This report provides an overview of the range of key livelihoods and production systems in the Blue Nile Basin. It is highlighting their relative dependence on, and vulnerability to, water resources and water-related ecosystem services in the catchments. It also elucidates current water and land related policies and institutions. The objective of this report is mainly to synthesize and summarize existing knowledge and gaps on institution and policy so as to guide the envisaged in-depth research.