Your search found 14 records
1 Sishu, F. K.; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Schmitter, Petra; Steenhuis, T. S. 2023. Investigating nitrate with other constituents in groundwater in two contrasting tropical highland watersheds. Hydrology, 10(4):82. (Special issue: Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Integrated Surface Water and Groundwater Resources Management) [doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology10040082]
Groundwater table ; Nitrates ; Watersheds ; Highlands ; Volcanic areas ; Aquifers ; Wells ; Precipitation ; Rainfall ; Chlorides ; Ammonia ; Fertilizers ; Runoff / Africa South of Sahara / Ethiopia / Lake Tana Basin / Dangishta Watershed / Robit Bata Watershed
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H051839)
https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5338/10/4/82/pdf?version=1680523739
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H051839.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H051839.pdf
(8.28 MB) (8.28 MB)
Nitrate is globally the most widespread and widely studied groundwater contaminant. However, few studies have been conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, where the leaching potential is enhanced during the rainy monsoon phase. The few monitoring studies found concentrations over drinking water standards of 10 mg N-NO3 - L -1 in the groundwater, the primary water supply in rural communities. Studies on nitrate movement are limited to the volcanic Ethiopian highlands. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the transport and fate of nitrate in groundwater and identify processes that control the concentrations. Water table height, nitrate, chloride, ammonium, reduced iron, and three other groundwater constituents were determined monthly in the groundwater in over 30 wells in two contrasting volcanic watersheds over two years in the Ethiopian highlands. The first watershed was Dangishta, with lava intrusion dikes that blocked the subsurface flow in the valley bottom. The water table remained within 3 m of the surface. The second watershed without volcanic barriers was Robit Bata. The water table dropped rapidly within three months of the end of the rain phase and disappeared except near faults. The average nitrate concentration in both watersheds was between 4 and 5 mg N-NO3 - L -1 . Hydrogeology influenced the transport and fate of nitrogen. In Dangishta, water was blocked by volcanic lava intrusion dikes, and residence time in the aquifer was larger than in Robit Bata. Consequently, nitrate remained high (in several wells, 10 mg N-NO3 - L -1 ) and decreased slowly due to denitrification. In Robit Bata, the water residence time was lower, and peak concentrations were only observed in the month after fertilizer application; otherwise, it was near an average of 4 mg N-NO3 - L -1 . Nitrate concentrations were predicted using a multiple linear regression model. Hydrology explained the nitrate concentrations in Robit Bata. In Dangishta, biogeochemistry was also significant.
2 Leggesse, E. S.; Zimale, F. A.; Sultan, D.; Enku, T.; Srinivasan, R.; Tilahun, Seifu A.. 2023. Predicting optical water quality indicators from remote sensing using machine learning algorithms in tropical highlands of Ethiopia. Hydrology, 10(5):110. [doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology10050110]
Water quality ; Indicators ; Prediction ; Remote sensing ; Machine learning ; Algorithms ; Neural networks ; Modelling ; Total dissolved solids ; Turbidity ; Chlorophyll A ; Landsat ; Satellite imagery ; Monitoring ; Highlands ; Lakes / Ethiopia / Lake Tana
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H051963)
https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5338/10/5/110/pdf?version=1684396571
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H051963.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H051963.pdf
(3.60 MB) (3.60 MB)
Water quality degradation of freshwater bodies is a concern worldwide, particularly in Africa, where data are scarce and standard water quality monitoring is expensive. This study explored the use of remote sensing imagery and machine learning (ML) algorithms as an alternative to standard field measuring for monitoring water quality in large and remote areas constrained by logistics and finance. Six machine learning (ML) algorithms integrated with Landsat 8 imagery were evaluated for their accuracy in predicting three optically active water quality indicators observed monthly in the period from August 2016 to April 2022: turbidity (TUR), total dissolved solids (TDS) and Chlorophyll a (Chl-a). The six ML algorithms studied were the artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine regression (SVM), random forest regression (RF), XGBoost regression (XGB), AdaBoost regression (AB), and gradient boosting regression (GB) algorithms. XGB performed best at predicting Chl-a, with an R2 of 0.78, Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of 0.78, mean absolute relative error (MARE) of 0.082 and root mean squared error (RMSE) of 9.79 µg/L. RF performed best at predicting TDS (with an R2 of 0.79, NSE of 0.80, MARE of 0.082, and RMSE of 12.30 mg/L) and TUR (with an R2 of 0.80, NSE of 0.81, and MARE of 0.072 and RMSE of 7.82 NTU). The main challenges were data size, sampling frequency, and sampling resolution. To overcome the data limitation, we used a K-fold cross validation technique that could obtain the most out of the limited data to build a robust model. Furthermore, we also employed stratified sampling techniques to improve the ML modeling for turbidity. Thus, this study shows the possibility of monitoring water quality in large freshwater bodies with limited observed data using remote sensing integrated with ML algorithms, potentially enhancing decision making.
