Your search found 48 records
1 Grum, B; Hessel, R.; Kessler, A.; Woldearegay, K.; Yazew, E.; Ritsema, C.; Geissen, V. 2016. A decision support approach for the selection and implementation of water harvesting techniques in arid and semi-arid regions. Agricultural Water Management, 173:35-47. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2016.04.018]
Water harvesting ; Techniques ; Indicators ; Decision support systems ; Arid zones ; Semiarid zones ; Watersheds ; Socioeconomic environment ; Ecological factors ; Biophysics ; Cultivated land ; Soils ; Rain ; GIS ; Mapping ; Stakeholders ; Case studies / Ethiopia / Upper Geba Watershed
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047605)
(3.70 MB)
Water harvesting techniques (WHTs) improve the availability of water, which is essential for growing crops, especially in arid and semi-arid areas. A decision support approach can help in the selection of WHTs suitable under site-specific bio-physical and socio-economic conditions. This paper describes a participatory approach for the selection of suitable WHTs in watersheds in (semi) arid regions. It builds on a database of suitability indicators for WHTs, which was developed by integrating worldwide knowledge on their suitability. Once developed, the approach was applied on a case study for WHTs in the upper Geba watershed in northern Ethiopia. First, based on evaluation criteria and participants’ scientific and local knowledge, a pre-selection of most promising WHTs took place in a multi-stakeholder workshop. Next, the suitability indicators and a GIS-based multi-criteria analysis (MCA) were used to identify suitable areas for these WHTs. The results of the MCA were presented to stakeholders during a second stakeholder workshop. At this workshop, a final selection of WHTs to test was made based on a participatory ranking of WHTs using economic, ecological and socio-cultural criteria. The MCA approach was validated by comparing the predicted suitable areas with the already existing WHTs in the watershed. This led to the result that 90% of the existing check dams and 93% of the percolation ponds were correctly identified by the approach. We conclude therefore that this approach can be successfully applied for the participatory selection of WHTs and the identification of suitable areas for their implementation. Given that this approach is based on the newly developed database of WHTs, it can be easily applied in other (semi) arid regions.
2 Takeda, M.; Laphimsing, A.; Putthividhya, A. 2016. Dry season water allocation in the Chao Phraya River Basin, Thailand. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 32(2):321-338. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2015.1055856]
Water allocation ; Dry season ; River basins ; Water governance ; Water authorities ; Water availability ; Decision making ; Models ; Water users ; Domestic water ; Agricultural sector ; Cultivated land ; Irrigation programs ; Industrial uses ; Environmental protection ; Deltas / Thailand / Chao Phraya River Basin
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047646)
(0.67 MB)
This study examines the recent quantitative characteristics of dry season water allocation in the Chao Phraya River basin, Thailand. Previous studies have focused on inequitable allocation, where the highest priority is given to the domestic water sector and uneven irrigation water variability exists among projects in the delta. This study uses a statistical test and panel data analysis to confirm that the characteristics highlighted in previous studies remain accurate, and it discusses the source of these characteristics in order to understand the issues in water allocation in the Chao Phraya River delta.
3 Closas, Alvar; Villholth, Karen G. 2016. Aquifer contracts: a means to solving groundwater over-exploitation in Morocco? Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 20p. (Groundwater Solutions Initiative for Policy and Practice (GRIPP) Case Profile Series 01) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2016.211]
Aquifers ; Groundwater management ; Groundwater depletion ; Water policy ; Legislation ; Regulations ; Farmers ; Cultivated land ; Irrigated farming ; Sustainability ; Subsidies ; Participation ; Wells / Morocco
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H047676)
(1015 KB)
4 Fragaszy, S.; Closas, Alvar. 2016. Cultivating the desert: irrigation expansion and groundwater abstraction in northern state, Sudan. Water Alternatives, 9(1):139-161.
