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Stakeholder Roles and Perspectives on Sedimentation Management in Small-Scale Irrigation Schemes in Ethiopia

Author

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  • Zerihun Anbesa Gurmu

    (Faculty of Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering, Arba Minch University, P.O. Box 21 Arba Minch, Ethiopia
    Water Resources Management Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands)

  • Henk Ritzema

    (Water Resources Management Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands)

  • Charlotte de Fraiture

    (Water Resources Management Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
    Department of Water Science and Engineering, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2611 AX Delft, The Netherlands)

  • Mekonen Ayana

    (Department of Water Resources Engineering, Adama Science and Technology University, P.O. Box 1888 Adama, Ethiopia)

Abstract

Irrigated agriculture, particularly small-scale irrigation (SSI), is a mainstay for sustainable livelihoods in the developing world. In Ethiopia, SSI sustainability is threatened mainly due to excessive sedimentation. Stakeholders’ perceptions of the causes of sedimentation and how they sustain SSI under excessive sedimentation conditions were investigated in two SSI schemes in Ethiopia. A participatory rapid diagnosis and action planning was implemented, consisting of a literature review, participatory rural appraisal, and semi-structured interviews. Results show that farmers slightly differed in perception of excessive sedimentation drivers. Farmers reported design problems as the main cause of excessive sedimentation (64%), followed by poor operation and maintenance (O and M) practices (21%) and external factors (15%). In contrast, 62% of the interviewed engineers indicated erosion and irrigation technologies as the main causes of excessive sedimentation, while few reported poor design (13%). In addition to an intensive desilting campaign, farmers delayed the start of the irrigation season to avoid the intake of highly sedimented water. Local social capital and knowledge appeared to be more important than formal knowledge and blue-print institutions for dealing with sedimentation problems. Well-organized structure and extra time devoted by famers were vital for SSI sustainability. Integration of the farmers’ knowledge with that of the engineers could yield more effective ways to deal with sedimentation problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Zerihun Anbesa Gurmu & Henk Ritzema & Charlotte de Fraiture & Mekonen Ayana, 2019. "Stakeholder Roles and Perspectives on Sedimentation Management in Small-Scale Irrigation Schemes in Ethiopia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(21), pages 1-18, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:21:p:6121-:d:283078
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Berhe, Gebremeskel Teklay & Baartman, Jantiene E.M. & Veldwisch, Gert Jan & Grum, Berhane & Ritsema, Coen J., 2022. "Irrigation development and management practices in Ethiopia: A systematic review on existing problems, sustainability issues and future directions," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 274(C).
    2. Hanan Tadele Dessalegn & Alex Bolding & Charlotte de Fraiture & Mekonen Ayana, 2021. "Livestock and Small-Scale Irrigation Scheme Interactions as a Key Source for Sedimentation during the Irrigation Season: Four Case Studies from South-West Shoa, Ethiopia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-18, May.
    3. Mekonen Ayana Gebul, 2021. "Trend, Status, and Challenges of Irrigation Development in Ethiopia—A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-16, May.

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