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Spate irrigation for rural economic growth and poverty alleviation

Technical Progress Report 2012

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SPATE IRRIGATION FOR RURAL ECONOMIC GROWTH AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION

Technical Progress Report

January to May, 2012

1. Introduction

The Grant for the project: Spate Irrigation for Rural Economic Growth and Poverty

Alleviation(SIREGPA)was approved by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in

November 2010. The Spate Irrigation Network (SpN), which is co-convened by MetaMeta and UNESCO-

IHE, did not wait for all the administrative arrangements and contract paper works. With strong support

from the project Task Managers at IFAD (Rudolph Cleveringa and Laura Sollazzo) and the country team

leaders and project staff in the four target countries: Ethiopia, Sudan, Yemen and Pakistan, the SpN

immediately embarked on implementing a number of capacity building activities and organized its

inception workshop and steering committee meeting in January, 2011 in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia.

This technical progress report, first presents the rationale and relevance, main goals and objectives and

the expected outputs of the project. It then outlines the main activities undertaken in the period January

to May, 2012.

2. Rationale and relevance to IFAD and SpN

Spate irrigation is a resource management system whereby short-duration floods in ephemeral rivers are

diverted for crop production, groundwater recharge, rangeland and local forestry improvement.

In the past few years good spate irrigation management and development practices have been

documented and training material has been prepared - a process that is still continuing. By documenting

and sharing experiences within and between countries a compendium of improved practices is evolving

on organization and governance, on water diversion and engineering, on improving agronomy, on

moisture management and non-agricultural activities.

The rationale of the project is that spate irrigation in general and the large menu of improvements

requires much more attention and should be promoted at country policy level as well as at operational

level. The combined effect of improved spate irrigation system management can vastly increase

economic productivity and improve livelihood situations considerably. The spate irrigated areas in most

countries constitute poverty pockets hence making use of the potential for improvements effectively

contributes to poverty alleviation.

IFAD has been the single-largest development organization that has supported spate irrigation. IFAD has

supported spate irrigation activities among others in Tunisia, Sudan, Yemen and Eritrea.

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The objectives and expected outputs of this project are very much akin to the central focus of the SpN

(www.spate-irrigation.org). The Network strives to improve the livelihoods of those living in the spate

irrigated areas. It exchanges experiences and good practices, initiates and supports new programs and

policies, and mainstreams education and training.

3. Overall objective

Contribute to poverty alleviation and acceleration of rural economic growth through solutions-oriented

research and capacity building programmes that address tangible practical problems and feed to policy

formulation.

4. Target countries and group

Target countries:Sudan, Ethiopia, Pakistan and Yemen

Target group: Smallholder spate farmers, farmers' and local organizations, educational institutes, relevant

IFAD-funded investment programmes, activities of SpN, UNESCO-IHE and MetaMeta.

5. Expected outputs and benefits

Output 1: Strengthened Spate Irrigation Network

Country chapters and plans of SpN operational with at least 50 members

Spate irrigation programmes of 12 key organizations supported through training and program

assistance

Country spate irrigation policy notes prepared

Output 2: Solutions-oriented research activities implemented

Eight solutions-oriented research activities implemented - covering a wide range of good practices

Each research activity evaluated, documented and scaling up pathways identified

Output 3: Capacity built and knowledge documented and disseminated

Six MSc studies completed with a research focus on spate irrigation

Sixteen practical notes printed and translated; four instructional videos prepared, four modules

updated

Spate irrigation mainstreamed in at least one university/college in each target country

Spate irrigation practices in five ‘unknown’ places documented

Output 4: Support pool to IFAD and other related projects and programmes

On demand support provided to projects and country programmes as budget allows

Spate irrigation support activities and materials widely spread through IFAD projects and country

programmes

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6. Major achievements in 2012

6.1 Project Management

Results-based work plan and budget for 2012 (annex 1) finalized in February and subsequently

approved by IFAD in March.

Financial expenditure for 2011 and withdrawal form for 2012 was provided to IFADin April, 2012

(Annexes 2).

Annual project meeting was conducted in Sudan in the period 28 April to 4 May. The meeting

was attended by all core project team from Ethiopia, Yemen, Pakistan, Sudan, MetaMeta and

UNESCO-IHE. Two stakeholder workshopswere undertaken - one in Kassala, where the Gash

Agricultural Scheme (focal project site) is located and the other in Khartoum, the seat for

Ministry of Water Resources, a key implementing partner. In Kassala, five MSc students

presented their findings that covered on-farm water management, optimizing water diversion

and sediment control, farming practices and cost benefit analyses. These MSc presentations

have been recorded and are available at www.thewaterchannel.tv. The meeting wasofficially

opened by the State Minister for Agriculture. In Khartoum, the Minister of Water Resources, in

his opening remarks, expressed his strong support for the project and promised that spate

irrigation will have a good representation in the UNESCO Category II Water Harvesting Centre

that is expected to soon be established under the umbrella of the Ministry of Water Resources.

Thereafter, project achievements and challenges in 2011 as well as the plans for 2012 and

beyond were presented (www.spate-irrigation.org) and discussed. Finally, the core project team

convened to strategize on how best to implement and enhance impact of the Project activities.

Annex 3 gives the extended summary of the annual project meeting.

Updating of the website continued – with a new section on video lectures. A number of

document were uploaded – such as design manual for Eritrea and presentations from FAO

regional conference in North Africa.

6.2 Strengthening Spate Irrigation Network (SpN)

Country network plans (chapters) finalized for Ethiopia, Sudan and Pakistan - the Yemen Chapter will

be ready by the end of June. The Chapters present the vision, mission and mandates of the networks

and outline the main activities to be accomplished.Annex 4 has the details.

In each country, a small office has been allocated for the spate irrigation network within: the

Hydraulic Research Station (HRS) in Sudan; the Ethiopian Institute for Water Resources in Ethiopia;

the Strengthening Participating Organizations (SPO) in Pakistan and the Water and Environment

Centre (WEC) in Yemen. Each country has also allocated a part-time secretary to mainly prepare

promotional materials and make the SpN visible.

An SpN and spate project profile posters (Annex 5) have been prepared and distributed to all target

countries - this will be translated into the respective local languages.

6.3 Solutions-oriented research

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Sudan delivers first research outputs

Three international (UNESCO-IHE, the Netherlands) and two Sudanese MSc students completed their

research and shared their recommendations with stakeholders in the Gash Agricultural Scheme (GAS).

Their recommendations are seriously being considered by the Gash Authorities. The students will spend

additional one and half month during the flood season from 1 July to 15 August to further refine their

recommendations.

The MSc studies were conducted within the research programme:Towards Productive and Profitable

Spate Irrigated Agriculture in Sudan. The background to the research, the methodology employed and

the key findings and recommendations are presented in the following sections in a summarized form.

