Use of Multi-Method Approach for a Gravity Irrigation Network Diagnosis: Case of Karfiguela Paddy Field in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Burkina Faso is an agricultural and landlocked country whose agriculture is dependent on climatic hazards. Irrigated agriculture therefore appears as an alternative to secure, intensify and sustainably increase agricultural production. However, irrigation systems in Burkina Faso suffer from numerous technical, organizational, land and structural problems, which strongly undermine their performance. This is the case of the irrigated perimeter of Karfiguéla which since its development in 1977, has experienced insufficient water. This research has contributed to the reflection on the performance and operation of gravity irrigation networks on the irrigated perimeter in Burkina Faso and the contribution of satellite images in the mapping of irrigated perimeters. Then, an approach based on a mapping of hydraulic networks and on four main diagnostic methods were used: 1) mapping of hydraulic networks, 2) a detailed visual inspection of hydraulic infrastructure, 3) estimation of canals' hydraulic efficiency, 4) surveys of the various actors involved in the management of the perimeter. These methods lead to the same results concerning the state of degradation and the functioning of irrigation networks in wet seasons. In terms of results, Karfiguéla perimeter has a net area of 360 ha and is How to cite this paper: Compaore, H.M.M.,

Impacts of Agricultural Activities on Land Degradation along the Bomboré River in Burkina Faso

“…The lack of appropriate measures for the development and conservation management of water and soil in agricultural watersheds remains one of the fundamental causes of the dysfunction and decline in agricultural productivity of irrigated perimeters and lowlands [10] [11].…”