Groundwater extraction ; Groundwater irrigation ; Water resources ; Water use ; Water policy ; Water allocation ; Cultivated land ; Deserts ; Irrigation ; Surface irrigation ; Agriculture ; Irrigated farming ; Land tenure ; Land ownership ; Socioeconomic environment ; Infrastructure ; Hydrogeology ; State intervention ; Wheats / Sudan / Dongola Region
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047657)
http://www.water-alternatives.org/index.php/alldoc/articles/vol9/v9issue1/308-a9-1-7/file
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H047657.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H047657.pdf
(1.03 MB)
This study examines the socioeconomic features that underpin the expansion of groundwater-dependent irrigation in Northern State, Sudan. Groundwater development in the region serves as an economic lifeline given the poor Nile-based irrigation infrastructure and future changes in Nile hydrology. Groundwater-dependent irrigation is found to be expanding in previously uncultivated regions increasingly distant from the Nile. The study finds these historically marginal lands are targeted for capital-intensive agricultural projects because landholding patterns in traditionally cultivated areas preclude new large developments and improved infrastructure has lowered farming costs in distant terraces. Private companies and large landholders have a history of successful agricultural ventures in Northern State and are reliant on easily accessible and reliable groundwater resources for these new farms.
5 Mabhaudhi, T.; Mpandeli, S.; Chimonyo, V. G. P.; Nhamo, Luxon; Backeberg, G.; Modi, A. T. 2016. Prospects for improving irrigated agriculture in southern Africa – linking water, energy and food. Paper presented at the 2nd World Irrigation Forum, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 6-8 November 2016. 10p.
Farming systems ; Small scale farming ; Irrigated farming ; Agriculture ; Rainfed farming ; Cultivated land ; Food security ; Food insecurity ; Food production ; Water productivity ; Water scarcity ; Water use efficiency ; Nutritional losses ; Energy demand ; Energy consumption ; Infrastructure ; Dam construction ; Smallholders ; Farmers ; Capacity building / Southern Africa / Africa South of Sahara
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047846)
(0.63 MB)
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces high incidence of food and nutrition insecurity. Consequently, increasing agricultural productivity has always featured prominently on regional agenda. The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme’s (CAADP) set a target to expand the area under irrigation by at least 5 million ha by 2025. This review assessed the current status of irrigated agriculture in SSA from a water–energy–food nexus perspective, focusing on southern Africa. Gaps and opportunities for improving irrigated agriculture were also assessed in terms of the feasible limits to which they can be exploited. Sub-Saharan Africa faces water scarcity and projections show that countries in SSA will face increased physical and / or economic water scarcity by 2025. However, with agriculture already accounting for more than 60% of water withdrawals, increasing area under irrigation could worsen the problem of water scarcity. Recurrent droughts experienced across SSA reaffirm the sensitive issue of food insecurity and water scarcity. The region also faces energy insecurity with most countries experiencing chronic power outages. Increasing area under irrigation will place additional demand on the already strained energy grids. Projections of an increasing population within SSA indicate increased food and energy demand; a growing middle class also adds to increasing food demand. This poses the question - is increasing irrigated agriculture a solution to water scarcity, food insecurity and energy shortages? This review recommends that, whilst there are prospects for increasing area under irrigation and subsequent agricultural productivity, technical planning should adopt a water–energy–food nexus approach to setting targets. Improving water productivity in irrigated agriculture could reduce water and energy use while increasing yield output.
6 Burek, P.; Satoh, Y.; Fischer, G.; Kahil, M. T.; Scherzer, A.; Tramberend, S.; Nava, L. F.; Wada, Y.; Eisner, S.; Florke, M.; Hanasaki, N.; Magnuszewski, P.; Cosgrove, B.; Wiberg, D. 2016. Water futures and solution - fast track initiative. Final Report. Laxenburg, Austria: International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA). 115p. (IIASA Working Paper WP 16-006)
Water supply ; Water demand ; Water use ; Water security ; Water scarcity ; Water availability ; Surface water ; Groundwater extraction ; Irrigation water ; Domestic water ; Sociocultural environment ; Economic growth ; Income ; Energy demand ; Climate change ; Agricultural development ; Food supply ; Food production ; Cultivated land ; Land use ; Population growth ; Deforestation ; Assessment / Africa / Asia / Europe / India / China / Pakistan / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047862)
7 Balasubramanya, Soumya; Buisson, Marie-Charlotte; Saikia, Panchali; MacDonald, K.; Aslamy, Sohrob; Horbulyk, Theodore; Hannah, C.; Yakubov, Murat; Platonov, Alexander. 2016. Impact of water-user associations on water and land productivity, equity, and food security in Tajikistan. Baseline Technical Report. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 131p.
