, the Maze catchment was selected for flow transfer to simulate long-term streamflow in the data-scarce Maytsile River using the HEC-HMS model. To verify the simulated flows, continuous discharge measurements were conducted during the low-flow and peak-flow seasons. The turbine capacity was determined from the flow duration curve, adopting the 95% exceedance base flow of 0.1 m 3 /s and a net head of 21.049 m, yielding 15 kW. To ensure structural sustainability, the system design was based on a 50-year return period flood of 27.8 m 3 /s. The steep terrain, 85% grassland cover, rocky riverbed, and stable banks provide favorable conditions for durable hydraulic structures. The implemented scheme supplies electricity to over 300 households and seven public institutions, including schools and government offices. As a result, approximately 75% of the Dingamo community now has access to electricity, supporting improved education, small-business development, job creation, and local economic growth. Overall, this study demonstrates the technical feasibility and social benefits of microscale hydropower in rural Ethiopia, highlighting its potential to enhance energy access, strengthen resilience, and empower communities across remote rural regions.
Fulasa et al. (Mon,) studied this question.