BACKGROUND

The Gash Agricultural Scheme (GAS)is the

bread-basket for 480,000 Kassala state

inhabitants in Easter Sudan and beyond. The

scheme, and particularly the Fota canal and its

command area have underperformed. Only 50%

of the 100,000 ha is annually irrigated;

productivity of the major crop, sorghum

remained low at 2 ton/ha. To enhance

productivity, MSc-led research was conducted

covering the pilot site of the Fota system with

focus on sediment management, water delivery

and on-farm water management. Figure 1

presents the GAS layout and Figure 2 has details

on Fota main canal system.

METHODS

field measurements (soil moisture, canal

survey); interviews with farmers and authorities

(WUAs, GAS, Project Directorate and River

Training Unit, Ministry of Water Resources,

Agricultural Research Corporation, Gash

Sustainable Livelihood Regeneration and Gezira

University); modelling (Delft 3D, SHARC,

DUFLOW, WinSRFR, SWAM, and CropWat);

Extensive secondary data on design and

management of GAS was also consulted

Figure 1: Gash Agricultural Scheme Layout

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Figure 2: Fota Main canal Layout

RESULTS

Existing situation

1.Intake and canal network

Almost zero slope of the first reach of the main canal (Figure 3) and the wide river near the intake

causes:

o A maximum of 1.8 m sediment deposition at intake and main canal

o Reduction of design abstraction capacity (9.4 m3/s) by 78%

o High operation and maintenance cost (canal de-silting)

Even if sediment problem is solved, due to lack of flow guiding bunds, the maximum diversion will be

8.1 m3/s - less than the required 9.4 m3/s

50% of the 3,300 ha remains dry annually

Figure 3: Fotal canal:

existing conditions

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2Field level - Kasir Rabakasan

294 ha irrigated as one field unit

o Poor distribution: over irrigation at upstream (1700 mm depth), restricted supply at mid

stream (900 mm), completely dry 80 ha at downstream (Figure 4)

o Low average yield - 1 to 2 ton/ha

Non optimal cropping pattern: only one sorghum harvest per season

Figure 4: field water distribution under existing condition

Preliminary recommendations and outputs

Sediment management and water delivery

Fota intake: construct 3 spurs on the right side of the river, raise intake sill level by 1.2 m, and remove the

right side wall of the intake. This could avoid sediment deposition at the intake and realize 9.4 m3/s at

medium flood.

Fota main canal: modify the slope of the first two reaches by 0.05% and introduce settling basin with

annual/bi-annual de-silting - settling basin dimensions: 200 m x 30 m and 200 m x 25 m. This could improve

the water delivery capacity by 89%.

Rabakasa secondary canal 2: localized cross regulator to raise water level by 0.5 m. This could increase the

discharge through off-take from nearly zero to 1.2 m3/s

Overall output: sufficient spate flow to irrigate at least 80% of the whole 3300 ha

On-farm water management

Divide the irrigated field longitudinally into two equal units of 150 ha

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Elongate Kasir Rabakasa misga (tertiary) canal by 400 m

o Ensures full irrigation of the entire misga field.

o Reduces the irrigation application time from 25 to 20 days.

o Better distribution uniformity: 950, 820 and 520 mm irrigation depth at upstream, midstream and

downstream.

Narrow the 1st and 2nd reaches of Kasir Rabakasa misga canal by 2 m and 1 m at upstream and downstream

respectively: ensures additional 30 ha of irrigable area at the upstream of Rabakasa 1 misga.

Move from sorghum only and introduce a cropping pattern - first harvest: sorghum, millet, sunflower and

cotton; second harvest: Sorghum, millet and water melon.

Ethiopia

Two MSc students have prepared detailed proposals (Annex 6) on:

1. Optimum community-led flood water management in Boru Dodota Spate Irrigation System, Ethiopia

General Objective

The general objective of the study is to assess the flood water management at community level and recommend best management practices for Dodota spate irrigation scheme.

Specific Objective

The Specific objectives of the study are to:

to assess how the users manage the flood water resources throughout the scheme,

to understand the structure, the rules and regulations in WUA and its role for managing the flood and the

infrastructure of the Dodota spate irrigation scheme,

To suggest alternative mechanisms to have best performing scheme in terms of water diversion, flood

distribution, pond water management, moisture retention and functioning WUA, as necessary.

2. Towards better spate flow and sediment management for Billio spate irrigation scheme.

General objectives

Describing runoff/flood potential and sediment yield and identifying best land use management practices for the catchment of Bililo spate irrigation scheme.

Specific objectives of the study

Estimating runoff potential of the catchment that reaches at the point of diversion

Estimating sediment yield of the catchment that reaches at the point of diversion

Identifying best landuse management practices for the catchment and the scheme

Investigating alternative site for the headwork structure

Forward best Sediment and flood water management in the main system.

The students are currently collecting primary data including flood and sediment measurement, temporary

pond storage capacity, soil moisture holding capacity as well as operation and maintenance practices. They are

expected to deliver outputs by October, 2012.

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Another three MSc students have started detailed proposal writing and will collectively undertake their studies with the research project: Beneficial use of floods in arid lowlands of Ethiopia. The arid lowland areas (< 400 mm rainfall annually) are among the most vulnerable and food insecure, particularly when they are relatively densely populated as in the Horn of Africa. The project addresses food insecurity and low economic development in the arid lowlands of Ethiopia – where most hard core food aid recipients (3.4 Million people) are living out of total lowland population of 11 Million. The drought of 2011 highlighted the even larger vulnerability (as the earlier one of 2000, 2005, and 2008) with food aid rising to 5.7 Million and distress sales of livestock and other assets. Domestic water supply is also far more problematic in the arid lowlands, even though some are relatively densely populated, with coverage 30% below national average. Climate variability and even change is a main attributing factor – in addition there is also extensive land use change, because of the widespread invasion of invasive species (prosopis in particular) and the decimation of more useful natural wood stands (acacia and boswelia). The lowland districts (woredas) are classified as low potential as there is no perennial water source and hence they are for instance not covered in the Agricultural Growth Project (supported through the MASP of the Netherlands Embassy among others). The areas however receive intense short duration floods, which is the main source of water. Far more efficient use can be made of these floods to secure water availability in the agro-pastoralist economy. In comparison to other arid lowlands in South Asia, East Africa or Middle East, many techniques of beneficial use of floods in low land areas are not known in Ethiopia. There is a need to introduce new options for lowland water resource management through an intense process of local planning and capacity building. These options hold considerable promise for improved water supply and more secure economic growth (agriculture and pastoralism). The three MSc students will collectively undertake the following activities:

Mapping the land and water resources of the Lowlands using GIS and remote sensing coupled with extensive ground survey

A reconnaissance plan on beneficial use of floodwater for the arid lowlands in Ethiopia - current hydrographs, frequency and downstream use in different lowland basin areas

Identification of beneficial flood use measures in the most promising sub-basins combined with local planning with local stakeholders

Designs and management for lowland spate irrigation, flood water spreading, infiltration ponds and flood water storage

The aim is to improve water security (humans, livestock, agriculture) and work on base of sub-basin – analysing flood patterns with cost-effective measures, capped at Euro 1500/ha or Euro 90 per capita for drinking water provision. The envisioned planning is as follows:

Detailed proposal ready: September 2012 Drive/Walk-through survey of the Lowlands - students and supervisors: October, 2012 Pilot site selection for specific MSc studies: October 2012 MSc field research work: November, 2012 to February, 2013: Ethiopia MSc report writing - first results: March to June, 2013 - at IHE, Netherlands Graduation: June 2013, Netherlands Further data gap filling and refining of key finding: July and August, 2013 - flood season - Ethiopia Final thesis - with some potentially implemental recommendations -September, 2013

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Yemen

Three students have been identified to undertake their MSc research within two research area: 1. Ground water artificial recharge in wadi Zabi: The main objectives are:

To identify different locally feasible artificial ground water recharge techniques - evaluate this from a

technical, financial and operational aspects

To attempt for the arrival to balance aquatic budget between the groundwater recharge quantity and

the consumption.