Water user associations ; Water productivity ; Water management ; Water governance ; Watercourses ; Water supply ; Waterlogging ; Land productivity ; Equity ; Food security ; Gender ; Role of women ; Women's participation ; Agricultural sector ; Cotton industry ; Impact assessment ; Irrigation management ; Irrigation water ; Infrastructure ; Canals ; Financing ; Crop yield ; Cultivated land ; Farm area ; Private farms ; Living standards / Tajikistan
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047847)
(1.81 MB)
8 Buisson, Marie-Charlotte; MacDonald, K.; Saikia, Panchali; Balasubramanya, Soumya; Aslamy, Sohrob; Horbulyk, Theodore. 2016. Impact of water users associations on water and land productivity, equity and food security in Tajikistan. Mid-term Technical Report. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 102p.
Water user associations ; Water productivity ; Water governance ; Water management ; Water availability ; Water supply ; Water rates ; Land productivity ; Equity ; Food security ; Household food security ; Role of women ; Women's participation ; Female labour ; Farmers ; Irrigation water ; Irrigation management ; Small scale farming ; Agriculture ; Cultivated land ; Private farm ; Field preparation ; Decision making ; Community organizations ; Crops ; Labour / Tajikistan
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047854)
(3.57 MB)
9 Sugden, Fraser. 2017. A mode of production flux: the transformation and reproduction of rural class relations in lowland Nepal and North Bihar. Dialectical Anthropology, 41(2):129-161. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10624-016-9436-3]
Agricultural production ; Climate change ; Cultivated land ; Lowland ; Landowners ; Agrarian structure ; Tenant farmers ; Labour ; Living standards ; Political aspects ; Capitalism ; Feudalism ; Colonialism ; Rural communities ; Households ; Social aspects ; History ; Caste systems ; Migration ; Economic situation ; Indebtedness ; Farm income ; Remuneration / Nepal / India / North Bihar / Tarai / Eastern Gangetic Plains / Madhesh / Mithilanchal / Madhubani / Dhanusha / Morang / Purnea / Sunsari
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047834)
(2.24 MB)
The Eastern Gangetic Plains of South Asia represents a peripheral region far from the centers of global capitalist production, and this is all the more apparent in Mithilanchal, a cultural domain spanning the Nepal/Bihar border. The agrarian structure can be considered ‘semi-feudal’ in character, dominated by landlordism and usury, and backed up by political and ideological processes. Paradoxically, Mithilanchal is also deeply integrated into the global capitalist market and represents a surplus labor pool for the urban centers of Western India as well as the Persian Gulf in a classic articulation between pre-capitalist and capitalist modes of production. A review of the changes in the agrarian structure over recent decades in the context of globalisation, out-migration and climate stress, shows that while landlordism remains entrenched, the relationship between the marginal and tenant farmer majority and the landed classes has changed, with the breakdown of ideological ties and reduced dependence on single landlords. The paper thus ends on a positive note, as the contemporary juncture represents an opportune moment for new avenues of political mobilization among the peasantry.
10 Anwar A. A.; Aynalem, D. W.; Tilahun, S. A.; Mekuria, Wolde; Azeze, M.; Steenhuis, T. S. 2016. Effectiveness of land and water management interventions in reducing runoff and soil erosion in the northwestern highlands of Ethiopian [Abstract only] Paper presented at the First African ESP [Ecosystem Services Partnership] Conference, Nairobi, Kenya, 21-25 November 2016. 1p.
Ecosystem services ; Land management ; Landscape ; Land degradation ; Water management ; Soil fertility ; Nutrients ; Erosion ; Gully erosion ; Runoff ; Highlands ; Watersheds ; Downstream ; Upstream ; Cultivated land ; Grasslands ; Sediment / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047882)
(64.9 KB)
11 Gebregziabher, Gebrehaweria; Abera, D. A.; Gebresamuel, G.; Giordano, Meredith; Langan, Simon. 2016. An assessment of integrated watershed management in Ethiopia. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 28p. (IWMI Working Paper 170) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2016.214]
Integrated management ; Watershed management ; Erosion ; Soil texture ; Soil fertility ; Gully erosion ; Vegetation ; Biodiversity ; Land productivity ; Grazing lands ; Cultivated land ; Surface water ; Groundwater recharge ; Water availability ; Rainwater ; Water harvesting ; Downstream ; Upstream ; Crop production ; Livestock production ; Socioeconomic environment ; Farm income ; Farmers ; Smallholders ; Resource management ; Living standards ; Community involvement ; Sedimentation ; Institutions / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H047915)
(2 MB)
Sustainable participatory watershed management is an approach promoted by the Ethiopian government to restore natural resources and agricultural productivity across the country. This comparative study between six watershed programs shows that this approach increases farmers’ food security and incomes (around 50% on average), as well as their resilience to drought and other climate shocks. However, the study also confirms that the nature and scale of impact can vary significantly between watershed programs. The success of watershed management depends on multiple factors from the hydrological profile of the watershed to the local social and economic environment. Tailoring watershed interventions to the local context, associating conservation and livelihoods activities, and providing further financial and technical support to watershed committees are among the recommendations of this paper.