3 Fenta, H. M.; Aynalem, D. W.; Malmquist, L.; Haileslassie, Amare; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Barron, J.; Adem, A. A.; Adimassu, Z.; Zimale, F. A.; Steenhuis, T. S. 2024. A critical analysis of soil (and water) conservation practices in the Ethiopian Highlands: implications for future research and modeling. Catena, 234:107539. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2023.107539]
Soil conservation ; Water conservation ; Highlands ; Soil loss ; Erosion ; Sediment ; Ecosystem services ; Environmental monitoring ; Land use ; Crop yield ; Modelling / Africa / Ethiopia / Ethiopian Highlands
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052323)
(8.68 MB)
Soil and water conservation have been traditionally part of farming practices for thousands of years. Despite massive efforts to implement modern soil and water conservation practices (SWCPs) in the Ethiopian Highlands, soil erosion increased after the 1970s when social and political events led to a remarkable change in land use. This review aims to critically analyze the impact of conservation practices on soil loss and crop yield and highlight research and modeling gaps. In doing so, 120 published articles on experimental and simulated soil losses in the Ethiopian Highlands were retrieved from the refereed literature. We found that most published experimental studies evaluating SWCPs lasted less than five years in areas of less than 100 ha. Most modeling studies were over short periods, too; some models simulated soil loss over large areas. The literature analysis for these short-term experimental studies showed that SWCP decreased soil loss on individual sites and increased crop yield in semi-arid regions. Simulated sediment concentration increased as a function of watershed size, while observed soil losses did not follow this trend. Moreover, the decrease in soil loss due to the soil and water conservation practices on small plots was also greatly overestimated. Consequently, past research and current modeling techniques are inconclusive on the effectiveness of SWCPs in large catchments over periods exceeding five years and those with active gullies. Additional long-term experimental studies in catchments are required to evaluate whether SWCPs can decrease sediment loads.
4 Tilahun, Seifu A.; Atampugre, Gerald; Zemadim, Birhanu; Cofie, Olufunke. 2023. Co-designing inclusive landscape management plans to transform agrifood systems: a technical brief. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Initiative on West and Central African Food Systems Transformation. 8p.
Landscape resilience ; Sustainable land management ; Plans ; Agrifood systems ; Frameworks ; Participatory approaches ; Social inclusion ; Ecological factors ; Stakeholders ; Innovation ; Climate change ; Decision support systems / Africa South of Sahara
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052399)
(399 KB)
Landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa faces increasing pressure from both anthropogenic activities and climate change. The agrifood system struggles to utilize the landscape's potential. Misconceptions in landscape management practices, such as neglecting socio-ecological and participatory concepts, hinder sustainable development. Socio-ecological landscape management, which integrates social and ecological systems and promotes collaboration among stakeholders, innovation, resilience to risks, resource sustainability, and community satisfaction, is gaining acceptance. This technical note is to describe adaptive, inclusive landscape management plans that are sensitive to both ecological and health metrics and could be incorporated into governmental frameworks. The design process is iterative with 6 steps, incorporating the perspectives of local stakeholders, governance bodies, researchers, and local experts. The pathway culminates in a comprehensive Inclusive Landscape Management Plan (ILMP) that is both actionable and reflective of community needs.
