Technical Performance Evaluation of Irrigation Scheme at Boloso Sore, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Performance evaluation of irrigation scheme is essential to identify the existing status and entry point to improve irrigation water management. This study was undertaken on Soke irrigation scheme in Boloso Sore district, Southern, Ethiopia. Evaluation was conducted at three selected canal reaches at head, middle and tail of the scheme by technical indicators such as application efficiency,conveyance efficiency, distribution efficiency, water storage and deep percolation ratio using standard equations. The study revealed that conveyance efficiency of scheme was 66.82 % and application efficiency was 55.29%. The conveyance efficiency was low due to unauthorized turnout, leakages loss, and over-topping problems were observed in an unlined main and secondary canal. Water storage, distribution uniformity and deep percolation ratio were showed 89.60, 91.39 and 44.71%, respectively. Water distribution uniformity and storage efficiency were performing in adequate manner. However, the overall scheme efficiency was relatively low which is 36.94 % due to high deep percolation loss and a low-conveyance efficiency were to blamed. As the above observation, some effort should be required to line the earthen canal section at main and secondary canal, maintaining distribution (division boxes), frequent supervision, and monitoring to improve conveyance efficiency. Improving on-farm water management practice of the water users through training and experience sharing.

Keywords: Evaluation, Internal indicators, Irrigation scheme and Technical Performance

DOI: 10.7176/CER/15-2-02

Publication date:June 30^th 2023