12 Aheeyar, M. M. M.; Jayasooriya, H. J. C. 2015. Impact and lessons of Uda-Walawe left bank irrigation upgrading and extension project for water resources management. Colombo, Sri Lanka: Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI). 41p. (HARTI Research Report 176)
Water resources ; Water management ; Water supply ; Water use ; Irrigation programs ; Irrigation systems ; Irrigation canals ; Extension programmes ; Farmers ; Demography ; Socioeconomic environment ; Corporate culture ; Land ownership ; Land use ; Crop management ; Income ; Cultivated land ; Crops ; Diversification ; Dry season ; Rice ; Fruit crops ; Livestock ; Tanks / Sri Lanka / Udawalawe
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: 333.91 G744 AHE Record No: H047935)
13 Aheeyar, Mohamed; Manthrithilake, Herath; Pathmarajah, S.; Makin, Ian W. 2016. Groundwater development through sprinkler irrigation: consequences of a lack of a governance structure in Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka. In Pathmarajah, S. (Ed.). Symposium Proceedings of Groundwater Availability and Use in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 22 July 2016. Peradeniya, Sri Lanka: Cap-Net Lanka; University of Peradeniya. Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA). pp.115-127.
Groundwater development ; Groundwater depletion ; Groundwater irrigation ; Water resources ; Water use efficiency ; Water demand ; Water scarcity ; Sprinkler irrigation ; Irrigation efficiency ; Irrigation water ; Governance ; Farmers ; Farming systems ; Cropping systems ; Intensification ; Living standards ; Arid zones ; Cultivated land ; Aquifers / Sri Lanka / Kalpitiya
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048018)
Groundwater provides nearly 100 % of the water supplies in some districts of Sri Lanka and is a major source of domestic water in all other districts. However, the resource remains largely neglected and invisible to society and policymakers. Groundwater offers the advantage of being a more reliable and readily available resource for agriculture, and offers the basis for a ‘silent revolution’ in many areas. A groundwater-supported agricultural boom has, while imparting a large number of benefits, created its own set of obstinate problems, including over-exploitation and depletion of groundwater resources. In some districts, over-exploitation is putting the livelihoods of farmers that have come to depend on groundwater resources in jeopardy.
Micro-irrigation technologies have been widely promoted as a means of reducing water demand by enhancing farm-level water-use efficiency. These technologies are proven to improve irrigation uniformity; increase irrigation application efficiency, by reducing soil evaporation and seepage losses; and increase crop productivity. It is assumed that using these technologies will enable water to be reallocated for other uses. The Government of Sri Lanka has made repeated attempts to promote micro-irrigation as a means of improving irrigation performance to minimize water scarcity in areas of the Dry Zone. These attempts have involved providing substantial heavy subsidies, but have met with little success in terms of adoption of ‘professionally designed’ installations. However, in Kalpitiya, farmers have adopted a locally designed sprinkler technology within a short period of time without subsidies and professional design inputs.
This paper reviews the evolving agricultural boom as a result of groundwater and sprinkler irrigation that has occurred on the Kalpitiya peninsula. The development of a farmer-led sprinkler technology is assessed with reference to improving livelihoods of the people, and the potential consequences on sustainable management of groundwater resources. The experiences in Kalpitiya show that, in the absence of effective groundwater governance and policies, supported with appropriate institutions, micro-irrigation has enabled the expansion of the cultivated area and crop intensification. This has increased, rather than decreased, net water use on the peninsula. The estimated increase in water withdrawals is 14,490 m3/ha /y. This indicates that promoting efficient technologies alone is not sufficient to achieve water savings, which requires control of overall abstractions and recharge levels to stabilize aquifer storage. In the absence of an appropriate regulatory framework and lack of political will to manage groundwater, it is recommended that the social framework and community governance arrangements are developed and strengthened to enable sustainable use of groundwater resources.