5 Adem, A. A.; Wassie, T. M.; Gashaw, T.; Tilahun, Seifu A.. 2024. Evaluation of exclosures in restoring degraded landscapes in the semi-arid highlands of northwestern Ethiopia. Catena, 237:107826. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2024.107826]
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052560)
(9.38 MB)
Land degradation is a severe environmental problem in the northern and northwestern Ethiopian highlands. As a response to increasing land degradation, rehabilitation of degraded grazing lands through exclosures (exclusion of farmers and domestic animals) has been undertaken. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 11 and 8-year exclosures in improving degraded landscapes in the Karita-Wuha and Dengora watersheds. It was assumed that the conditions on communal grazing lands at the time of the investigation corresponded to those at the establishment of exclosures. Vegetation was inventoried, and soil samples were collected and analyzed in 14 and 21 sampling sites selected from exclosures and communal grazing lands in Dengora and Karita-Wuha watersheds, respectively. Sampling plots (20 × 20 m) were established for soil sampling. In the two land uses, 10x10 m and 5x5 m sub-plots were used to survey trees and bushes/shrubs, respectively. Richness, diversity, evenness, and aboveground biomass (AGB) were evaluated using measurements from the vegetation inventory. Organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), and available phosphorus (AP) and their stocks were used as soil nutrient indicators. The result showed that exclosures aided in restoring vegetation in both watersheds and soil nutrient parameters in the Dengora watershed compared with communal grazing lands. In the Karita-Wuha watershed, there was significantly higher OC, TN, and their stocks in communal grazing land than exclosures (t-test, p < 0.05). These results are generally attributed to the fact that communal grazing lands were significantly degraded before exclosure and have yet to recover. As a result, exclosures of Dengora and Karita-Wuha watersheds were limited in restoring degraded landscapes. There have been differences in the effectiveness of < 11- and > 11-year exclosures in restoring degraded landscapes in the literature. The effectiveness of various aged exclosures in restoring degraded landscapes is likely variable and dependent on local biophysical parameters and land use systems.
6 Gari, Y.; Block, P.; Steenhuis, T. S.; Mekonnen, M.; Assefa, G.; Ephrem, A. K.; Bayissa, Y.; Tilahun, Seifu A.. 2023. Developing an approach for equitable and reasonable utilization of international rivers: the Nile River. Water, 15(24):4312. (Special issue: Adaptive Water Resources Management in an Era of Changing Climatic, Environmental and Social Conditions) [doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/w15244312]
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052561)
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/24/4312/pdf?version=1702957721
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052561.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052561.pdf
(11.30 MB) (11.3 MB)
The absence of a basin-wide apportionment agreement on using the Nile River equitably has been a long-standing source of disagreement among Nile riparian states. This study introduces a new approach that the riparian states can consider that quantifies the Nile River’s apportionment. The approach includes (1) developing a basin-wide database of indicators representative of the United Nations Watercourse Convention (UNWC) relevant factors and circumstances, (2) developing an ensemble of indicator weighting scenarios using various weighting methods, and (3) developing six water-sharing methods to obtain a range of apportionments for Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia and the group of the White Nile Equatorial States for each weighting scenarios. The results illustrate a relatively narrow range of country-level water apportionments, even though some individual factor weights vary from 3% to 26%. Considering the entire Nile River, the water apportionment for Ethiopia ranges from 32% to 38%, Sudan and South Sudan from 25% to 33%, Egypt from 26% to 35%, and the Equatorial States from 5% to 7%. We trust that the six proposed equitable water-sharing methods may aid in fostering basin-wide negotiations toward a mutual agreement and address the dispute over water sharing.
