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Soil and Irrigation Water Management: Farmer’s Practice, Insight, and Major Constraints in Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia

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  • Desale Kidane Asmamaw

    (Department of Environment, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
    Department of Natural Resource Management and Blue Nile Water Institute, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar ET 251, Ethiopia)

  • Pieter Janssens

    (Department of Environment, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
    Soil Service of Belgium, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium)

  • Mekete Dessie

    (Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar ET 251, Ethiopia)

  • Seifu A. Tilahun

    (Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar ET 251, Ethiopia)

  • Enyew Adgo

    (Department of Natural Resource Management, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar ET 251, Ethiopia)

  • Jan Nyssen

    (Department of Geography, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Kristine Walraevens

    (Laboratory for Applied Geology and Hydrogeology, Department of Geology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Derbew Fentie

    (Department of Natural Resource Management, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar ET 251, Ethiopia)

  • Wim M. Cornelis

    (Department of Environment, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium)

Abstract

This study assessed farmers’ soil and irrigation water management practices, perceptions, and major constraints at Koga, a large-scale irrigation scheme in Ethiopia. Key informant interviews, structured and semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and field visits were used for data collection. Soil samples were collected for the assessment of soil properties and a comparison with the respondents’ perception of soil-related constraints. A total of 385 respondents were involved in the questionnaire. All of the respondents had a good perception of soil acidity and its management strategies. Respondents’ perception was in line with the mean soil pH, soil texture, infiltration rate, exchangeable acidity, and soil organic carbon obtained from lab analysis and field tests. Soil acidity, unwise use of water, water scarcity, and lack of market linkages hampered the performance of the Koga irrigation scheme. Yet, respondents had a low awareness of irrigation water management. Farmers never used irrigation scheduling, but apply the same amount of water regardless of the crop type. As a result, low yield and water use efficiency were reported. To reduce soil acidity, an adequate lime supply for farmers with hands-on training on how to apply it would be desirable. Farmers should be aware of how to design effective irrigation scheduling and adopt water-saving management strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Desale Kidane Asmamaw & Pieter Janssens & Mekete Dessie & Seifu A. Tilahun & Enyew Adgo & Jan Nyssen & Kristine Walraevens & Derbew Fentie & Wim M. Cornelis, 2021. "Soil and Irrigation Water Management: Farmer’s Practice, Insight, and Major Constraints in Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:11:y:2021:i:5:p:383-:d:541955
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    References listed on IDEAS

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