Micro-irrigation technologies have been widely promoted as a means of reducing water demand by enhancing farm-level water-use efficiency. These technologies are proven to improve irrigation uniformity; increase irrigation application efficiency, by reducing soil evaporation and seepage losses; and increase crop productivity. It is assumed that using these technologies will enable water to be reallocated for other uses. The Government of Sri Lanka has made repeated attempts to promote micro-irrigation as a means of improving irrigation performance to minimize water scarcity in areas of the Dry Zone. These attempts have involved providing substantial heavy subsidies, but have met with little success in terms of adoption of ‘professionally designed’ installations. However, in Kalpitiya, farmers have adopted a locally designed sprinkler technology within a short period of time without subsidies and professional design inputs.
This paper reviews the evolving agricultural boom as a result of groundwater and sprinkler irrigation that has occurred on the Kalpitiya peninsula. The development of a farmer-led sprinkler technology is assessed with reference to improving livelihoods of the people, and the potential consequences on sustainable management of groundwater resources. The experiences in Kalpitiya show that, in the absence of effective groundwater governance and policies, supported with appropriate institutions, micro-irrigation has enabled the expansion of the cultivated area and crop intensification. This has increased, rather than decreased, net water use on the peninsula. The estimated increase in water withdrawals is 14,490 m3/ha /y. This indicates that promoting efficient technologies alone is not sufficient to achieve water savings, which requires control of overall abstractions and recharge levels to stabilize aquifer storage. In the absence of an appropriate regulatory framework and lack of political will to manage groundwater, it is recommended that the social framework and community governance arrangements are developed and strengthened to enable sustainable use of groundwater resources.
14 Tolessa, T.; Senbeta, F.; Kidane, M. 2017. The impact of land use/land cover change on ecosystem services in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Ecosystem Services, 23:47-54. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2016.11.010]
Land use ; Land cover change ; Payment for Ecosystem Services ; Economic value ; Landscape ecology ; Forest land ; Cultivated land ; Scrublands ; Satellite imagery ; Living standards ; Settlement ; Models ; Highlands / Ethiopia / Central Highlands / Chillimo Forest
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048051)
(0.66 MB)
Ecosystems provide a wide range of services that are important for human-well being. Estimating the multiple services obtained from ecosystems is vital to support decision-making processes at different levels. This study analyzes land use/land cover (LU/LC) dynamics over four decades (i.e., 1973, 1986, 2001, 2015) to assess its impact on ecosystem services. Ecosystem Service Values (ESV) was determined using LU/LC analysis and established global data base. LU/LC analysis showed that forest cover reduced by 54.2% during study period; and settlement, bare land, shrub land and cultivated land increased considerably. The study indicates that due to forest cover change from 1973 to 2015, approximately US$ 3.69 million of ecosystem services values was lost. Among the ecosystem services reduced were: nutrient cycling, provision of raw material and erosion control. The use of LU/LC data along with established global ESV data sets reduce the costs of ground data collection, and help in tracking of past environmental changes and acquisition of quick and reliable results that can be used for decision making processes. We believe that the results obtained can be helpful in designing payment for environmental services and rural development policies.
15 Bastakoti, Ram C.; Bharati, Luna; Bhattarai, U.; Wahid, S. M. 2017. Agriculture under changing climate conditions and adaptation options in the Koshi Basin. Climate and Development, 9(7):634-648. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2016.1223594]
Climate change adaptation ; Water availability ; Water scarcity ; Agricultural practices ; Agricultural production ; Cultivated land ; Highlands ; Households ; Floodplains ; Drought ; Crop yield ; Land use ; Living standards ; Risk management ; Diversification ; Communities ; Upstream ; Downstream ; River basins ; Temperature / Nepal / Koshi Basin / Himalayas
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048038)
Using biophysical and social analysis methods, this paper evaluated agricultural practices under changing climate in the Koshi Basin and assessed adaptation options. Agricultural trend analysis showed that in the recent three to four decades, the total cultivated area had declined in all parts of the basin except in the Nepal Mountain Region. Household survey results also confirmed such decline and further revealed shifts towards non-agricultural activities. Climate trend analysis showed changes in the frequency of wet and dry days in study districts, implying an increasing chance of flood and drought events. Household surveys further revealed that, in general, people perceived a decline in agricultural water availability and an increase in drought and flood events. The direct impacts of these changes were reduced crop yield, increased fallow lands, displacement of people from settlement areas, sedimentation of cultivable land and damage to properties. Household surveys showed that despite the perceived impacts on agriculture and livelihoods, only limited adaptation options are currently practised. Adaptation efforts are constrained by several factors, including: finance; technical knowledge; lack of awareness about adaptation options; lack of collective action; unclear property rights; and ineffective role of state agencies.
