Your search found 26 records
1 Ran, Y.; Lannerstad, M.; Barron, Jennie; Fraval, S.; Paul, B.; Notenbaert, A.; Mugatha, S.; Herrero, M. 2015. A review of environmental impact assessment frameworks for livestock production systems. Stockholm, Sweden: Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI). 56p. (SEI Project Report 2015-03)
Environmental impact assessment ; Indicators ; Livestock production ; Greenhouse gases ; Emission ; Energy consumption ; Biodiversity ; Land use ; Soil organic matter ; Nutrients ; Farmers ; Waste management
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H046998)
http://sei-international.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/Air-land-water-resources/CLEANED/sei-pr-2015-03-ran-cleaned-1411l.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H046998.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H046998.pdf
(2.86 MB) (2.86 MB)
2 Weitz, N.; Nilsson, M.; Barron, Jennie; Mothabi, T. 2015. From global vision to country action: post-2015 development strategies and food security in Zambia. Stockholm, Sweden: Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI). 34p. (SEI Project Report 2015-04)
Agricultural development ; Food security ; Food production ; Indicators ; Poverty ; Small scale farming ; Smallholders ; Farmers ; Sustainable development
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H046999)
http://www.sei-international.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/NEW/SEI-PR-2015-04-Zambia-1412r.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H046999.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H046999.pdf
(2.07 MB) (2.07 MB)
3 Barron, Jennie; Kemp-Benedict, E.; Morris. J.; de Bruin, A.; Wang, G.; Fencl, A. 2015. Mapping the potential success of agricultural water management interventions for smallholders: where are the best opportunities? Water Resources and Rural Development, 6:24-49. (Special issue: Managing Rainwater and Small Reservoirs in Sub-Saharan Africa). [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wrr.2015.06.001]
Agriculture ; Water management ; Smallholders ; Farming systems ; Small scale farming ; Rainfed farming ; Rainwater ; Water harvesting ; Reservoir operation ; Bayesian theory ; Technology transfer ; River basins ; Smallholders ; Farmers ; Soil water ; Water conservation ; Climate change / Southern Africa / Limpopo River Basin / Volta River Basin
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047100)
(1.35 MB)
From field to basin scales, there are many appropriate interventions used to manage rainfall efficiently and productively in smallholder farming systems. Yet, successful targeting and scaling-out of these approaches remains a challenge. This paper presents an innovative approach in decision support called ‘Targeting Agricultural Water Management Interventions’ (TAGMI) that addresses this challenge with application in Limpopo and Volta river basins (available at www.seimapping.org/tagmi). The online open-access TAGMI uses country-scale Bayesian network models to assess the likelihood of success for outscaling various agricultural water management (AWM) interventions at sub-national level. The web tool integrates multiple sources of expertise on the enabling environment for outscaling based on key social, human, physical, financial, and natural factors. It estimates the relative probability of success of an AWM intervention across the Limpopo and Volta river basins. Here we present TAGMI as a ‘proof of concept’, current areas of high, medium, and low probability of success for three AWM technologies common in Limpopo and Volta River Basins: the soil water conservation/in situ rainwater harvesting technologies in rain-fed systems, small-scale private irrigation and small reservoirs used for communal irrigation purposes. We then apply a climate change scenario and discuss the robustness in potential AWM, according to the TAGMI tool. Finally, we discuss the need for further development of DSS for AWM interventions, and the need for generic or specific information on ‘best practices of implementation’ for successful uptake of technologies in poverty-constrained smallholder farming systems.
4 Ouedraogo, I.; Barron, Jennie; Tumbo, S. D.; Kahimba, F. C. 2016. Land cover transition in northern Tanzania. Land Degradation and Development, 27(3):682-692. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.2461]
Land cover change ; Land use ; Land degradation ; Landscape ; Scrublands ; Ecosystems ; Agroecology ; River basins ; Water harvesting ; Vegetation ; Catchment areas ; Livestock farms / Tanzania / Makanya Catchment / Pangani River Basin
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047226)
(11.96 MB)
Land conversion in Sub-Saharan Africa has profound biophysical, ecological, political and social consequences for human wellbeing and ecosystems services. Understanding the process of land cover changes and transitions is essential for good ecosystem management policy that would lead to improved agricultural production, human wellbeing and ecosystems health. This study aimed to assess land cover transitions in a typical semi-arid degraded agro-ecosystems environment within the Pangani River Basin in northern Tanzania. Three Landsat images spanning over 30 years were used to detect random and systematic patterns of land cover transition in a landscape dominated by crop and livestock farming. Results revealed that current land cover transition is driven by a systematic process of change dominated by (i) transition from degraded land to sparse bushland (10.8%), (ii) conversion from sparse bushland to dense bushland in lowland areas (6.0%), (iii) conversion from bushland to forest (4.8%), and (iv) conversion from dense bushland to cropland in the highlands (4.5%). Agricultural lands under water harvesting technology adoption show a high degree of persistence (60-80%) between time slices. This suggests that there is a trend in land-use change towards vegetation improvement in the catchment with a continuous increase in the adoption of water harvesting technologies for crop and livestock farming. This can be interpreted as a sign of agricultural intensification and vegetation re-growth in the catchment.