To limit intrusion of seawaters to the fertile agricultural areas

Saving water for the supplementary irrigation for spate irrigation areas

2. Strengthening of WUA's in wadi Zabid reaches: Overall objectives:

Assess the technical, managerial and financial capacity of the WUAs

Recommend measures for strengthening the sustainability of the WUAs Specific objectives:

Evaluate the technical capacity of the WUA o Knowledge of the WUA leaders with regard to different indigenous designs of water distribution

and diversion structures o Planning and implementation of operation and maintenance tasks o Knowledge about the different agronomic practices

Evaluate the managerial capacity of the WUA o Organizing and leading meetings o Mobilizing resources for operation and maintenance o Solving conflicts o Creating a good relationship with external organizations including TDA

Evaluation financial capacity and sustainability o Does the WUA has an financial plan o How much of the financial requirement is covered from internal source - water fees o What are external financial source - how reliable are they o Does the WUA has plans strengthen its financial sustainability

Identify a number of measures including tailored trainings that contribute to strengthening the technical, managerial and financial sustainability of the WUAs

The detailed proposals on the above two research topics are presented in Annex 7. In addition three students doing Diploma research on sediment management in Wadi Hadramawt have been supported.

Pakistan

Detailed proposal preparation is underway for developing the 15,000 hectare command area of the Sanghar

Irrigation system and addressing associated water rights and land tenure issues. Following the development of

the Chasma Right Bank Canal part of the spate command areas were converted in perennial commands, leaving

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more water to be diverted elsewhere in the spate areas of DI Khan and DG Khan. New headworks (bed

stabilizer and intakes) were developed – however no command area works took place – leaving a large

potential unutilized. During the 2010 floods in Pakistan the intakes were damaged.

6.4 Capacity building knowledge documentation and dissemination

GiZ, UNESCO-IHE, MetaMeta and SpN agreed to collaboratively broaden the scope of the short course

annually given at IHE, the Netherlands into flood based farming. Asthe first step in this direction, a Swiss

expert will give a lecture on flood spreading weirs during the regular period of the short course in

September, 2012.

A video package with 16 lectures on spate irrigation was finalized and distributed to country network

leaders – meant to share within educational institutes within each country.Discussion started with UN

Water to further embed the course.

In Ethiopia, tailor made training on Spate irrigation was made to the woreda (district) level water

practitioner through collaborating effort of Arba Minch University and country chapter spate irrigation

network (Figure 5). The spate irrigation module was delivered aiming at the following benefits:

o Introduction to flood recession farming and depict the beneficiary side of flood - “Spate”/ Flood

recession farming,

o Importance of seasonal flood as a resource for crop, pasture production and fish farming,

o Introduction to spate hydrology and sediment management

The participants (30 in number) just after learning spate irrigation concept watched and reflected on practical spate irrigation documentary video, conduct group exercise and present their findings and eventually the participants visited practical spate irrigation scheme at Konso. To this end 50% of the participants became registered member of Ethiopia chapter spate irrigation network.

Figure 5: Participants attending discussion and visiting Konso spate irrigation system, Ethiopia

Detailed operational procedures for the UNESCO-IHE and Haramaya University new Double Degree MSc

Programme on Agricultural Water Management in Arid and Semi Arid climates has been agreed upon by

both parties (annex 8)

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An article was prepared for the 6th World Water Forum in Marseille, France. In the article, the country

team leaders explain why spate irrigation is important in their respective countries and how this spate

irrigation project will contribute to sustainable development of spate irrigation systems. Annex 9 has the

complete article.

Two articles on spate irrigation in Urdu were prepared and published in newspapers in Pakistan

In the course on watershed management in Ethiopia under the University Water Sector Partnership a day

and field visit on spate irrigation has been included – the course is scheduled for 21-25 June.

6.5 Collaboration with relevant IFAD and other projects and programmes

A proposal was made and approved with IMAWESA to document a successful spate irrigation

project in the lowlands of Ethiopia. Also it is agreed to make a joint training at IFAD regional

meeting in November 2012

The Aba’ala Spate Irrigation systems are located in the Northern Part of Afar – at a distance of 45 kilometer from Mekelle. Over the last decade many improvements in water and livestock productivity have been introduced by a project team of the Mekelle University under Norwegian funding. This included a number of water management measures - in particular the construction of gabion type spate irrigation control structures1 - which constitute a good practice. Reasons to document Aba’ala:

The total area under spate irrigation systems in Aba’ala is substantial – an estimated 10,000 ha.

The case will give strong pointers as to what approach to follow in lowland development – which is a priority in the Growth and Transformation Plan but where dependency on food aid is high and persistent

In Ethiopia there has been emphasis on investment in spate irrigation – including in the IFAD funded small scale irrigation projects. The track record however has not been encouraging and much of this has to do with the conventional design approach followed and their inability to deal with sedimentation and peak floods Aba’ala is on the other hand a unique example of improved traditional systems

In the project area two intervention methodologies have been applied – improved traditional/ river engineering approach and conventional/controlled – these two approaches can be compared

The Norwegian funded project is coming to a close and has a treasure trove of data and experiences that in this way would be captured - the Livestock Department of Mekelle University (Dr Solomon) has been a key person in this regard.

Topics to be covered in the documentation

Characterization of the agro-pastoralist livelihood system – including importance of food aid

Description of the interventions in water management– including design, maps, diagrams and pictures

Description of other intervention undertaken under the project activities

1 Following a river engineering approach – essentially avoiding flood water going to the lower areas.

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Description of the impact – on crop production, food security (from year to year), livestock production, income/dependency on food aid, river morphology/ sedimentation, flood events, upstream-downstream access to water, damage/repairs to diversion works

Output The documentation output would be:

Joint IMEWESA-Spate Irrigation Network Practical Note/ Ag-Innovation Paper (indicative length 12 pages) – translated in Amharic too

Powerpoint presentation – to be included in future trainings – all to be published on the IMAWESA and Spate Irrigation Network sites and to be incorporated in university training through www.universityewatersectorpartnership.org

Small video – can be posted on www.thewaterchannel.tv Activities

Collation of new project documentation

Interview with farmers

Focus group discussion

Preparation of practical note and powerpoint and video

Translation Out of pocket budget National experts 20 days @ USD 150 USD 3000 Dr Solomon Abera and Abebe Demissie Backstopping and quality control USD 1000 Travel costs USD 1400 Layout and printing USD 1000 Translation into Amharic USD 800 Video USD 1000 Overhead EIWR 10% USD 820 Budget USD 9020 In addition Simon Langan (IWMI) would devote 5-10 days time for the guidance, working out the joint paper and as a possible follow up planning a joint field tour.