7 Bizimana, J.-C.; Yalew, B. B.; Assefa, T. T.; Belay, S. A.; Degu, Y. M.; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe; Reyes, M. R.; Prasad, P. V. V.; Tilahun, Seifu A.. 2023. Simulating potential impacts of solar MajiPump on the economy and nutrition of smallholder farmers in sub-humid Ethiopia. Water, 15(22):4003. [doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/w15224003]
Irrigation technology ; Solar powered irrigation systems ; Pumps ; Smallholders ; Farmers ; Economic aspects / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052562)
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/22/4003/pdf?version=1700221598
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052562.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052562.pdf
(4.21 MB) (4.21 MB)
Irrigation is widely considered a potential means to improve agricultural productivity, nutrition, and income, as farmers can carry out farming and production year-round. However, the feasibility of irrigation technologies is highly dependent on the long-term economic return farmers achieve. Solar-based irrigation could address the challenges of underinvestment in irrigation within Africa. Evidence on the economic viability of the adopted solar pumps such as MajiPump is very scant and focused on ex post evaluation. This study evaluated the income and nutritional feasibility of solar-powered irrigation using the MajiPump in sub-humid Ethiopian highlands using the farm simulation (FARMSIM) model and compared it with the manual pulley system. Results from the FARMSIM model show that farmers’ adoption of Maji solar pump technology to grow vegetables is economically feasible with financial support such as credit or loan for initial and capital investment to acquire the pump. The average profit under the solar MajiPump, drip irrigation, and conservation agriculture was 3.6 times higher than that of the baseline scenario. While the pulley technology provides the same amount of irrigation water to grow vegetables, its feasibility is limited due to high labor costs and time, estimated to be more than seven times the baseline. The simulation results show that the alternative scenarios’ nutrition level has improved relative to other scenarios and met the minimum daily average nutrition requirement level for proteins, iron, and vitamin A but fell short in fat, calcium, and calories. The results suggest that farmers who adopt improved small-scale irrigation technologies (solar MajiPump and drip system) have a higher potential to increase production and income from irrigated crops and improve their nutrition if part of the income generated is used to purchase supplemental food for their nutrition.
8 Amponsah, Andoh Kwaku; Atampugre, Gerald; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Oke, Adebayo. 2023. Developing water resources decision support system to strengthen landscape resilience planning and investment in West and Central Africa: a scoping and needs assessment report. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Initiative on West and Central African Food Systems Transformation. 14p.
Decision-support systems ; Water resources ; Landscape ; Resilience ; Planning ; Investment / West Africa / Central Africa
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052660)
(988 KB)
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) conducted a virtual scoping and need assessment workshop to develop a water resources decision support system (DSS) to strengthen landscape resilience planning and investment in West and Central Africa. The workshop, which took place on May 8, 2023, involved 51 participants from the public sector, private companies, research, and civil society organizations, as well as academia of six countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Burundi, DRC, and Rwanda. The objective was to explore the current data gaps, information, and knowledge products in water DSS, where IWMI could provide support on appropriate science-based decision-support systems for water resources management, with a particular emphasis on strengthening landscape resilience planning and investment in the respective countries within the TAFS-WCA initiative. Most participants from six countries expressed interest in AWARE, a flood forecasting tool of IWMI, which facilitates coordination across sectors to trigger actions ahead of extreme climate events. Stakeholder mapping, end-user participation, comprehensive needs assessments, expert maintenance, and knowledge-sharing forums were identified as crucial for successful DSS implementation as part of reflection in the meeting.
9 Atampugre, Gerald; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Zemadim, Birhanu; Amponsah, Andoh Kwaku; Cofie, Olufunke; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe. 2023. Co-designing inclusive landscape management plans: a practical guide. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Initiative on West and Central African Food Systems Transformation. 31p.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052661)
(936 KB)
This report provides a comprehensive guide designed to facilitate the co-design of inclusive landscape management plans. Recognizing the critical role of diverse stakeholder engagement in sustainable land management, the guide offers a detailed framework with a strong focus on practical application. Through a systematic approach, the guide provides step-by-step insights, methodologies, and tools to effectively navigate collaborative processes in landscape management. The central emphasis of the guide lies in promoting inclusivity as a key driver for enhancing the effectiveness and ensuring the long-term success of landscape management initiatives. By offering practical solutions and actionable strategies, the guide serves as a valuable resource for practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders committed to fostering inclusive and participatory approaches in landscape management. This practical resource is tailored for individuals and organizations dedicated to creating landscapes that strike a balance between ecological health, social equity, and economic viability. By emphasizing collaborative design and implementation, the guide aims to contribute to the development of resilient and sustainable landscapes that meet the needs of diverse stakeholders and ensure a harmonious coexistence between nature and society.