5 de Bruin, A.; Pateman, R.; Barron, Jennie; Balima, M.; Ouedraogo, I.; Dapola, E. D.; Fosu, M.; Annor, F. O.; Magombeyi, M.; Onema, J.-M. K. 2015. Setting up agricultural water management interventions - learning from successful case studies in the Volta and Limpopo river basins. Water Resources and Rural Development, 6:12-23. (Special issue: Managing Rainwater and Small Reservoirs in Sub-Saharan Africa). [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wrr.2015.09.001]
Agriculture ; Water management ; Technology ; Sustainability ; Investment ; Nongovernmental organizations ; State intervention ; Farmers ; River basins ; Case studies / Burkina Faso / Ghana / Zimbabwe / South Africa / Volta River Basin / Limpopo River Basin
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047521)
(0.23 MB)
Long-term investments in agricultural water management (AWM) interventions in the Volta and Limpopo river basins have aimed at improving water availability and quality for smallholder farming systems. However, sustained and wider uptake of AWM technologies and approaches has not been as successful. We need to learn from successful AWM interventions, those interventions that have led to a sustained or increased uptake of AWM technologies or approaches, and which have led to improved well-being of farmers and livestock keepers in the rural development context of sub-Sahara Africa. This paper explores AWM interventions, specifically, the impacts these interventions have had and the factors contributing to the success of these interventions. In four countries within the Volta and Limpopo river basins, consultations were carried in 33 case studies of successful AWM interventions with implementing organisations and beneficiaries using a participatory GIS methodology. A systematic text analysis of 55 case study reports showed that these 33 interventions have had a positive impact on the well-being of beneficiaries and there was a sustained and wider uptake of the AWM technologies or approaches introduced. A clear demand for the technology, appropriate design of the technology, input support, training and capacity building, and a sense of ownership of the community helped to sustain the uptake of AWM technologies and approaches. We conclude that implementing organisations would benefit from investing in the soft components of an AWM intervention, as this will increase the likelihood of successful adoption and adaptation of the AWM technologies and approaches in the long-term.
6 Williams, Timothy O.; Barron, Jennie; Cofie, Olufunke. 2016. Sustainable agricultural intensification in the Volta River Basin. In Williams, Timothy O.; Mul, Marloes L.; Biney, C. A.; Smakhtin, Vladimir (Eds.). The Volta River Basin: water for food, economic growth and environment. Oxon, UK: Routledge - Earthscan. pp.228-241.
Sustainable agriculture ; Intensification ; River basins ; Farming systems ; Rainfed farming ; Agroforestry ; Cereal products ; Maize ; Millets ; Land degradation ; Smallholders ; Ecosystems ; Investment ; Public sector ; Private sector ; Soil conservation ; Water conservation ; Fertilizers / West Africa / Benin / Burkina Faso / Ivory Coast / Ghana / Mali / Togo / Volta River Basin
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H047735)
7 Schmitter, Petra; Haileslassie, Amare; Desalegn, Y.; Tilahun, S.; Langan, Simon; Barron, Jennie. 2016. Improving on-farm water management by introducing wetting front detectors to small scale irrigators in Ethiopia [Abstract only] Paper presented at the Annual Tropical and Subtropical Agricultural and Natural Resource Management (Tropentag) Conference on Solidarity in a Competing World - Fair Use of Resources, Vienna, Austria, 18-21 September 2016. 1p.
