Assessing Meteorological Data for Reference Evapotranspiration in Kyela and Mbarali District

Abstract

A study to assess meteorological data for reference evapotranspiration in Kyela and Mbarali District was necessary to equip farmers in ungauged improved traditional irrigation systems with information for improved planning, design and management of hydraulic structures. These systems are managed by farmers through irrigator’s organizations thus water depth is an important input in derivation and monitoring flow discharge. The current study estimated Evapotranspiration rate using Penman Monteith method whereby climatic data was obtained from Karonga and Igawa meteorological stations. FAO Climwat – Cropwat 7.0 was used to analyse climatic data, determine Crop Evapotranspiration (ETrice) and estimate irrigation water requirements.  The study recommends irrigators in Kyela and Mbarali Districts to utilize results from this study to gauge their irrigation infrastructures and regulate irrigation flows, as depth of water conveyed in the structures

Keywords: Evapotranspiration, hydraulic structures, Irrigation water requirements