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

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