Large Scale Irrigation Management and Critical Environmental Concern: The Case of Fentale Irrigation Project in Central Oromia
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Date
2011-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Fentale Irrigation Based Integrated Development (FIBID) project, designed to irrigate
18,000 ha and currently supplying irrigation water for 4000 hafor areas which phiscal
structures are constructed. The project has passed from 2-6 irrigation seasons at
different irrigation blocks based on the completion of farm irrigation water supplying
structures and land distribution. Even if there are high positive impacts at the early
stages challenges on the irrigation management and sustainability are sprouting. In this
study, the scheme is assessed against Uphoff three dimensional irrigation concept il
Physical structure iii Water use iiil Organizational management. In addition critical
environmental conc&rn of the project area is identified. Primary & secondary data
through questioner from sample respondents, FGD, Key informants, water
measurement and GPS were collected. These data were analyzed using SPSS, Irrigation
peliormance indicator, GIS & VSTM. As a result, the research identified and witnessed
the request for the project and public consultation conducted at the commencement of
project contributed much to the relevancy and the need of the project. The project is
transforming the life of some beneficiaries. Contrary to this, in this study, water
management limitations in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, weak irrigation
institutions at all stages Government, public & IWUC which are working against the
positive impact were observed. Inconsistent water distribution, challenges on how to
manage and operate the field level plots and structures flaws are becoming the
characteristics of the scheme. The water loss in the scheme is leading and enhancing
critical environmental concern -water, land and salinity- which can exacerbate the
early positive impact of the project. Livestock development in the project, cattle trough
and modern forage production were not given due emphasis. The parallel approach,
Design and construction, is quoted as one of the reason for limitations on the quality
and endanger the environment without giving room for environmental impact
assessment. The cost recovelY concept which started to play great role in the irrigation
management lost its rate of collection due to unconvincing reasons.
(Key words: Irrigation physical system, Parallel approach, water use, organizational
management)
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Keywords
Irrigation physical system, Parallel approach, water use