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GIZ visit UNESCO-IHE on 14 May, 2012 to discuss collaboration Participants: GiZ: Dr. Elizabeth van den Akker (GiZ), Jutta Schmitz (GiZ), Barbara Gerhager (GiZ) UNESCO-IHE: Prof Andras Szöllösi-Nagy, prof Charlotte de Fraiture, Dr. Krishna Prasad, Dr. Laszlo Hayde. MetaMeta and Spate Irrigation Network: Dr. Frank Van Steenbergen and Dr. Abraham Haile Mehari Objectives of the visit

1. Get acquainted with each other's work 2. Identify joint research activities, particularly MSc students in GiZ projects 3. Identify joint capacity building activities, in particular between Spate and Water Spreading

projects 4. Flood based Farming System short course

In the morning Elizabeth made a presentation on GiZ and its scope of work, followed by an overview of UNESCO-IHE's activities and mandate by the rector (Andras). Three more technical presentations followed on Spate irrigation in East-Africa (by Abraham), flood spreading weirs in West Africa (by Elizabeth), and small individual irrigation in West Africa (by Charlotte). These information exchanges provided a good basis for the detailed discussions later in the afternoon on ways of possible collaboration. In the afternoon GiZ participants were shown around on the premises at UNESCO-IHE in Delft and met the Business Director (Greet Vink) to explore funding mechanisms. Summary of discussions: 1. GiZ implements field projects throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America. For UNESCO-IHE students

these projects may offer good places for doing MSc thesis research. In return, the projects benefit from the MSc students input. GiZ is interested and willing to host MSc students in their ongoing projects. One topic for MSc thesis could be research on the cost-benefit analysis of flood spreading weirs in West-Africa, but there are other options. These should be discussed on a case-by-case basis, involving the GiZ project staff in the field. MSc students at UNESCO-IHE are asked to write one page proposal for their thesis research. We will share these with GiZ to see if they would fit in ongoing GiZ projects. Alternatively, GIZ staff could also share with UNESCO-IHE a one-page research synopsis on topics of their interestOver the years UNESCO-IHE built a network of some 14,000 alumni of MSc, PhD and short courses. GiZ would like to make use of this unique network to identify good people to partner with in their work in the field. Andras agreed that this is an excellent use of the network, potentially opening up new opportunities to UNESCO-IHE alumni.

2. One of GiZ's mandates is capacity building. Through their projects they have several capacity building

activities and training. Where needed, UNESCO-IHE can offer tailor made courses for GiZ staff, partners or stakeholders of GiZ projects as input in their capacity building activities.

3. There are many similarities between U-IHE's work on spate irrigation and GiZ's activities on flood spreading weirs (both are a type of flood farming). Each year UNESCO-IHE organizes short/summer course on spate irrigation. One idea was to broaden the scope of the course to include GiZ's experiences with flood spreading weirs. This can be done by inviting their Swiss expert as guest lecturer in the course. This introductory lecture is to be followed with on-site hands-on training on flood spreading weirs for relevant current participants and alumuni of UNESCO-IHE and other stakeholders in the region.

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4. GiZ is developing a wiki website on agricultural water (www.agriwaterpedia.info). For this website

they are looking for 'best practices' in agricultural water management. Participants in MSc and PhD courses could be encouraged to contribute to this database. There are already three case studies on spate irrigation.

Elizabeth suggested that U-IHE looks into possible project grants through the BMZ/BEAF channel. These projects require a German and an international partner. U-IHE qualifies for this type of funding and given its international reputation it would make a good chance in the competitive bidding process. Way forward To facilitate future collaboration it was decided to develop a MoU that could serve as a formal umbrella for the above mentioned activities. This requires identifying a common thematic line such as farmer centered irrigation that fits all joint activities. Annex 1: program 14th May

Time Topic Presenter

11:00 to 11:15

GIZ and its development projects in water, rural development and agriculture - an overview

GIZ Delegation

11:15 to 11:30

UNESCO-IHE and its educational, research and capacity building activities - an overview

Professor Andras, Rector, UNESCO-IHE

11:30 to 11:45

Discussion

11:45 to 12:05

Spreading weirs for the development of degraded dry river valleys - Experience from the Sahel Region - Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad

GIZ delegation

12:05 to 12:25

Spate Irrigation for rural economic growth and poverty alleviation: Plans, progress and activities ahead

Abraham, Senior Lecturer, LWD, UNESCO-IHE

12:25 to 12:40

Farmer initiated and managed irrigation in Burkina Faso

Prof. Charlotte, Core Head LWD, UNESCO-IHE

12:40 to 13:00

Discussion

Afternoon 13:00 to 14:00 - lunch - you are all invited - have arranged lunch at the canteen. 14:00 to 15:00 - GiZ staff tour UNESCO-IHE and its premises 15:00 to 16:45 - GiZ delegation and core relevant staff of IHE 16:45 to 17:00 - drinks and refreshments

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7. Major activities planned for June, 2012

• Supplementary field research in GAS, Sudan to fill missing data gap, if any, and further refine the

recommendations outlined in section 6.4. This is being done on the request of the GAS Authorities

and WUAs who found the first set of recommendations useful.

• Conducting on site spate irrigation training alongwith IMAWESA for water practitioners around

Mekele, North Ethiopia; there will also be participants from other parts of the country.

• Consultation meeting will be made with stakeholders that represent each of the 13 regions in

Ethiopia. The main purpose of the meeting is: to learn the status and stage of each region in spate

irrigation development and management, to learn the priority issues to be addressed through

research, to have regional representatives and members with the registration process of spate

irrigation network, to create link between the regions and also with country chapter spate irrigation

network so that information dissemination and cross learning will be easier and quicker.

• Prepare accreditation report for the Double Degree MSc programme on Agricultural Water

Management in arid and semi-arid climates. This will ensure that the programme is legally

recognized at a global level.

• A workshop on mainstreaming spate irrigation in Yemen to upgrade the spate irrigation curriculum

at WEC, University of Sana´a - the focus will be to mainly integrate some practical exercise.

