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Challenges in modernizing the subsurface drainage systems in Egypt

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  • Ritzema, Henk
  • Abdel-Dayem, Safwat
  • El-Atfy, Hussein
  • Nasralla, Magdy Rashad
  • Shaheen, Hanny Saad

Abstract

After completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1970, the Egyptian government undertook an ambitious programme to install drainage on all of Egypt’s agricultural lands (approx. 2.7 Mha). In the decades that followed, subsurface drainage was implemented on 2.5 Mha, and drainage practices evolved from manual to large-scale and mechanized. Currently, new or rehabilitated systems are being installed on some 25,000 ha each year. However, modernization is needed to address high maintenance costs, extend the less-than-expected lifespan of the subsurface pipe systems and adapt to ongoing changes in climate and land use, such as shifting cropping patterns and irrigation practices. This paper discusses challenges in modernizing these subsurface drainage systems and makes recommendations for improving the design process to overcome some of the main issues presented. The focus is on a decentralized design approach to facilitate a more participatory process and better account for location-specific conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Ritzema, Henk & Abdel-Dayem, Safwat & El-Atfy, Hussein & Nasralla, Magdy Rashad & Shaheen, Hanny Saad, 2023. "Challenges in modernizing the subsurface drainage systems in Egypt," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 288(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:288:y:2023:i:c:s0378377423003499
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2023.108484
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wouter Wolters & Robert Smit & Mohamed Nour El-Din & Eman Sayed Ahmed & Jochen Froebrich & Henk Ritzema, 2016. "Issues and Challenges in Spatial and Temporal Water Allocation in the Nile Delta," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-12, April.
    2. El-Atfy, H. E. & Abdel-Alim, M. Q. & Ritzema, H. P., 1991. "A modified layout of the subsurface drainage system for rice areas in the Nile Delta, Egypt," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 19(4), pages 289-302, May.
    3. Yuhui Yang & Dongwei Li & Weixiong Huang & Xinguo Zhou & Zhaoyang Li & Xiaomei Dong & Xingpeng Wang, 2022. "Effects of Subsurface Drainage on Soil Salinity and Groundwater Table in Drip Irrigated Cotton Fields in Oasis Regions of Tarim Basin," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-14, December.
    4. Ritzema, H.P. & Nijland, H.J. & Croon, F.W., 2006. "Subsurface drainage practices: From manual installation to large-scale implementation," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 86(1-2), pages 60-71, November.
    5. Ritzema, H.P., 2016. "Drain for Gain: Managing salinity in irrigated lands—A review," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 176(C), pages 18-28.
    6. Ritzema, H.P. & Satyanarayana, T.V. & Raman, S. & Boonstra, J., 2008. "Subsurface drainage to combat waterlogging and salinity in irrigated lands in India: Lessons learned in farmers' fields," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 95(3), pages 179-189, March.
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