Water management ; Water productivity ; Water distribution ; Water user associations ; Small scale systems ; Irrigation scheduling ; Irrigation equipment ; Wetting front ; Crop production ; Cereal crops ; Vegetables ; Agroecology ; Farmers ; Soil conditioners ; Farm management / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047872)
Smallholder irrigation to improve food security in the dry season as well as economic and demographic growth within Ethiopia is developing rapidly. However, the long term sustainability of increased irrigated production, together with degradation of soils (and associated water bodies) may be irreparably damaged by inappropriate watering schedules. In irrigation schemes, over-irrigation results in periodic water scarcity issues and in some cases sodicity. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether using wetting front detectors (WFD), a simple mechanical irrigation advice tool, would give farmers the right knowledge on when and how much to irrigate. Therefore, improving sustainable on-farm water management without negatively affecting crop and water productivity while fostering a more equitable water distribution within the scheme. The study, conducted in different regions of Ethiopia, covered various agro-ecological zones and soil conditions with over 200 farmers irrigating cereals or vegetables. Farmers and water user associations were trained on using the WFD to irrigate and distribute water within the scheme. Irrigation and crop performance was evaluated against control plots, having the same crop variety and management but traditional irrigation practices. Reduction in applied irrigation volume due to the WFD differed within and between sites due to furrow length, soil texture and farmer experience. Although yield increases were highly variable between farmers due to differences in farm management and crop variety cultivated, there was a positive effect of WFD on water productivity. Water productivity on average increased by 9 % whereas yields for the different crops increased between 13 and 17 %. In some cases the volume of water saved could double the cropped area. The reduction of irrigation events, when using the WFD, led to labour saving (up to 11 working days per ha) and fuel saving (between 50 and 150 US$ per ha). In both sites, farmers positively evaluated the scheduling tool, acknowledging that they learned to save water without negatively impacting crop productivity. The study showed that by providing access to when and how much to irrigate, farmers can positively adjust their on-farm water management resulting in more sustainable usage of their natural resources.
8 Douxchamps, S.; Debevec, Liza; Giordano, Meredith; Barron, Jennie. 2017. Monitoring and evaluation of climate resilience for agricultural development: a review of currently available tools. World Development Perspectives, 5:10-23. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wdp.2017.02.001]
Agricultural development ; Adaptation ; Monitoring ; Climate change ; Transformation ; Indicators ; Economic evaluation ; Food security ; Disaster risk management ; International organizations ; Development organizations ; Nongovernmental organizations ; Research organizations ; Assessment
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048037)
Building climate resilience, defined as the ability to anticipate, absorb, accommodate, or recover from climate change in a timely and efficient manner, is becoming a major priority of development across multiple sectors. However, there is still no consensus on how resilience should be assessed despite the release of numerous theoretical papers on the topic. Various measurement frameworks and recommendations have emerged, but their applicability is yet to be critically assessed. Using a comprehensive review and a systematic selection approach, we review resilience assessment tools developed for the context of climate change and agricultural development, and their linkages to theoretical frameworks, with a particular focus on the choice of indicators and the scale and methods of measurement. Fifteen tools originating from diverse organizations were selected and evaluated according to a measurement framework. Our study finds that, while some of the tools remain embedded in classical approaches, by simply adding a resilience lens to previous tools and by recycling indicators, others demonstrate a true attempt to re-think in order to account for resilience dimensions. We conclude that for the use of resilience assessment tools, a major challenge is to ensure that simple and operational tools can address complexity. Full baseline should comprise both quantitative and qualitative data collection, and include more systemic indicators as well as indicators of stability and shocks. Changes should be tracked with regular monitoring and evaluation using simple tools based on key variables that capture short-term adaptive processes and changes in states, at the appropriate system level. Clear pathways to human well-being, including transformation, should be discussed through system-oriented approaches, to discard potential undesired resilient states. Finally, robust outcome and impact records from the use of these tools are needed to demonstrate whether the resilience concept is useful over time in driving development into more desirable paths.
