Status and Potential of Spate Irrigation in Ethiopia

Abstract

This article discusses spate irrigation in Ethiopia and aims to take stock of the current status of spate irrigation development. It summarizes experiences so far and formulates a number of recommendations on the development of this upcoming resource management system. It argues that raised weirs are useful mainly in areas where a large head for spate flow diversion is required, but that traditional earthen structures with conical stone/gabion reinforcements are cost-effective and technically adequate for floodwater distribution and management. It contends that the practical successes of sediment settling ponds (gravel traps) are at best mixed. Even where a small basin is justified, it can only ever trap a small proportion of the incoming sediment load. It is better to allow large floods with excessive sediment load (>100,000 ppm) to by-pass upstream intakes to be diverted lower down the system, and provide additional livelihood opportunities in downstream areas in the form of rangeland and agro-forestry development. This is particularly useful in the lowlands of Ethiopia with large pastoral community where spate irrigation is yet to make in-roads. The article further explains that water rights in spate are different from the sharing and allocation of perennial flows-they are dynamic and respond to a situation that differs from year to year as well as within a year and that a certain degree of inequity among users is inevitable. Keeping the command area compact can ensure two or more irrigation turns and this can highly increase productivity as

Balancing Water Resources Development and Environmental Sustainability in Africa: A Review of Recent Research Findings and Applications

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Groundwater recharge sources in semiarid irrigated mountain fronts

“…Mountain‐front areas are globally important regions for irrigation (Bresciani et al, ; Cody, ; Van Steenbergen, Haile, Alemehayu, Alamirew, & Geleta, ). Water budget analyses and water resources management in these areas need a comprehensive knowledge about groundwater recharge sources and their contribution to adjacent aquifers.…”

Multifaceted Impacts of Sustainable Land Management in Drylands: A Review

“…Apart from its demonstrated increase in soil fertility, yield, and food security, the spate irrigation system provides social benefits such as high levels of cooperation and organization at the community level [36]. In the semi-arid Ethiopia, high value crops, vegetables, and fruit trees are grown [37,38] (Table 1). However, the traditional spate irrigation structures are frequently damaged by heavy floods, therefore local regulations, organization, and collective actions by the community are prerequisites for successful management and sustainability of these types of WH practices [39] (Table 1).…”