Sensitization and Monitoring of Water Use in Irrigation Schemes Based on Efficient Water-Use Technologies

Abstract

Kilimanjaro ecosystem, which is of local and global significance, is experiencing an extensive degradation and deforestation which include completely deforested patches and enormous soil-erosion gullies. The highlands of Kilimanjaro region have always provided enough water flows to enable the implementation of traditional irrigation systems that the local people have used. This system threatened by decreasing water flows due to land degradation.The Government of Tanzania, with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through UNDP is implementing a 4-year project aimed at reducing land degradation on the highlands of the Kilimanjaro Region. The Project intends to reverse this trend by reviving and improving the traditional irrigation system with low-cost drip irrigation demonstration schemes that take into account income generation and climate change adapted. As such, low-cost drip irrigation demonstration plots established in Same, Mwanga, Moshi, and Hai districts.Monitoring of improved low-cost drip irrigation demonstration schemes within the Pangani Basin carried out hand-in-hand with awareness creation on observing water use legislations and policies. Water use efficiency (WUE) in relation to furrow irrigation methods revealed that WUE was significantly higher by drip irrigation system. Results obtained prove the water savings range from 44% in Kisangesangeni and Longoi A to 58% in Mabilioni. Farmers were eager to implement the technology after getting training although initial installation cost is high. Therefore Government in collaboration with private entities and NGOs should promote drip irrigation technology by providing linkage to financial institutions like VICOBA and SACCOS for accessing soft loans and as well as market.

Keywords: Pangani basin, public sensitization, sustainable land management, monitoring of water use in irrigation schemes, efficient water-use technologies