9 Mekuria, Wolde; Barron, Jennie; Dessalegn, Mengistu; Adimassu, Zenebe; Amare, T.; Wondie, M. 2017. Exclosures for ecosystem restoration and economic benefits in Ethiopia: a catalogue of management options. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). 28p. (WLE Research for Development (R4D) Learning Series 4) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2017.204]
Research and development ; Learning ; Capacity building ; Ecosystems ; Economic situation ; Stakeholders ; Smallholders ; Livestock production ; Milk production ; Woodlands ; Habitats ; Renewable energy ; Energy sources ; Natural resources management ; Gender ; Women ; Youth ; Guidelines ; Governance ; State intervention ; Local communities ; Community involvement ; Land use ; Land management ; Land degradation ; Living standards ; Income ; Fodder plants ; Soil conservation ; Water conservation ; Watershed management ; Management techniques ; Sustainability ; Risk reduction ; Private sector ; Public sector / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H048081)
(3 MB)
10 Kadyampakeni, Davie M.; Mul, Marloes L.; Obuobie, E.; Appoh, Richard; Owusu, Afua; Ghansah, Benjamin; Boakye-Acheampong, Enoch; Barron, Jennie. 2017. Agro-climatic and hydrological characterization of selected watersheds in northern Ghana. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 40p. (IWMI Working Paper 173) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2017.209]
Watersheds ; Agricultural production ; Intensification ; Agroclimatology ; Hydrology ; Analytical method ; Agronomic practices ; Water balance ; Water quality ; Water management ; Water deficit ; Climatic factors ; pH ; Electrical conductivity ; Soil texture ; Soil quality ; Soil sampling ; Soil fertility ; Land cover mapping ; Land use ; Rain ; Temperature ; Evapotranspiration ; Farmers ; Wet season ; Dry season ; Reservoir storage ; Wells ; Rivers ; Irrigation schemes ; Catchment areas ; Cropping systems ; Crop production ; Meteorological stations ; Cation exchange capacity / Ghana
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H048209)
(1 MB)
This paper provides the climatic and biophysical context of three watersheds in northern Ghana. The objective of the study is to describe the agro-climatic and hydrological features of the watersheds from a landscape perspective. The analyses show that water surplus occurs about 3 months in a year, with only one month providing a significant surplus. Small-scale irrigation is, therefore, carried out in the dry months between November and June. The quality of water used for irrigation from wells, reservoirs and rivers is good for irrigation and domestic purposes. The soil chemical parameters across the study sites show that the soils are suitable for irrigation and crop system intensification, although it requires substantial fertilizer inputs. The paper concludes that there are opportunities from both a soil quality and water availability perspective to enhance sustainable intensification through small- and medium-scale irrigation in the selected watersheds.
11 Schmitter, Petra; Gebrehaweria, Gebregziabher; Tilahun, S.; Lefore, Nicole; Barron, Jennie. 2017. Assessing the effects of smallholder intensification through improved water management beyond “Business as Usual”: a multi-facet lens on sustainability [Abstract only] Paper presented at the Annual Tropical and Subtropical Agricultural and Natural Resource Management (Tropentag) Conference on Future Agriculture: Social-ecological transitions and bio-cultural shifts, Bonn, Germany, 20 - 22 September 2017. 1p.
Smallholders ; Intensification ; Water management ; Water requirements ; Irrigation water ; Irrigation practices ; Sustainability ; Manual operation ; Small scale farming ; Solar energy ; Manual pumps / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048308)
In sub-Saharan Africa small scale irrigation is developing rapidly. Whilst emphasis for development is mainly placed on water resource availability and access for irrigation, less attention is paid to adoption of water lifting and management technologies, its relation to irrigation labour, profits and long term soil fertility. The dynamics of both the nutrient and the production cycle can be significantly affected when new water lifting and management practices are introduced. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of different water lifting (solar, manual and fuel pumps) as well as water management methods on irrigation labour, nutrient balances and profits under supplementary and full irrigation practices of vegetables in two regions of Ethiopia. Farmers were grouped into four water management treatments: irrigation based on soil moisture monitoring, using a mechanical scheduling device (i.e. FullStop), standard crop water requirements (CWR) and traditional farmers practice (FARM). Results show that manual water lifting devices are profitable under supplementary irrigation but require best management packages, such as optimal irrigation scheduling, to boost production per ha. This in combination with viable market prices could ensure that small scale irrigation remains profitable when full irrigation is supplied. One of the main explanatory variables is the irrigation labour which is often forgotten to be a significant costing factor. Solar PV pump technologies show a high potential for Ethiopia as the labour reduced by 38% compared to manual water lifting devices. When farmers had access to irrigation information, vegetable production using manual water lifting technologies turned into a profitable business as long as its effect on irrigation labour translated into proportional yield increases. For example, farmers increased irrigation for onion by 42% resulting in yield increases by 85%. However, the effect of irrigation scheduling on crop – water productivity and profits were highly variable depending on the fertiliser farmers used. Results show the importance of a recommended water management and fertiliser package to ensure sustainable intensification through irrigation development achieving crop productivity and profits gains whilst reducing potential environmental effects.
