Characterization And Performance Evaluation of Fentale Irrigation Development Project
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Date
2015-06
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AAU
Abstract
Evaluating the performance of irrigation systems is to identify management practices and
systems that should be effectively implemented to improve the irrigation efficiency. This study
was carried out at FIBIDP with the objectives of characterization of the project, evaluating its
performance using selected performance efficiency indices and analyzing water productivity in
terms of water applied and water consumed for future improvements. While conducting this
study first, initial assessment and field observation, consultation with different stakeholders
was made to visualize the study area. The scheme characterization and performance
evaluation was made by comparing the functionality of the structures with the design and by
measuring the canals discharge capacity, dimensions, length of flow, using selected
performance indicators such as conveyance, application, storage and distribution uniformity
efficiencies along with the water productivity in terms of water use efficiency respectively.
Most of the structures found on main canal are in need of maintenance. The most problem of
this project was not only timely completion but also frequent revision of design and shortage
of budget that made the project under performance. Average conveyance efficiencies on lined
and unlined canals were obtained as 95%, 51%, respectively. The application efficiencies were
56.0%, 68.4% and 72.9% in head, middle and tail end location of the scheme respectively. The
water storage efficiencies For upstream 97.7%, For Middle stream 98.0% and For
downstream 98.8%. Water productivities in terms of water applied for the three locations
(head, middle and tail) test plots were obtained in the order of 12.1kg/m³, 18.1kg/m³ and
20.3kg/m³. Finally, the economic water use efficiency of test plots in terms of benefit-cost ratio
were estimated and found as 2.66, 2.76 and 2.15 for head, middle and tail locations,
respectively and found to be efficient. Hence, it could be concluded that productivity of the
cropping system can be improved by minimizing water losses.
Therefore, the major recommendations are forwarded for sustainable resource utilization.
Timely design, construction, and timely maintenance of irrigation structures contributes for
equity of water distribution among farmers at different locations and achieving the most plan
of production. Preparation of extra drainage system is necessary for the scheme to avoid
accumulation of excess water in the lower spots that leads to deep percolation loss.
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Keywords
Characterization, Efficiency, FIBIDP, Irrigation, Performance