16 Cai, Xueliang; Magidi, J.; Nhamo, Luxon; van Koppen, Barbara. 2017. Mapping irrigated areas in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 37p. (IWMI Working Paper 172) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2017.205]
Irrigated land ; Agricultural land ; Cultivated land ; Agricultural development ; Rainfed farming ; Land cover ; Remote sensing ; Satellite imagery ; Mapping ; Sustainable development ; Water resources ; Water security ; Surface water ; Groundwater irrigation ; Seasonal cropping ; Winter crops ; Food production ; Developing countries ; Irrigation operation ; Smallholders ; Surveys ; Capacity building / South Africa / Limpopo Province
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H048084)
(2 MB)
This report summarizes the findings of a collaborative effort to map and assess irrigated areas in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study was conducted by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD), as part of the DAFF-supported ‘Revitalization of irrigation in South Africa’ project. Based on a combination of Landsat and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite data, previous irrigated area mapping exercises carried out by DAFF and three-field ground truthing (GT) surveys, a total of 1.6 million hectares (Mha) of cropland were identified, with 262,000 ha actually irrigated in the 2015 winter season. The study also found that only 29% of all land equipped with center pivots was actually irrigated.
17 Tamene, L.; Adimassu, Zenebe; Ellison, J.; Yaekob, D.; Woldearegay, K.; Mekonnen, K.; Thorne, P.; Bao Le, Q. 2017. Mapping soil erosion hotspots and assessing the potential impacts of land management practices in the highlands of Ethiopia. Geomorphology, 292:153-163. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2017.04.038]
Land management ; Land degradation ; Highlands ; Soils ; Erosion ; Sediment transport ; Erosion control ; Models ; Participatory approaches ; Soil conservation ; Water conservation ; Slopes ; Gully erosion ; Cultivated land ; Grazing lands ; Spatial distribution / Ethiopia / Basona District
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048134)
An enormous effort is underway in Ethiopia to address soil erosion and restore overall land productivity. Modelling and participatory approaches can be used to delineate erosion hotspots, plan site- and context-specific interventions and assess their impacts. In this study, we employed a modelling interface developed based on the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation adjusted by the sediment delivery ratio to map the spatial distribution of net soil loss and identify priority areas of intervention. Using the modelling interface, we also simulated the potential impacts of different soil and water conservation measures in reducing net soil loss. Model predictions showed that net soil loss in the study area ranges between 0.4 and 88 t ha- 1 yr- 1 with an average of 12 t ha- 1 yr- 1. The dominant soil erosion hotspots were associated with steep slopes, gullies, communal grazing and cultivated areas. The average soil loss observed in this study is higher than the tolerable soil loss rate estimated for the highland of Ethiopia. The scenario analysis results showed that targeting hotspot areas where soil loss exceeds 10 t ha- 1 yr- 1 could reduce net soil loss to the tolerable limit (< 2 t ha- 1 yr- 1). The spatial distribution of soil loss and the sediment yield reduction potential of different options provided essential information to guide prioritization and targeting. In addition, the results can help promoting awareness within the local community of the severity of the soil erosion problem and the potential of management interventions. Future work should include cost-benefit and tradeoff analyses of the various management options for achieving a given level of erosion reduction.