• Prepare a programme for 3.5 hrs seminar during the Stockholm World Water Day on the topic:

Bridging the Knowledge gap: New era of water challenges and new generation of water

professionals. The programme will mainly include presentations byyoung professionals, exemplary

farmers and district level water professionals

• Prepare tailor made spate irrigation course for IFAD country project managers

8. Major bottlenecks

• Very high inflation in the past 8 months in the target countries has resulted in three fold increase of

food, fuel, local transport, car rent, labour, while the official exchange rate (USD: local currency)

remained the same. As a result:

o The real value of the total research budget (160,000 USD) allocated for each country has

reduced by about 50%. Hence, we need to find at least additional 80,000 USD

o The budget for one full MSc study has increased from the allocated 45,000 to 47,500 USD

mainly due to a 100 Euro increase (1800 Euros for 18 Months) in student allowance fee. This

implies that we have to search for an additional 15,000 USD for six MSc students - this students

has already be selected and will start in September, 2012.

• The civil unrest in Yemen has led to even a very high logistics cost for field research and high labour

cost due to lack of willing personnel to travel to identified research sites.

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Annex 1: Spate Irrigation for Rural Economic Growth and Poverty Alleviation

Results-based work plan and Budget 2012

Work Packages Outline of planned activities

Key deliverables 2012 Total 4 years

Balance Estimated time of

delivery in 2012

Who is responsible

Total budget in

USD

IFAD UNESCO-IHE

Meta Meta

0) Project management

Annual meeting in Sudan to discuss achievements and challenges in 2011 and plans for 2012

Project implementation experiences and challenges In 2011 exchanged among project team Implementation modalities of work plan 2012 agreed Potentials for joint activities, if any identified, among the target countries Stockholm seminar programme discussed and draft agreed

1 4 2, 1 meeting done in 2011 in Ethiopia

April 28 to May

All Sudan team: arrange logistics - visa, hotels, and venues, and prepare initial draft programme All project team: Timely input ideas to the programme Are responsible for their total costs

25,000 25,000

Administrative tasks Overall project Work plan and budget 2012, Financial statements 2011 2012 funds dispersed to implementing partners

Feb to Mar April

UNESCO-IHE - input from all UNESCO-IHE - following 2011 financial expenditure report from all

7,500 7,500

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Spate network Offices running and secretarial works

Effective and timely communication of project activities Archiving, dissemination of project outputs, Assisting in organizing meetings, conferences

Feb to Dec All 3,500 3,500

Budget sub-total 36,000 36,000

0 0

Work Packages

Outline of planned activities

Key deliverables 2012 Total 4 years

Balance Estimated time of

delivery in 2012

Who is responsible

Total budget in

USD

IFAD UNESCO-IHE

MetaMeta

1) Strengthening the Spate Irrigation Network

Expand membership and strengthen the country secretariat

Membership increased: indicative numbers - Ethiopia (21 to 40), Sudan (36 to 50), Yemen (71 to 100) and Pakistan (100 to 125) A secretary assigned in each country

Mar to Oct. Country partners

10,000 10,000

Make SpN visible Prepare posters, flyers, brochures, articles for local news media Conduct lectures, seminars on SpN and project activities to SpN

Sep. UNESCO-IHE + contribution from all partners all partners

5,000

7,500

3,000

7,500

2,000

19

country members and members of key implementation organizations All partners allocate a small office where spate posters, flyers and brochures are displayed

Maintain SpN website

Uploading of documents, preparing and communicating news items

Mar to Dec Metameta/UNESCO-IHE +contribution from all partners

4,000 2,000 2,000

Work with WUA - initiatives to bring SpN to farmers

Usefulness of practical notes written in local language tested with WUAs Practical experiences documented together with WUAs

Mar to Oct

country partners + Contribution from UNESCO-IHE/MetaMeta

10,000

10,000

10,000

6,000

4,000

Budget sub-total 46,500 38,50

0 6,000 2,000

Work Packages Outline of planned activities

Key deliverables 2012 Total 4 years

Balance Estimated delivery in

2012

Who is responsible

Total budget in

USD

IFAD UNESCO-IHE

MetaMeta

(2) Solutions-oriented research projects

Start/continue implementation of two research programmes in each country

Sudan(research

started in 2011):

Draft Research reports

5 to 10 MSc theses

8 8 0 Mar. to Nov

Country partners + Field mission, Supervision support from UNESCO-IHE/MetaMeta

80,000

18,000

80,000

12,000

3,500

2,500

20

Towards more productive and profitable use of spate flow Gash river training and protection works to mitigate flood damage to Kassala town Ethiopia: Improving Flood

diversion,

conveyance and

Water Distribution

On- farm Water

Management and

Soil Moisture

Conservation

Yemen:

Ground water recharge from wadi bed for productive conjunctive use with spate flow Strengthening of WUA's in spate irrigated areas Pakistan Towards sustainable development and management of Sanghar spate system Restocking the

21

earthmoving equipment fleet for better O & M

Exchange visit among the 4 target countries on good practices

Joint next generation project proposals

4 4 0 Oct. to Nov UNESCO-IHE/MetaMeta

25,000 20,000 2,500 2,500

Small research grants for BSc/MSc students

Easy access documents - practical notes, thematic video

8 20 5 (7 were undertaken in 2011

April to Sept, 2011

all 14,000 14,000

Budget sub-total

137,000 126,000 6,500 4,500

Work Packages Outline of planned activities

Key deliverables 2012 Total 4 years

Balance Estimated delivery in

2012

Who is responsible

Total budget in

USD

IFAD UNESCO-IHE

MetaMeta

3. Capacity building, knowledge documentation and dissemination

Preparing Spate Notes/overview papers in English and local languages

8 practical notes 8 16 -4 (4 practical notes and 8 overview papers were prepared in 2011)

Mar to Nov.

All 20,000 16,500 3,500

National workshop with participants from education, research and farmer institutions, to mainstream spate irrigation in Higher Education

Draft spate irrigation curriculum

2, in Sudan and Pakistan

4 0 (Curriculum developed for Ethiopia & Yemen

May to June,

Sudan & Pakistan + support from UNESCO-IHE/Metameta

20,000

5,000

20,000

5,000

Selection & funding 6 young professionals for spate short course at UNESCO-IHE

6 young professionals complete spate short course

6 16 4 (6 were trained in 2011)

Sep, 2012 All

20,000 17,000 3,000

Selection and funding 3 Young professionals to attend MSc programme at UNESCO-IHE

3 complete MSc studies in Land and Water Development; research on spate irrigation issues

3 6 0 (3 started in 2011 for the Double Degree with Haramaya

Oct. 2012 to June, 2013

UNESCO-IHE + country partners

135,000 100,000 35,000

22

Assessment of spate irrigation in four unknown countries

Paper on Status and potential of spate irrigation in Mali

1 4 1 (2 assessment - Iran and Kenya done in 2011

June to Nov

UNESCO-IHE/MetaMeta

8,000 8,000

Inform policy dialogue to incorporate spate irrigation rules and regulations /specifics into pertinent national water legislation

1) Prepare policy briefs and inform selected policy dialogue events on spate irrigation

4 drafts 4 4 Oct to Dec All 40,000 35,000 2,500 2,500

Outreach to Stockholm World Water week - placing spate irrigation at an international forum and agenda

