Technical Performance Evaluation of Small-Scale Irrigation Scheme at Wondo Genet, Ethiopia

Abstract

Expanding efficient irrigation development on various scales is one of the best alternatives to provide reliable and sustainable food security. However, many irrigation schemes in developing countries in general and particularly in Ethiopia are performing below capacity. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of wosha soyama irrigation scheme at Wondo Genet SNNPRS, Ethiopia. The evaluation carried out using standard technical performance indicators including conveyance, application, water storage, water distribution uniformity efficiency and deep percolation ratio were used at the head, middle and tail reach of the scheme. The study shows that application efficiency was very which is 48.2% due to higher water loss through deep percolation. Conveyance efficiency, water storage, water distribution uniformity efficiency, and deep percolation ratio were revealed 55.6 89.8, 91.7, and 51.8%, respectively. The overall efficiency was also below the desired level which is 26%. Based on the above observation, adoption of water-saving practices such as deficit irrigation, surge and cutoff application to improving the application, frequent maintains of water conveyance system can enhance the conveyance efficiency of the scheme.

Keywords: Irrigation scheme, Performance, evaluation, and technical indicators

DOI: 10.7176/JRDM/68-02

Publication date:August 31^st 2020