18 Moges, D. M.; Taye, A. A. 2017. Determinants of farmers’ perception to invest in soil and water conservation technologies in the North-western Highlands of Ethiopia. International Soil and Water Conservation Research, 5(1):56-61. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2017.02.003]
Soil conservation ; Erosion ; Water conservation ; Technological changes ; Farmers attitudes ; Investment ; Socioeconomic environment ; Regression analysis ; Models ; Highlands ; Cultivated land / Ethiopia / Ankasha
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048146)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095633916300879/pdfft?md5=768b3ca8e123de2aa8d1c8f0f7238a35&pid=1-s2.0-S2095633916300879-main.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048146.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048146.pdf
(0.61 MB) (620 KB)
Soil erosion by water is a severe and continuous ecological problem in the north-western Highlands of Ethiopia. Limited perception of farmers to practice soil and water conservation (SWC) technologies is one of the major causes that have resulted accelerated soil erosion. Therefore, this paper examines the major determinants of farmers’ perception to use and invest in SWC technologies in Ankasha District, north-western highlands of Ethiopia. A detailed field survey was carried out among 338 households, randomly selected from two rural sample kebeles (called villages here after). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression model were used to analyse the effects of multiple variables on farmers’ perception. The results indicate that educational level of the respondents and their access to trainings were found to have a positive and very significant association (P<0.01) with farmers’ perception. Likewise, land ownership, plot size, slope type, and extension contact positively and significantly influenced farmers’ perception at 5% level of significance. On the other hand, the influence of respondents’ age and plot distance from the homestead was found to be negative and significant (P<0.05). The overall results of this study indicate that the perception of farmers to invest in SWC technologies was highly determined by socioeconomic, institutional, attitudinal and biophysical factors. Thus, a better understanding of constrains that influence farmers' perception is very important while designing and implementing SWC technologies. Frequent contacts between farmers and extension agents and continues agricultural trainings are also needed to increase awareness of the impacts of SWC benefits.
19 Naber, M. A.; Molle, Francois. 2017. Water and sand: is groundwater-based farming in Jordan's desert sustainable? Groundwater for Sustainable Development, 5:28-37. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2017.03.005]
Groundwater irrigation ; Irrigated farming ; Farming systems ; Deserts ; Highlands ; Water table ; Water quality ; Water productivity ; Water policy ; Water rates ; Surface water ; Cultivated land ; Cropping patterns ; Cost benefit analysis ; Profitability ; Labour / Jordan / Azraq / Mafraq
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048256)
Irrigated agriculture in Jordan's highlands relies on overexploited groundwater. Drops in water tables and water quality, but also tougher policy measures by the government, threaten the sustainability of this activity which has long thrived on lax law enforcement and cheap desert land. This paper is based on field work in two locations of Azraq groundwater basin [around the Azraq oasis and in the northern part (Mafraq)], and first presents farm typologies which show the variability of farm gross margins and the contrast between the two zones. While Mafraq stands for capital-intensive fruit-tree cultivation on legal land/wells, Azraq's agriculture is largely based on olive cultivation and wells that are either illegal or granted permits with higher block tariffs, and has a return that is only one tenth of Mafraq's. The paper reviews the constraints and changes in land, energy, water, labor and input costs and reflects on their bearing on current dynamics and future prospects. While Mafraq is found to be largely immune to policy changes and resilient to foreseeable changes in factor prices or markets, Azraq's future is threatened by various vulnerabilities, including salinization of groundwater, rising energy and labor costs that, in the long run, are likely to be overcome only by farmers emulating the Mafraq intensification model, or accepting temporary losses in the hope of a future legalization of land and wells. Solar energy now emerges as a trump card, in particular for illegal farms which, on the other hand, are challenged by recent tough water pricing regulations that are shown to make them unprofitable. The government's resolve in enforcing these regulation is put to test and will largely decide the future of Azraq's agriculture.
20 Manzungu, E.; Senzanje, A.; Mutiro, J. 2017. Towards sustainable agricultural water management. In Lautze, Jonathan; Phiri, Z.; Smakhtin, Vladimir; Saruchera, D. (Eds.). 2017. The Zambezi River Basin: water and sustainable development. Oxon, UK: Routledge - Earthscan. pp.102-124.
Sustainable agriculture ; Water management ; Agricultural sector ; Rainfed farming ; Small scale farming ; Socioeconomic development ; Riparian zones ; Poverty ; Living standards ; Cropping systems ; Crop production ; Gender ; Women's participation ; Land use ; Water use ; Water requirements ; Irrigation water ; Cultivated land ; Groundwater ; Irrigated farming ; Drip irrigation ; Pumps / Africa / Angola / Botswana / Malawi / Mozambique / Nambia / Tanzania / Zambia / Zambizi River Basin
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H048275)
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