Technical Performance Evaluation of Ketar Medium Scale Irrigation Scheme, Southeast of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Evaluation of performance of irrigation systems has been increasingly stressed in recent years by many researchers and managers of irrigation schemes. This study was aimed to contribute to the improvement of irrigation efficiency and crop productivity of the farm. It had been conducted on Ketar medium scale irrigation scheme situated in Arsi zone Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia. Performance indicators used were conveyance, application, storage efficiency, water application uniformity; depletion fraction, runoff ratio, deep percolation, irrigation water use efficiency and scheme sustainability were done. Potato was the selected crop for the experiment. Soil of the study area was found clay loam, moderate acidic, non-saline soil and has 3.44 OM in average.  Average E_{c, ,}E_a, E_u, E_s, DF, RR, DPF, IWUE of Ketar scheme was found as 57.4% , 61.6%, 61.6%, 160%, 70.1%, 27.86%, 10.54% and 2.38kg/m³, respectively. The study was concluded as upper and middle stream users were consuming more water than the lowers with decreased productivity of the scheme and technical support and SWC activities in this watershed and redesign are recommendable for sustained design discharge.