3 to 5 MSc students present research findings conducted under the spate project 3 to 5 farmers/WUA leaders/water professionals present innovative ideas, successful intervention in spate and related fields Prepare project activity posters, flyers, background papers

UNESCO-IHE coordinates: all agree on final programme

14,000

14,000

4,000

12,000

12,000

4,000

2,000

2,000

Budget sub-total

280,000 229,500 48,000 2,500

23

24

Work Packages/Project

outputs

Outline of planned activities

Key deliverables 2012 Total 4 years

Balance Estimated time of

delivery in 2012

Who is responsible

Total budget in

USD

IFAD UNESCO-IHE

MetaMeta

4) Expert pool support to IFAD projects and country programmes

Support to IFAD Project and country programmes

Develop next generation project proposals

All 10,000 10,000

Budget sub-total 10,000 10,000 0 0

Results based summary, 2012

Work Packages/project outputs

Total budget IFAD UNESCO-IHE MetaMeta

Project management 36,000 36,000 0 0

Strengthening the Spate Irrigation Network

46,500 38,500 6,000 2,000

Solutions-oriented research projects

137,000 126,000 6,500 4,500

Capacity building, knowledge documentation and dissemination

280,000 229,500 48,000 2,500

4) Expert pool support to IFAD projects and country programmes

10,000 10,000

Total 509,500 440,000 60,500 9,000

25

Annex 2: Statement of expenditure for 2011 and withdrawal application for 2012

Annex 3: Annual project meeting report: 28 April to 4 May, 2012

Introduction

Under the IFAD program “Spate irrigation for rural economic growth and poverty alleviation” a meeting of the core group takes place every year to discuss the achieved results and the way forward. This second meeting was organized by HRS and took place in Sudan between April 29th and May 4th 2012. This report summarizes the events and compiles the discussed material.

Spate irrigation Country leaders

Spate team during field visit in Kassala

Participants of annual meeting

# Name Organization Role in project

1. Professor Seif, Minister Ministry of Water Resources

Political support

2. Adam, Undersecretary, Ministry of Water Resources

Strategic support

1 Eiman Mohamed Fadul HRS, Sudan Country leader Sudan

2 Yasir Mohamad Abbas HRS, Sudan Project supervision

3 Amel Ahmed Ali HRS, Sudan MSc research GASH

4 Ahmed Babiker Ahmed Khalifa HRS, Sudan MSc research GASH

5 Saleh Amin HRS, Sudan Communication expert

6 Ahmed El Siddig Hayaty HRS, Sudan Support country leader

7 HRS, Sudan Support country leader

8 HRS, Sudan Support country leader

9 Sharafaddin Saleh WEC, Yemen Country leader Yemen

10 Jafaar Hasan Alawi Al-jeffri TDA, Yemen Agriculture / training

11 Allah Bux Kaisrani PARC, Pakistan Agronomy /

12 Abebe Demissie Arba Minch University, Ethiopia

Country Leader Ethiopia

13 Tena Alamirew Haramaya University, Ethiopia

Agronomy / irrigation

14 Abraham Mehari Haile UNESCO-IHE, Netherlands Project coordinator

15 Bart Schultz UNESCO-IHE, Netherlands External advisor

16 Tewodros Fikrie Zenebe MSc Student, HRS and UNESCO-IHE

MSc research Gash, sedimentation

17 Jonathan Tsoka MSc Student, HRS and UNESCO-IHE

MSc research Gash, design irrigation structures

18 Janeiro Avelino MSc Student, HRS and UNESCO-IHE

MSc research Gash, optimization farm water management

19 Frank van Steenbergen MetaMeta, Netherlands Project co-oordinator

20 Lenneke Knoop MetaMeta, Netherlands Communication

Activities Day 1: Travel to Kassala Day 2: Annual Research workshop

Opening by the minister of Agriculture, chaired by Mr Abdo Elrafig

Presentation of project

MSc research results presentations

Lively discussions (mainly Arabic) between farmers and IFAD team

Field trip to Gash spate system followed by discussion on sediment control and management

Day 3: Travel to Khartoum Day 4: Meeting at the ministry, Khartoum

Opening by undersecretary

Achievements and challenges spate project

Msc research results

Country programs presentations by the country leaders. These presentations are online on www.spate-irrigation.org: Yemen, Pakistan, Sudan, Ethiopia.

Discussion Day 5: Closure meeting (see next paragraph) Meeting notes: closure meeting May 3rd, 2012 - Discussion on strategy 2012 based on work packages. Present: Eiman Mohamed Fadul (EF), Yasir Mohamad Abbas (YM), Tena Alamirew (TA), Allah Bux Kaisrani (AB), Sharafaddin Saleh (SS), Abebe Demissie (AD), Abraham Mehari Haile (AM), Bart Schultz (BS), Frank van Steenbergen (FS), Lenneke Knoop (LK) WP 1: Strengthening the network

General: The focus should be on young people and on creating linkages with other organizations. As it is a network, we will expand. Details of new network members can be send by email to Lenneke (lknoop@metameta.nl) or Linda (lnavis@metameta.nl)

Site: The site uses an easy content management system (called Word Press) which allows others to work on subpages as well. For example: each country has its own page. If desire, country leaders (or others) can be given access to manage these sections of the site).

Communication materials: Easy and simple materials like poster and banners should be developed. (seggestion: poster on tillage and type of equipment). It is important to use local language. One of the challenging parts is how to involve farmers? Ideas given include: training for farmers, develop a communication strategy, publish articles in newletter, popular book writing (Example Pakistan), create a buzz around it. (AM): stakeholder discussions are a good start, but now we have to keep continuing the engagement. One way to do this: every time when new output is generated in the project it should be translated into the language that farmers understand and accordingly shared.

We also need to sort out what the material is that farmers need and what is interesting to illiterate people?

WP 2: Solutions-oriented research

Links to national policy: (TA) are we seeking for new linkages? In Ethiopia the ministry of water and the ministry of agriculture are both to be addressed when it comes to irrigation. (AB) Spate is often managed on provincial level while other irrigation practices are managed at national level. Important: When there is already a good interface, use it! In Sudan, there is an on-going process in drafting IWRM policy, spate irrigation will be incorporated.

International exchanges: different ideas on knowledge exchange and topics for next year were mentioned: seed collection, cropping systems, lowland areas. It was agreed that instead of making a list of topics, each country should identify a topic of its strength and make a proper documentation for useful knowledge exchange and sharing.

(BS): linkages could be made with other international networks and organizations as ICRISAT, ICARDA, IPTRID, Agwa, IMAWESA, ICID working groups.

Solution oriented research and initiatives: (FS) good example: Japanese bulldozer project, the Acacia plantations in Yemen. Good examples should be shared

(AH): guidance of MSc research is very time consuming and also not foreseen in the project budget. Good to keep this in mind.

