Review of Factors Affecting Small Scale Irrigation Schemes in Ethiopia

Abstract

This paper reviews some of the factors affecting small-scale irrigation schemes in Ethiopia based on Environmental factor, Social and Climate related factor, Irrigation scheduling and Siltation of the structure , lack of awareness creation , Land factors and poor on farm irrigation water management. Ethiopian small-scale irrigation schemes were often characterized by low water use efficiency as a result of poor on farm water management. There is water logging, siltation of the structures, technical constraints,   inadequate awareness of irrigation water management, improper irrigation scheduling techniques and operation and maintenance of irrigation facilities problem which affects irrigation schemes. Sedimentation of structures reduces canal conveyance efficiency leading to risk of canal breach, inadequacy and inequity in water distribution to crops. The Main gaps of awareness like, Faulty  design, Lack of knowledge on use of modern irrigation technology, Poor land management and Poor management capacity affects small scale irrigation schemes. Therefore investigating the sources, extent, and types of sedimentation entering into scheme, linkage between research and extension, proper irrigation scheduling techniques and awareness creation is the basis for reducing maintenance costs and for effective management of small scale irrigation schemes.

Keywards: water management, small scale, irrigation performance, environment, Sedimentation

DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/14-12-02

Publication date:September 30^th 2023