10 Adusei-Gyamfi, J.; Gyebi, A. S. A.; Amponsah, Andoh Kwaku; Atampugre, Gerald; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Cofie, Olufunke. 2023. Evaluating hydrological dynamics and water quality in agricultural landscapes in Ghana’s Forest Transition Belt: a citizen science approach. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Initiative on West and Central African Food Systems Transformation. 38p.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052662)
(1.12 MB)
Food system transformation is intrinsically tied to effective land and water resource management, especially in the regions facing competition among various land uses. The AhafoAno Southwest District in Ghana exemplifies this complexity, with agriculture, mining, and agroforestry practices competing against one another for arable land, impacting the local food system and contributing to water resource degradation. This study investigates the quantity and quality of water in the Mankran watershed, employing a participatory approach through citizen science to address the increasing challenges within the Ahafo-Ano Southwest district. To conduct this investigation, a team of seven citizen scientists, including four women, was carefully selected from the local community, and equipped with the training to monitor water resources effectively. The Mankran watershed, within the Ahafo-Ano District, was chosen for its strategic representation of different land-uses that affect water resources. The study focused on three distinct riparian communities: Mmrobem, representing the upstream with agroforestry as the predominant land use; Barniekrom, representing the midstream with agricultural activities prevailing; and Kunsu, representing the downstream with mining activities as the predominant land use. Installation of staff gauges at midstream and downstream locations facilitated streamflow measurements, while manual rain gauges were deployed in each community for comprehensive rainfall measurements. Additionally, groundwater monitoring involved the selection of two wells in Mmrobem, three in Barniekrom, and two in Kunsu. Basic hydrological variables such as daily rainfall, streamflow rate, and groundwater level, along with water quality parameters (pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, phosphate, chloride, and heavy metals), were diligently measured by the citizen scientists from June to October 2023. Monthly water samples were sent to a laboratory for further technical analysis, including the determination of heavy metals. The data revealed rainfall variations impacting six-month streamflow, notably in midstream and downstream areas. Downstream, influenced by mining, experienced twice as more streamflow rate, indicating potential mining runoff. Water quality assessments showed pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and phosphate variations, influenced by community land use. Nitrate concentrations peaked in the rivers in June, while wells in agricultural lands showed consistently high concentrations, likely due to leaching. Phosphate concentrations increased as the rainy period progressed in streams mirroring well concentrations, signifying subsurface flow dominance. Mercury concentrations were low in surface water but four times higher in groundwater. Despite the challenges posed by mining activities, the citizen scientists demonstrated their capacity to provide reliable semi-technical measurements comparable to standard laboratory analyses. This not only confirmed the efficacy of citizen science in environmental monitoring but also empowered these individuals to become environmental stewards within their communities. The study further emphasized the dominance of subsurface flow in the landscape, with implications for potential transport mechanisms for water quality in the landscape. The water quality index indicated poor conditions across all study sites, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive integrated landscape management plan. This plan must consider the role of subsurface flow to safeguard environmental resources, enhance water quality, and protect human health. The commitment of all stakeholders is also paramount to successfully implementing such a plan and ensuring the sustainable development of the Ahafo-Ano Southwest district.
11 Tilahun, Seifu A.; Atampugre, Gerald; Zemadim, Birhanu; Cofie, Olufunke; Mabhaudhi, T. 2023. A guide for co-designing an inclusive landscape management plan. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Initiative on West and Central African Food Systems Transformation. 3p. (Briefing Note 2)
Landscape ; Local government ; Stakeholders ; Agrifood systems ; Ecological factors ; Ecosystem services ; Monitoring and evaluation / Africa South of Sahara
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052641)
(340 KB)
This technical note outlines a framework for the co-design of inclusive landscape management plans (ILMPs) by local governments and other implementers. The co-design process is iterative, incorporating the perspectives of all stakeholders, piloting, and learning through monitoring, and evaluation. The framework ensures that the co-signed ILMPs are adaptive, one health-sensitive, promote sustainable intensification, and are embedded in local and national governance systems.
