Community Spate Irrigation in Raya Valley: The Case of Three Spate Irrigation Systems
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Date
2009-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
111e purpose of this study has been to assess the traditional spate irrigation in Raya Valley
wi/h special reference to three spate irrigation systems in the southern zone of Tigray
region. The study al/empted to find out the spate irrigation management practice in the
community, institutional arrangement in the spate irrigation systems and identifY
challenges wi/h improving the traditional spate irrigation systems. For this research
household survey, farmer group discussion and key informant were interviewed to collect
primary data. In additionrelevallllileratures and documellls were reviewed
The findings of this study show that the farmers in the study sites are self organized under
Water User Organization (WUA) to manage the community spate irrigation systems. 111e
.Iystems are managed by elected Abo-Gereb (Father of the river) and Abo-Mais (water
masters). The 'pate water distribution in the sludy areas is using network of primary,
secondary and tertiary canals or field canals. The spate water is diverted from the river to
the primary canal then further divided in to secondary canals. Each secondary canal is
allocated to serve a group of farmers locally known as Melwen. Groups are liable to get
spate water based on a predetermined sequence by 10llery draw performed at the beginning
of each rainy season. Spate water distribution wuh in the Melwen starts from the subgroups
(Glyile) situated at the head then to the middle andfinally to the tail.
The amoulll of spate water a fanner is entitled to Is the inundation of individual plot. Each
spate irrigation system has rules and regulations (Siri/) by which the Abo-Gerebs and Abomais
enforce the fair distribution of spate water and regulate any offence against the
smooth running of the system. The SirU is used to solve confliCts among farmers and
penalize offenders of the rules and regulations.
The major problem with the traditional spate irrigation systems is the repeated damage
cased to the traditional diversion weir and irrigation infrastructures by floods. As a result
farmers are engaged in repeated maintenance of the weir and in/rastnlctures. On the other
hand the modernised spate irrigation systems have failed to divert the designed amount of
spate water and affected by heavy siltation problem.
The result of this study shows that spate irrigation improvement illlervention works should
be accomplished through real participation of farmers and initiate them to practically
influence the planning and designing process so that successfol modernization projects
could be accomplished
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Keywords
Spate Irrigation Systems