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A soil water and solute learning system for small-scale irrigators in Africa

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  • Richard Stirzaker
  • Ikenna Mbakwe
  • Nuru Ressa Mziray

Abstract

Better yields of high-value crops are necessary for a profitable irrigation industry in sub-Saharan Africa. We introduced two simple tools, the Chameleon soil moisture sensor and the FullStop wetting front detector, which represent soil water, nitrate and salt levels in the soil by displaying different colours. These tools form the basis of an experiential learning system for small-scale irrigators. We found that farmers quickly learned from the tools and changed their management within a short time. The cost of implementing a learning system would be a small fraction of that of building or revitalizing irrigation schemes.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard Stirzaker & Ikenna Mbakwe & Nuru Ressa Mziray, 2017. "A soil water and solute learning system for small-scale irrigators in Africa," International Journal of Water Resources Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(5), pages 788-803, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:cijwxx:v:33:y:2017:i:5:p:788-803
    DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2017.1320981
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Inocencio, Arlene & Kikuchi, Masao & Tonosaki, Manabu & Maruyama, Atsushi & Merrey, Douglas & Sally, Hilmy & de Jong, Ijsbrand, 2007. "Costs and performance of irrigation projects: A comparison of Sub-Saharan Africa and other developing regions," IWMI Research Reports H036214, International Water Management Institute.
    2. World Bank, 2008. "Investment in Agricultural Water for Poverty Reduction and Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa : Synthesis Report," World Bank Publications - Reports 8012, The World Bank Group.
    3. Svendsen, Mark & Ewing, Mandy & Msangi, Siwa, 2009. "Measuring irrigation performance in Africa:," IFPRI discussion papers 894, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    4. Svendsen, M., 2009. "Measuring irrigation performance in Africa," IWMI Working Papers H043570, International Water Management Institute.
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    2. Abebe, Fentahun & Zuo, Alec & Wheeler, Sarah Ann & Bjornlund, Henning & Chilundo, Mario & Kissoly, Luitfred & Dube, Thabani, 2022. "The influences on farmers' planned and actual farm adaptation decisions: Evidence from small-scale irrigation schemes in South-Eastern Africa," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).
    3. Mulovhedzi, N.E. & Araya, N.A. & Mengistu, M.G. & Fessehazion, M.K. & du Plooy, C.P. & Araya, H.T. & van der Laan, M., 2020. "Estimating evapotranspiration and determining crop coefficients of irrigated sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) grown in a semi-arid climate," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 233(C).
    4. CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE)., 2017. "Enabling sustainable, productive smallholder farming systems through improved land and water management," IWMI Water Policy Briefings 311132, International Water Management Institute.
    5. Kaveney, Brooke & Barrett-Lennard, Edward & Chau Minh, Khoi & Dang Duy, Minh & Nguyen Thi, Kim Phuong & Kristiansen, Paul & Orgill, Susan & Stewart-Koster, Ben & Condon, Jason, 2023. "Inland dry season saline intrusion in the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta is driving the identification and implementation of alternative crops to rice," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 207(C).
    6. Lefore, N. & Giordano, Meredith & Ringler, C. & Barron, J., "undated". "Sustainable and equitable growth in farmer-led irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa: what will it take?," Papers published in Journals (Open Access) H049101, International Water Management Institute.
    7. Otoo, Miriam & Lefore, Nicole & Schmitter, Petra & Barron, Jennie & Gebregziabher, Gebrehaweria, 2018. "Business model scenarios and suitability: smallholder solar pump-based irrigation in Ethiopia. Agricultural Water Management – Making a Business Case for Smallholders," IWMI Reports 273354, International Water Management Institute.

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