12 Sishu, F. K.; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Schmitter, Petra; Steenhuis, T. S. 2024. Revisiting the Thornthwaite Mather procedure for baseflow and groundwater storage predictions in sloping and mountainous regions. Journal of Hydrology X, 24:100179. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydroa.2024.100179]
Groundwater table ; Water storage ; Sloping land ; Aquifers ; Highlands ; Watersheds ; Groundwater recharge ; Stream flow ; Water balance ; Precipitation ; Discharge ; Models / Ethiopia / Dangishta Watershed / Robit Bata Watershed
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052843)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589915524000099/pdfft?md5=fcd021fe86a9e1229d0a54c3a5071e78&pid=1-s2.0-S2589915524000099-main.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052843.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052843.pdf
(4.69 MB) (4.69 MB)
Hillslope aquifers regulate streamflow and are a critical potable and irrigation water source, especially in developing countries. Knowing recharge and baseflow is essential for managing these aquifers. Methods using available data to calculate recharge and baseflow from aquifers are not valid for uplands. This paper adapts the Thornthwaite and Mather (T-M) procedure from plains to sloping and mountainous regions by replacing the linear reservoir with a zero-order aquifer. The revised T-M procedure was tested over four years in two contrasting watersheds in the humid Ethiopian highlands: the 57 km2 Dangishta with a perennial stream and the nine km2 Robit Bata, where the flow ceased four months after the end of the rain phase. The monthly average groundwater tables were predicted with an accuracy ranging from satisfactory to good for both watersheds. Baseflow predictions were “very good” after considering the evaporation from shallow groundwater in the valley bottom during the dry phase in Dangishta. We conclude that the T-M procedure is ideally suited for calculating recharge, baseflow and groundwater storage in upland regions with sparse hydrological data since the procedure uses as input only rainfall and potential evaporation data that are readily available together with an estimate of the aquifer travel time.
13 Hussein, M. A.; Riga, F. T.; Derseh, M. B.; Assefa, T. T.; Worqlul, A. W.; Haileslassie, Amare; Adie, A.; Jones, C. S.; Tilahun, Seifu A.. 2024. Application of irrigation management and water-lifting technologies to enhance fodder productivity in smallholder farming communities: a case study in Robit Bata, Ethiopia. Agronomy, 14(5):1064. [doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051064]
Irrigation management ; Water productivity ; Irrigation technology ; Smallholders ; Farmers ; Irrigation water ; Fodder ; Pennisetum purpureum ; Watersheds ; Labour productivity ; Dry matter ; Soil water content ; Livestock ; Case studies / Ethiopia / Robit Bata / Yinebo Watershed / Robit Watershed
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052854)
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/14/5/1064/pdf?version=1715935300
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052854.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052854.pdf
(2.91 MB) (2.90 MB)
Small-scale cultivation of irrigated fodder is emerging as a vital production system in mixed farming communities. Efficient water management plays a key role in enhancing forage production, especially in the face of changing climate. A field-scale experimental study was conducted in Robit Bata kebele, Ethiopia, with the following objectives: (1) to examine the effects of conventional farmers’ irrigation scheduling versus climate-based irrigation scheduling; and (2) to assess the influence of water-lifting technologies (manual pulley and solar Majipump) on dry matter yield (DMY), water productivity (WP), irrigation labor productivity (ILP), and water productivity in terms of crude protein and metabolizable energy (WP.CP and WP.ME) of Napier grass. The experiment used 10 farmers’ plots each with a size of 100 m2 . Half of the plots were treated using farmers’ scheduling while the other half were treated using climate-based irrigation scheduling. Monitoring of irrigation water use and crop yield took place over two irrigation seasons from November 2020 to June 2021. Results showed there was an interaction effect of irrigation management (p = 0.019) and water-lifting technologies (p = 0.016) with season on DMY. The highest DMY occurred in the first irrigation season with climate-based scheduling and solar Majipump use. The interaction effect of irrigation management and season affected WP (p = 0.047). Climate-based scheduling had a higher WP in the first season, while farmers’ scheduling had a higher WP during the second season. On average, the solar Majipump outperformed the pulley, achieving 5 kg m-3 WP compared to the pulley’s 4 kg m-3 (p = 0.018). Emphasizing the seasonal impact, it is recommended to promote full irrigation (climate-based) in the first season for maximum yield and WP. Conversely, in the second season, advocating only deficit irrigation is advised due to water scarcity and sustainability concerns. Statistical parity in DMY and lower WP with full irrigation in the second season supports this recommendation, addressing the challenge of optimizing water use in the context of a changing climate and ensuring sustainable smallholder agriculture practices. Therefore, implementing appropriate irrigation management alongside efficient water-lifting technologies holds the potential to enhance fodder productivity and bolster smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. Future research should explore the comparative benefits of irrigated fodder versus other crops and the overall advantages of investing in irrigated fodder over vegetables.