12 Stein, C.; Barron, Jennie. 2017. Mapping actors along value chains: integrating visual network research and participatory statistics into value chain analysis. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). 24p. (WLE Research for Development (R4D) Learning Series 5) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2017.216]
Value chain ; Supply chain ; Mapping ; Participatory approaches ; Statistical data ; Social aspects ; Cost analysis ; Communities ; Markets ; Production structure ; Agricultural production ; Agricultural trade ; Relationships ; Livestock ; Surveys ; Case studies / Burkina Faso
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H048396)
(3 MB)
This report outlines a participatory approach for mapping actors along value chains. The methodology provides novel ideas on how to combine value chain analysis with participatory statistics and visual network research approaches, to generate valuable insights about complex value chains together with local stakeholders in a cost effective way. A framework is introduced, which provides a canvas for mapping actors onto different analytical dimensions relevant in value chain analysis. After outlining some of the conceptual foundations and the methodological approach, a sequence of steps for mapping actors and their relationships is described. The experience from a case study is used to illustrate the steps involved. The case study is on fodder value chains in the Sahelian agro-ecological zone of Burkina Faso, but the mapping approach can be adapted to a range of contexts.
13 Otoo, Miriam; Lefore, Nicole; Schmitter, Petra; Barron, Jennie; Gebregziabher, Gebrehaweria. 2018. Business model scenarios and suitability: smallholder solar pump-based irrigation in Ethiopia. Agricultural Water Management – Making a Business Case for Smallholders. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 67p. (IWMI Research Report 172) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2018.207]
Business management ; Models ; Solar energy ; Energy policies ; Irrigation methods ; Irrigation practices ; Pumping ; Smallholders ; Farmers ; Alternative methods ; Environmental sustainability ; Environmental impact ; Corporate culture ; Policy making ; Renewable energy ; Agricultural financial policy ; Financing ; Supply chain ; Economic aspects ; Irrigated farming ; Agricultural production ; Investment ; Intensification ; Food security ; Nutrition ; Water supply ; Water management ; Groundwater ; Regulations ; Rural communities ; Markets ; Small scale systems ; Women's participation ; Farmer-led irrigation ; Case studies ; Innovation scaling / Africa / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H048583)
(2 MB)
This report outlines a business model approach to assessing the feasibility and for encouraging investment in smallholder solar pump irrigation. It also proposes a new methodology for mapping the suitability of solar energy-based irrigation pumps. The proposed business model framework and the methodology for suitability mapping are applied to Ethiopia as a case study, based on data from existing case studies and reports. A brief analysis outlines the regulatory and institutional context for investment in solar pump irrigation, and the ways in which it both constrains and attempts to support investment. The report identifies and outlines three business model scenarios that present opportunities for investing in smallholder solar pump-based irrigation, which would contribute towards sustainable intensification for food and nutrition security. The business model scenarios are based on the value proposition of supplying water to smallholder farmers for irrigated agricultural production. Analysis of potential gains and benefits suggests that direct purchase of solar pumps by farmers is feasible, and that out-grower schemes and pump supplier options with bundled financing offer promising solutions. The potential constraints that different investors may face in up-scaling the business models are also discussed, particularly within institutional, regulatory and financial contexts. The report provides development actors and investors with evidence-based information on the suitability and sustainability of solar pump irrigation in Ethiopia, as well as suggestions for helping to enable smallholders to invest in individually-owned, smallholder photovoltaic (PV) solar pumps.
