EVALUATING FIELD IRRIGATION PERFORMANCE AND WATER PRODUCTIVITY AT MAI GOBO SMALL SCALE IRRIGATION SCHEME IN EASTERN TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

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.