14 Hussein, M. A.; Haileslassie, Amare; Derseh, M. B.; Assefa, T. T.; Riga, F. T.; Adie, A.; Tebeje, A. K.; Jones, C. S.; Tilahun, Seifu A.. 2024. Enhancing irrigated forage crop production through water and nutrient management in the Ethiopian sub-humid highlands. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8:1373698. [doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1373698]
Forage ; Crop production ; Deficit irrigation ; Water management ; Nutrient management ; Water-use efficiency ; Water productivity ; Fertilizer application ; Yields ; Livestock ; Highlands / Ethiopia / Robit Bata
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052855)
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1373698/pdf?isPublishedV2=False
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052855.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052855.pdf
(5.69 MB) (5.69 MB)
Introduction: The increasing pressure on land and water resources, fueled by high population growth and climate change, has profound implications for crop yield and quality. While studies thrive for various crops, a notable research gap exists in understanding the responses of forage crops to irrigation and nutrient management in developing countries. This study aims to address this gap by assessing the impact of irrigation and fertilizer application on forage production in the Ethiopian sub-humid highlands.
Methods: The experiment focused on four forage varieties, namely Napier grass (Cenchrus purpureus) cultivars, ILRI-16791, ILRI-16819, ILRI-16803, and Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) ILRI-144 cultivated in experimental plots. Three irrigation levels designated as IR60 (60% of total available soil water), IR80 (80%), and IR100 (100%) were applied, along with three fertilizer rates: organic manure at 30 t ha-1 , and Urea-N at 100 kg ha-1 and 300 kg ha-1 . Agronomic data including growth performance, forage dry matter yield, and nutritional quality were collected during two trial years.
Results and discussion: Among the various irrigation treatments, IR80 demonstrated the most favorable balance between forage yield, WUE, net benefit, and LWP. In addition, the highest DMY, WUE, net benefit, and LWP were obtained for UREA at the rate of 300 kg ha-1 while the lowest DMY and WUE were observed for UREA at the rate of 100 kg ha-1 . Significant variations were observed among the four forage varieties, with Napier grass ILRI-16791 having the highest DMY (9.8 tons ha-1 ), WUE (39 kg ha-1 mm-1 ), LWP (0.28 USD m-3 for local cows, and 1.04 USD m-3 for crossbred cows), and net benefit (783 USD ha-1 ). For all forages combined, a 40 and 20% decrease in irrigation increased water use efficiency by 17 and 9.4%, respectively. These results indicate that a moderate level of deficient irrigation such as IR80 could be a viable water management strategy for irrigated forage, especially in water-scarce areas. The conserved water saved from the deficit irrigation can thus be used to irrigate additional land, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient water usage approach.
Methods: The experiment focused on four forage varieties, namely Napier grass (Cenchrus purpureus) cultivars, ILRI-16791, ILRI-16819, ILRI-16803, and Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) ILRI-144 cultivated in experimental plots. Three irrigation levels designated as IR60 (60% of total available soil water), IR80 (80%), and IR100 (100%) were applied, along with three fertilizer rates: organic manure at 30 t ha-1 , and Urea-N at 100 kg ha-1 and 300 kg ha-1 . Agronomic data including growth performance, forage dry matter yield, and nutritional quality were collected during two trial years.
Results and discussion: Among the various irrigation treatments, IR80 demonstrated the most favorable balance between forage yield, WUE, net benefit, and LWP. In addition, the highest DMY, WUE, net benefit, and LWP were obtained for UREA at the rate of 300 kg ha-1 while the lowest DMY and WUE were observed for UREA at the rate of 100 kg ha-1 . Significant variations were observed among the four forage varieties, with Napier grass ILRI-16791 having the highest DMY (9.8 tons ha-1 ), WUE (39 kg ha-1 mm-1 ), LWP (0.28 USD m-3 for local cows, and 1.04 USD m-3 for crossbred cows), and net benefit (783 USD ha-1 ). For all forages combined, a 40 and 20% decrease in irrigation increased water use efficiency by 17 and 9.4%, respectively. These results indicate that a moderate level of deficient irrigation such as IR80 could be a viable water management strategy for irrigated forage, especially in water-scarce areas. The conserved water saved from the deficit irrigation can thus be used to irrigate additional land, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient water usage approach.
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