14 Schmitter, Petra; Kibret, K. S.; Lefore, Nicole; Barron, Jennie. 2018. Suitability mapping framework for solar photovoltaic pumps for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Applied Geography, 94:41-57. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2018.02.008]
Smallholders ; Mapping ; Solar energy ; Photovoltaic systems ; Pumps ; Geographical Information Systems ; Farmers ; Water lifting ; Irrigation water ; Reservoirs ; Water storage ; Water resources ; Water availability ; Farmer-led irrigation ; Groundwater management / Africa South of Sahara / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048620)
https://ac.els-cdn.com/S0143622817310457/1-s2.0-S0143622817310457-main.pdf?_tid=7cbbae10-6572-4e7a-aba1-234b647c6bd5&acdnat=1522660497_768a421f54ea3c4d4ecdefe5273936b1
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048620.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048620.pdf
As solar panels become more a ordable, solar photovoltaic (PV) pumps have been identi ed as a high potential water lifting technology to meet the growing irrigation demand in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, little is known aboutthegeo-spatial potentialofsolarbasedPVpumpingforirrigationtakinginto accountnotonlysolar radiation but also the availability of water resources and linkage to markets. This study developed a suitability framework using multi-criteria analysis in an open source GIS environment and tested it in the case of Ethiopia. Theaccessibilityofwaterresourceswasthedrivingfactorfordi erentscenarios.Suitabilityresultsfollowingthe groundwater scenarios showed good agreement with the available referenced well depth data. Comparing the suitability maps with available land use data showed that on average 9% (96103ha) of Ethiopian irrigated and 18% (3739103ha) of rainfed land would be suitable for solar PV pump irrigation. Furthermore, small solar PV pumps could be an alternative water lifting technology for 11% of the current and future small motorized fuel hydro-carbon pumps on smallholder farms (2166103ha). Depending on the technical pump capacity, between 155103ha and 204103ha of land would be suitable for solar PV pumps and provide smallholder farmers with the option to either pump from small reservoirs or shallow groundwater. With the ongoing interest in development for smallholder irrigation, the application of this model will help to upscale solar PV pumps for smallholder farmers in SSA as a climate smart technology in an integrated manner.
15 Kadyampakeni, Davie; Appoh, Richard; Barron, Jennie; Boakye-Acheampong, Enoch. 2018. Analysis of water quality of selected irrigation water sources in northern Ghana. Water Science and Technology: Water Supply, 18(4):1308-1317. [doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/ws.2017.195]
Water quality ; Water storage ; Water availability ; Water requirements ; Irrigation water ; Irrigation operation ; Reservoir operation ; Salinity ; Wells ; Small scale systems ; Food security ; Electrical conductivity ; Chemical compounds ; Agricultural policy ; Rivers ; pH ; Biological contamination / Ghana
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048787)
Small-scale irrigation continues to cushion the food security gap in sub-Saharan Africa. Irrigation is largely governed by water availability, soil type and crop water requirements, among other factors. Thus, a study was conducted to assess the suitability of various water sources for irrigation in northern Ghana. Specifically, the study sought to assess quality of water sources in the Savelugu, Kasena-Nankana East, and Nabdam districts for small-scale irrigation development. The water quality parameters used were: pH, electrical conductivity (ECw), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percent (Na%), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR), Kelley's ratio (KR), total hardness (TH), Chloride (Cl), E. coli, and Faecal coliforms. While we found most of the irrigation water sources, including small reservoirs, dams, wells and rivers suitable, few unsuitable irrigation water sources were also identified. Overall, the study found that opportunities for scaling small-scale irrigation exist in all the sites. The knowledge generated from this study will guide irrigation water use, and agricultural policy for sustainable smallholder irrigation development in the region.
16 Adimassu, Zenebe; Langan, Simon; Barron, Jennie. 2018. Highlights of soil and water conservation investments in four regions of Ethiopia. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 35p. (IWMI Working Paper 182) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2018.214]
Soil conservation ; Water conservation ; Waterways ; Financing ; Investment ; Land degradation ; Land productivity ; Land management ; Landscape ; Farmland ; Farm management ; Hillside operations ; Sloping land ; Gully erosion ; Runoff ; Rural areas ; Rural communities ; Living standards ; Farmers ; Terraces ; Watershed management ; Dam construction ; Environmental monitoring ; Sediment ; Capacity building ; Nongovernmental organizations / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H048867)
(1 MB)
This paper provides details of soil and water conservation (SWC) investments in Ethiopia over the past 20 years. It presents SWC practices and estimates the level of SWC investments in different regions. The paper focuses on four principal agricultural regions: Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR and Tigray. Primary and secondary data were collected for the analysis, and consultations were conducted at regional levels. Primary data on diverse SWC practices, their numbers and areal extent were obtained from the archives of regional Bureaus of Agriculture (BoAs). The results of this study show that several projects involving significant financial investment have been implemented to reverse land degradation and improve land productivity in Ethiopia since the 1970s. The list of projects is not comprehensive due to a lack of documentation at all levels, but it does provide some insights into the scale of SWC investments and implementation. The projects analyzed in the four regions fall into the following categories: farmland management, hillside management and gully rehabilitation practices, including check dams and cut-off drains. The analysis shows that these practices involved both paid and unpaid labor, together representing an estimated investment of more than ETB 25 billion (or approximately USD 1.2 billion) per year over the past 10 years. It is clear that large investments have been made in SWC activities in Ethiopia. However, the outcomes in terms of impact on yield and livelihood benefits are yet to be fully understood. A comprehensive assessment is needed to measure the impact of SWC activities on farmers’ livelihoods and the environment. A key recommendation arising from the analysis is that more data and information are needed on the successes and failures of SWC practices, which will assist stakeholders to better guide and target future projects and investments. An additional recommendation is to consider the biophysical and financial impact of soil erosion, both on and off farm.
