Institute of Water and Environment

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PERFORMANCES OF INSTITUTIONAL AND IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES IN MAI-GOBO IRRIGATION SCHEME, EASTERN ZONE OF TIGRAY
(Mekelle University, 2025-03-25) SEMERE W/GERIMA
This study evaluates the performance of institutional and irrigation management activities at the Mai-Gobo Sand Storage Dam in Tigray, which operates at only 50% of its design capacity, focusing on irrigation practices, water use, control structures, and organizational activities to identify challenges and propose corrective measures. Data collected from nine experimental fields (upper, mid, and downstream) and 15 irrigation beneficiaries through interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were analyzed using the CROPWAT 8.0 model for crop water requirements and SPSS for statistical analysis. The results revealed significant inefficiencies in irrigation scheduling, water distribution, and conflict management by the water user association, with the water supply varying drastically across crop growth stages, showing a 92.8% oversupply during the initial stage and a 70.5% supply gap during the late season stage. Yield reduction was primarily attributed to disease damage (73.3%) and water shortages (26.7%), while major challenges included adverse weather conditions (floods and wind), pest infestations, lack of extension services, low crop yields, poor management, insufficient agricultural inputs, unfavorable market prices, and limited access to capital. Respondents recommended corrective measures such as improving extension services, ensuring timely input distribution, providing better technical support, strengthening institutional arrangements, enhancing market systems, promoting mechanization, and facilitating access to credit to address these challenges and improve the sustainability and efficiency of irrigation management at Mai-Gobo Sand Storage Dam in Tigray. The researcher also recommended that government institutions and development partners take the lead in promoting collaborative efforts to support small-scale irrigation initiatives using Sand Storage Dams in water-scarce areas.
SCHEME LEVEL WATER DISTRIBUTION AND PRODUCTIVITY EVALUATION OF FRE LEKATIT SMALL-SCALE IRRIGATION IN EASTERN ZONE, TIRGAY, ETHIOPIA.
(Mekelle University, 2025-03-28) BERHE ARAYA
This study was conducted in the drought-prone Woreda of Hawzen, Hatset Kebelle, located in the Eastern Zone, Tigray National Regional State, Ethiopia. The research aimed to evaluate the performance of the Fre-lekatit irrigation scheme using selected performance indicators. Specifically, the study assessed the reservoir‘s current water use, irrigation scheme productivity, water distribution, and allocation efficiency. Water applications and velocities were monitored using a Parshall flume, a V-notch weir, and the floating technique at different locations: farm level, secondary canals, and the main canal. A total of 45 measurements were taken at selected points in the head, middle, and tail sections of the command area using a Parshall flume. Soil samples were collected using an auger, while climatic and agronomic data from both primary and secondary sources were analyzed using the CROPWAT model to determine crop water requirements. The findings show that during the 2018 irrigation season over 125 days (January–June), the total amount of water diverted to the field applied and through the main canal were, 56199.4 m3/ha (1,251,516 m3) or 192.2 l/s and respectively. The distribution of water based on the locations of the irrigated land shows that the total volume of water applied per hectare per season for the irrigation scheme was measured to be 8005.7 m3, 7894.4.m3, and 7789.4 m3 for upper, middle, and lower sides of the command area respectively. The WDC ratio value was 1.2, indicating that the system capacity does not constrain the agricultural water demands, whereas the RWS and RIS values were 1.91 and 1.95, respectively. The upper section of the command area received more water compared to the middle and lower sections. To improve water use efficiency and crop yields, it is recommended that farmers receive intensive hands-on training in irrigation management and best farming practices. Additionally, regular maintenance of the weir structure and off-take channels is necessary to minimize seepage and prevent excess water loss downstream.
EVALUATING FIELD IRRIGATION PERFORMANCE AND WATER PRODUCTIVITY AT MAI GOBO SMALL SCALE IRRIGATION SCHEME IN EASTERN TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA
(Mekelle University, 2025-04-28) MEZGEBU TESFAYE
Water is a critical factor for crop production, yet poor irrigation management practices hinder efforts to enhance livelihoods and expose people and the environment to risks. This study aimed to evaluate field irrigation performance, water productivity, and the contribution of the SSI scheme to household income, while identifying key challenges and opportunities for its development. Data was collected from nine experimental farmers' fields, with measurements on water volumes, depths, and soil moisture contents. Additionally, 15 irrigation beneficiaries were interviewed. The CROPWAT 8.0 model calculated crop water requirements and irrigation scheduling, while SPSS was used for statistical analysis. The irrigation system showed high efficiency, with 100% conveyance efficiency, 72% water application efficiency, and 93.8% distribution efficiency, though gross water demand and supply varied significantly during the season. Water productivity indicators included crop water use efficiency of 11.2 kgm-3, irrigation water use efficiency of 10.5 kgm-3, and economic water productivity of 52.4 ETBm-3. The average net income contribution of the SSI scheme was ET Birr 20,829.9 per year, representing a 159% increase in income compared to before the scheme's development. Major challenges included adverse weather conditions, pests, diseases, and lack of technical support, while opportunities included favorable agro-ecology, access to credit, and potential for high water and labor input in the area. The study shows that the Mai Gobo SSI scheme significantly improved irrigation system performance, crop water productivity, and household income.