New countries to be explored: Afghanistan, Mozambique, Malawi. WP 3: Capacity building

Mainstreaming in higher education: (AD) modules are now incorporated at universities. (YM) sometimes irrigation is not even part of the curriculum anyway. Everyone agreed upon (i) we should be less ambitious, but try to make an effort everywhere and (ii) organize more training courses – not only targeted at university level.

Lecture series: A first DVD with spate lectures is developed and linked online to the spate site. With simple software (camtasia) this is easy to do. From HRS mr Salah will be equipped with the software and explanation. Interested persons can get more info from Lenneke. Also, we are trying to seek funding for the development of lecture packages. Student’s presentations are recorded (see paragraph 5).

Translation and new practical notes: Suggested to be developed: Overview papers on Sudan, Iran, Kenya and Morocco. Notes on sorghum, by products in spate areas. It was agreed upon that a list will circulate in the group to which everyone can add their ideas.

Discussion on development of documents went beyond practical notes. More “substantial” documents were discussed. It was clear that the team itself should not be responsible for writing documents on topics like agronomy their selves, but they should ask experts on these topics. Also the idea was given to develop a document on status and presence as there are now too many different numbers are referred too. Suggestion to use Google Earth was made.

WP 4: Support to IFAD and other relevant projects

As much as possible, linkages need to be made to relevant IFAD and other projects and mutually beneficial activities identified. Linkages have been successfully made to GSLRP project in Sudan and IMAWESA in Ethiopia and Progresso in Yemen. More effort is needed so that these linkages could lead to tangible joint activities.

New Initiatives and additional source of funding: Nuffic tailor made courses, Climate funds, GEF, GIZ (a visit is scheduled to UNESCO-IHE - results will be shared), EU calls, partnerships with CGIAr, IWMI, etc, links to people on the ground, SWWW Stockholm. Details will follow soon Recorded presentations MSc presentations presented during the annual meeting:

Amel Ahmed Ali: Improving productivity of Gash Agricultural Scheme, Sudan through better farming

practices.

Tewodros Fikrie Zenebe: Sediment control and management in the diversion and main canal of Gash

Agricultural Scheme, Sudan.

Janeiro Avelino: Optimization on farm water management and agronomic practices under spate

irrigation in Gash Agricultural Scheme, Sudan.

Ahmed Babiker Ahmed Khalifa: Towards a more profitable Gash agricultural scheme, Sudan.

Jonathan Tsoka: Optimization of the design of irrigation diversion structures in Gash Spate Irrigation

Scheme, Sudan.

Picture impressions

Annex 4: Spate Irrigation Network Plans (Chapters)

ETHIOPIA

Background

Spate irrigation that has been practiced traditionally and which is being modernized at this time is getting focus at mid-land and low-lands of Ethiopia. At mid-land where rainfall is the only source of moisture for agriculture, spate irrigation is getting focus largely due to frequent crop failure. The fact that water is the centre to sustain life and settlement for pastoralists and agro-pastoralists at low-land areas is also causing the spate resource development in such marginalized areas to get more attention. The request from the governmental and non-governmental implementing organizations for training of their implementers so that the knowledge gap for harnessing the spate resources can be filled – is also an indicative that this resource is getting focus. Spate irrigation network which is a network of people, knowledge, and experience has been supporting spate related developments and researches. The Ethiopia chapter of spate irrigation network has been working in close collaboration with the international spate irrigation network, universities and regional water bureau through building the capacity of the consultant, implementers, TVET and university staffs thereby the science and potential of the flood based farming in general and that of the spate irrigation in particular could be understood and sustainable spate irrigation developmental to be made. In addition the spate irrigation network facilitates the experience sharing from other countries and within Ethiopia so that any future spate irrigation implementation in the Ethiopia can incorporate lesson learnt from the past. This time the network is working on project called Spate Irrigation for Rural Growth and Poverty Alleviation to play great roll in alleviating poverty and bringing about growth for the rural people. Most importantly the project will be timely in supporting the developmental effort and curbing the current tragedy at the Horn of Africa which is reported to be the worst drought in the last 60 years.

Vision

The spate irrigation network of the Ethiopia chapter, aspires to be network of people, knowledge, and experience that supports sustainable development and management of water resources in general and seasonal flood in particular while incorporating a balance between ecology, economics, and equity. It also assists and expands development, research, educational and training mission of the country.

Mission

The mission of the Ethiopia chapter Spate Irrigation Network is to be a platform where a pool of national and international expertise serve to promote flood based farming and spate irrigation development under the context of integrated River basin management in the changing climate. It also works with interested stakeholders towards enhancing the wellbeing of life at lowland area of the country through effective and comprehensive water centred development approach that achieves a sensible balance between social, cost and environmental benefit.

Goals and Objectives

The major aim of the Spate Irrigation Network of the Ethiopia chapter is to promote principles of water centred development, integrated water resources management (IWRM) towards efficient and optimal utilization of seasonal wadi flows through up scaling the traditional practices and introducing new plan

for significant socio-economic development. Spate Irrigation Network of the Ethiopia chapter will focus its effort on four vital goals with specific objectives:

Identify the spate irrigation potential and establishing database of expertise and practical

documents on spate irrigation to support the development and management endeavour,

Organize network of expertise pool for the development and management of flood based

farming and spate irrigation in the country,

Awareness raising and advocacy of the importance of flood based farming and spate irrigation

resource for sustaining life and environment in an areas where the resource is identified as

potential and as adaptation option for climate change impact,

Address the multipurpose function of spate irrigation interventions (raising crop, vegetating

grazing land, artificial groundwater charging, greening environment etc.) and also to synergize

these developments with other considerations such as economy, social, environment and

geography etc. under integrated River basin management.

The Spate Network Organizational Structure

Interdisciplinary approach is required for implementing and managing spate irrigation schemes, and one of the main functions of the Network is to draw together investigators with diverse expertise and interests for sustainable exploitation of the spate resources. Themes such as ephemeral stream hydrology, sediment management, flood water management and field water management, flow controlling and distribution structures, agronomy, water rights and conflict management, spate irrigation system design and operation are dealt under spate irrigation network. Hence, the network will establish important relationships with all disciplines, expertise in these themes, including a partnership with different institutions. Activities and Plan

The Spate Irrigation Network of the Ethiopia chapter planned four years activities (2011-2014) based on

the project “Spate Irrigation for Rural Growth and Poverty Alleviation” being implemented in

collaboration with UNESCO-IHE, MetaMeta, Ethiopian universities (Harmaya and Arba Minch) and

Oromia water, mine and Energy bureau. The objective of the project is to strengthen spate irrigation

network in the country and to develop, manage and share knowledge among spate resource

implementers so that to build the capacity of the country in general, and of the rural area and/or low-

lands in particular with spate irrigation resources utilization. Under the project, to play great roll in

alleviating poverty and bringing about rural growth, four work plans are being implemented.