17 Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Barron, Jennie; Haile, Alemseged Tamiru; Lefore, Nicole; Gowing, J. 2018. Gender dimensions of community-based groundwater governance in Ethiopia: using citizen science as an entry point. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 24p. (IWMI Working Paper 184) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2018.222]
Gender ; Groundwater management ; Groundwater development ; Water governance ; Water security ; Water resources ; Water management ; Water availability ; Water use ; Community involvement ; Citizen participation ; Participatory approaches ; Monitoring ; Role of women ; Women’s participation ; Equity ; Empowerment ; Sustainability ; Decision making ; Natural resources management ; Wells / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H048928)
(1 MB)
Understanding the gender dimensions of community-based groundwater governance is important because men and women differ in their need for and having access to groundwater, and their participation in the development, management and monitoring of the resource. The leading role played by women in obtaining and safeguarding water is not usually reflected in the institutional arrangements for water management. Addressing this gender inequality could lead to the equal participation of men and women in monitoring and sustainable management of groundwater, and women’s empowerment. This paper explores gender aspects of community-based groundwater governance in Dangeshta and Farawocha kebeles in Dangila and Boloso Bombe woredas, respectively, in Ethiopia. The findings suggest that women place a high value on groundwater and could be motivated to play a greater role in governance of the resource. However, the constraints they face in participating in groundwater development and management, particularly exclusion from decision-making, suggest that their effective participation and leadership could be significantly curtailed without specific interventions. Indeed, this is reflected in women’s willingness to participate in groundwater monitoring, as well as men’s reluctance to allow their wives to participate. This is in contrast to a high number of men willing to participate. Citizen science as an entry point for community-based groundwater governance relies on (i) the active involvement of myriad actors (including men and women citizens) whose actions interact with the hydrological processes; and (ii) volunteer interest (i.e., willingness to participate). A gender-sensitive approach to programs, gender awareness training, and partnerships with organizations working for women’s empowerment, natural resource management and adult literacy are recommended to support a citizen science approach to groundwater monitoring.
18 Nakawuka, Prossie; Langan, S.; Schmitter, Petra; Barron, Jennie. 2018. A review of trends, constraints and opportunities of smallholder irrigation in East Africa. Global Food Security, 17:196-212. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2017.10.003]
Food security ; Irrigation management ; Smallholders ; Farmers ; Agricultural production ; Poverty ; Pumps ; Land tenure ; Land management ; Water resources ; Water management ; State intervention ; Nongovernmental organizations ; Rainwater harvesting ; Cultivation ; Population growth ; Crop production ; Livestock production ; Markets ; Seed ; Urbanization ; Traditional farming ; Capacity building ; Farmer-led irrigation ; Training / East Africa / Ethiopia / Kenya / Tanzania / Uganda
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048965)
Smallholder irrigation expansion would signi cantly increase agricultural production, and reduce food insecurity and poverty levels in East Africa. This paper reviews literature on trends, constraints and opportunities of smallholder irrigation in four East African countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Irrigation development has been slow in these countries, and has been mainly through traditional schemes. Recently, individual irrigation technologies such as small motorized pumps, drip kits, treadle pumps, rope and washer pumpsarebeing promoted.Adoption ofthesetechnologiesandexpansion ofsmallholder irrigationhoweverface a number of challenges including land tenure issues; lack of access to appropriate irrigation technologies, improved agricultural inputs, reliable markets, nance and credit services, and research support; poor transport and communication infrastructures; poor irrigation water management; poor extension systems; and the over dependence on national governments, NGOs and donors for support. Despite these challenges, opportunities exist for smallholder irrigation expansion in East Africa. Such opportunities include: high untapped irrigation potential; rainwater harvesting to improve water availability; high commitment of national governments, NGOs and donors to smallholder irrigation expansion; low cost irrigation technologies adaptable to local conditions; traditional schemes rehabilitation;growing urbanization; and increaseduse ofmobilephones thatcanbeused to disseminate information.
