[2] It is a confined river, locally meandering in its narrow alluvial plain, with a slope gradient of 26 metres per kilometre.

Peak discharges up to 172 m³ per second occur in the second part of the rainy season (month of August) when there are strong rains and the soils are saturated with water in many places.

The highest sediment concentrations occur at the beginning of the rainy season, when loose soil and dust is washed away by overland flow and ends up in the river.

[4] As such water contains many nutrients (locally it is called "aygi"), farmers estimate that it strengthens their cattle, which they will bring to the river.

At Addi Meles, Kidmi Gestet, May Hib'o, Gemgema, May Be'ati and on other steep slopes, exclosures have been established; the dense vegetation largely contributes to enhanced infiltration, less flooding and better baseflow.

[12] The results of the implementation of site-specific conservation techniques aimed at increasing water infiltration and conserving soil were particularly monitored in the headwaters at May Sho'ate: dry masonry stone bunds,[8] check dams in gullies,[10] and the set-aside of degraded rangelands which resulted in exclosures.

[3] Irrigated lands are established in the narrow alluvial plains along the river in Rubaksa, and additional gardens have been installed in the lower gorge through the May Zegzeg project.

Transhumance takes place in the summer rainy season, when the lands near the villages are occupied by crops.

The gorges are particularly attractive as a transhumance destination zone, because there is water and good growth of semi-natural vegetation.