19 Adimassu, Zenebe; Mul, Marloes; Owusu, Afua; Barron, Jennie; Kadyampakeni, Davie; Cofie, Olufunke O. 2016. Smallholder irrigation productivity for sustainable intensification: water balances for high value crops in northern Ghana. Ibadan, Nigeria: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). 35p.
Smallholders ; Irrigation systems ; Water productivity ; Sustainability ; Intensification ; Water balance ; Estimation ; Rain ; Dry season ; Dry spells ; Rainfed farming ; Water management ; Crops ; Plant developmental stages ; Maize ; Vegetables ; Yield response functions ; Soil profiles ; Soil types ; Models / Ghana / Navrongo
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049041)
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstream/handle/10568/83313/AR_WA_water_balance_dec2016.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049041.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049041.pdf
(1.63 MB) (1.63 MB)
20 Aheeyar, Mohamed; Manthrithilake, Herath; Ranasinghe, Chathuranga; Rengaraj, Manooj; Gamagedara, Yasas; Barron, Jennie. 2019. Mechanizing water lifting through pumps: a case study in Sri Lanka. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 61p. (IWMI Working Paper 188) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2019.206]
Water lifting ; Water supply ; Water management ; Water quality ; Water scarcity ; Pumps ; Agricultural credit ; Small scale farming ; Market prices ; Hydrological factors ; Farmers ; Investment ; Taxes ; Tariffs ; Wells ; Irrigation programs ; Microirrigation ; State intervention ; Groundwater extraction ; Groundwater irrigation ; Cultivated land ; Seasonal cropping ; Intensification ; Women’s participation ; Case studies / Sri Lanka / Mahaweli H System / Thirappane / Medawachchiya / Karadiyan Aru
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H049141)
(2.20 MB)
A reliable supply of water is critical for agricultural intensification and yield improvement. Technological devices that lift, transport and apply water contribute to increased yield from improved crop varieties and high input cultivation. The increasing use of motor pumps is a significant contribution to the development of small-scale irrigation. The objective of this study was to identify and analyze the trajectories of technological innovations and uptake for agricultural water management in farming systems in Sri Lanka, with a special focus on identifying impacts, emerging issues and potential responses to the rapid proliferation of motor pumps in the intensification of agriculture in the country. The Government of Sri Lanka promoted the rapid adoption of water pumps through interventions such as the development of groundwater wells for agriculture; provision of subsidies and credit facilities for purchasing micro-irrigation equipment; and government policies on tax, tariffs and extension support. At the same time, the high profit margin realized from cash crop cultivation motivated farmers to invest in water lifting and related technologies. Finally, water scarcity and restrictions on the use of surface water, i.e., canals, prompted a shift to using water-lifting technologies to pump groundwater. The use of water pumps in agriculture has expanded the area under cultivation; increased cropping intensity, especially during the dry seasons; changed the cropping pattern from low-return rice cultivation to high-return cash crop cultivation; and enhanced household incomes. Expanded and intensified cultivation has provided more opportunities for women to participate in agriculture, generating additional income, and enhancing their purchasing power and decision-making at the household level. Some farmers do not have groundwater wells and water pumps because they lack the necessary capital to make the initial investment. Smallholder farmers, in particular, are reluctant to risk their limited income on new technologies. This may lead to the further marginalization of poor farmers. Inclusive intensification will require helping farmers to access irrigation technology, for example, through carefully targeted subsidies and access to credit. Using water pumps can provide benefits to both users and non-users, but uncontrolled groundwater extraction may also create new problems by putting enormous pressure on common property resources. The government will need to take on a dual role to both promote the inclusive growth of small-scale irrigation, and to prevent and mitigate its negative environmental impacts. This second role may include establishing a regulatory system, setting standards for well construction, and monitoring and enforcing standards on extraction and water quality. There is an urgent need for institutional measures and governance arrangements to guide and regulate groundwater irrigation, especially in the context of intensive cultivation using shallow aquifers.
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