Work Plan 1: Strengthening the Spate Irrigation Network Work Plan 2: Under taking solutions-oriented research projects Work Plan 3: Capacity building, Continuous Knowledge Development and Dissemination Work Plan 4: Project Management

In addition to the above project activities and listed goals, the network works to realize the following activities:

Quantify the spate irrigation potential of the country and share the result for the implementers

and decision makers,

Contributing for the preparation of low-land development plan of the country where spate

irrigation is a potential. And, maintaining the livestock production and productivity through

multi-purpose spate irrigation scheme: Livestock water supply, boosting the grazing/ pasture/

range land and recharging ground water,

Technical papers on spate irrigation system design, flood and sediment management will be

prepared so that implementers can use for developmental innervations,

Promoting spate irrigation as an adaptation option to climate change impact at an area where

seasonal flood is a potential resource.

Membership to the Network

Interested professional and practitioners can be a member of the Ethiopia Spate Irrigation Network (ESIN) which is free of charge.

SUDAN

Introduction This document discusses the work plan - proposed activities and expected outputs - of the Sudan Spate

Irrigation Network (SSpN) in the period 2011 to 2014. The SSpN will operate as an integral part the

international Spate Irrigation Network (SpN) and will tailor its activities within the framework of the

overarching goals and objectives of the SpN; but will act with full autonomy and will have the full

legitimacy to decide and implement what it considers imperative spate irrigation activities in Sudan.

This document first introduces the SpN. It then presents a brief account of the spate irrigation system in

Sudan followed by description of the Spate Irrigation for Rural Economic Growth and Poverty Alleviation

Project (SIREGPA), which will be implemented in Sudan by SSpN in the period 2011 to 2014. Finally and

at a greater length, the objectives, organizational structure of SSpN and its activities in the period 2011

to 2014 are discussed.

The International Spate Irrigation Network The International Spate Irrigation Network (SpN) brings together the current knowledge and experience

in spate irrigation all over the world, connects the different professionals, practitioners and

organizations working in spate irrigation, and promotes and lobbies for adequate and appropriate

attention to spate irrigated livelihoods. The SpN is in existence since 2002 and has 450. It is co-convened

by UNESCO-IHE and MetaMeta and operates a website www.Spate-irrigation.org that attracts 1500

visitors/month. The website contains training material and extensive documents on technical, social,

economical and environmental aspects of spate irrigation.

The SpN has realized some tangible achievements. They include establishment of WUAs in Yemen as

part of an EU food Security Programme; publication of the FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 65:

Guidelines on Spate Irrigation; Setting-up and effectively running an international short course on Spate

Irrigation and Management of Drought at UNESCO-IHE; Acquiring a large grant from IFAD and UNESCO-

IHE for the Project: Spate Irrigation for Rural Economic Growth and Poverty Alleviation (SIREGPA)

SIREGPA Project Rationale The project rationale is the scope for improved productivity and livelihoods in spate irrigation areas

through applied research, knowledge management, network development and policy advocacy. This will

be achieved by the activities of the project and by making use of the Spate Irrigation Network (SpN) -

that exists since 2002 and is convened by UNESCO-IHE and MetaMeta.

In the past few years good practices have been documented and training material has been prepared - a

process that is still continuing. By documenting and sharing experiences within and between countries a

compendium of improved practices is evolving on organization and governance, on water diversion and

engineering, on improving agronomy, on moisture management and non-agricultural activities.

The rationale of the project is that spate irrigation in general and the large menu of improvements

requires much more attention and should be promoted at country policy level as well as at operational

level. The combined effect of improved spate irrigation system management can vastly increase

economic productivity and improve livelihood situations considerably. The spate irrigated areas in most

countries constitute poverty pockets hence making use of the potential for improvements effectively

contributes to poverty alleviation.

IFAD has been the single-largest development organization that has supported spate irrigation. IFAD has

supported spate irrigation activities among others in Tunisia, Sudan, Yemen and Eritrea.

The Project Programme Overall goal

The overall goal of the programme is to develop spate irrigation policies and capacity building

programmes based on solutions-oriented action research and documented practical experiences that in

an evidence based manner contribute to rural poverty alleviation and accelerated growth in marginal

areas in four countries: Ethiopia, Yemen, Pakistan and Sudan.

Main objectives:

Strengthened spate irrigation network in four countries: Ethiopia, Pakistan, Sudan, Yemen;

Country policy notes with budget, area identification and programmes;

Capacity building programs in spate irrigation developed with key implementers in four

countries;

Two innovative, up-scalable action research activities per country implemented;

Continued knowledge development (in local language & based on practitioners experiences);

Six international MSc students trained;

Promote open source sharing of knowledge;

Process of incorporating spate irrigation in curricula of universities and agricultural colleges

started in four countries;

Global inventory of spate irrigation and flood based farming systems;

Provide technical backstopping to IFAD project and country programmes.

Target group

The target group is: smallholder farmers in spate irrigated areas, farmers’ organizations and current and

potential support organizations in spate irrigation - in particular key implementing organizations,

educational institutes and local organizations that are associated with the country chapters of the Spate

Irrigation Network (SpN). Special care is taken to connect to relevant IFAD-funded investment projects and

country programmes as well as the activities of UNESCO-IHE in the four targeted countries.

Programme duration and packages

The programme will be of four-year duration (2011 to 2015) and will comprise of five main components

or Work Packages (WP):

WP 1: Project Management

WP 2:Strengthening the SpN;

WP 3: Innovative action research projects;

WP 4: Capacity building, continuous knowledge development & dissemination;

WP 5: Expert pool support to IFAD projects and country programmes.

Spate Irrigation system in Sudan With a total irrigated area of 285,000 ha, spate irrigation in Sudan is an important contributor to poverty

alleviation and improvement of rural livelihood of the population in the most marginal areas of the

country. During the time of the British colonial administration some very large spate irrigation systems

were developed – in particular the Gash and the Tokar systems. Both of these systems are supplied by

major rivers originating from Eritrea – respectively the Gash and the Barka and both ultimately

disappear in inland delta. The Gash and Tokar systems were originally developed for cotton export – but

over the years fortunes drastically changed. Other spate irrigation areas in Sudan are Khor Abu Habil in

Kordofan and Derudeb in the Port Sudan area. In all these areas spate irrigation operates under areas of

rural poverty and if well managed can make a substantial difference.

In Sudan, Spate irrigation has great potential, unexplored opportunities to be studied and developed to

contribute to poverty alleviation, adaptation to climate change and local food security. The SSpN

acknowledges these needs and potentiality and has drafted activities as part of the SIRGPA project that

target the development of spate areas and the livelihood in these neglected poor areas.

Figure 1: Major spate irrigated areas in Sudan

Sudan Spate Irrigation Network

Overall goal

To make a substantial and tangible contribution to sustainable improvement of the livelihoods of

the rural poor communities in the spate irrigated areas in Sudan.

Major objectives

Develop and implement top-end and applied research programmes that address real problems in

spate irrigated areas and link the outputs to policy formation

Set-up capacity building programmes at a BSc, MSc as well as in the form of demand driven short

courses with the objective of developing new generation of spate irrigation thinkers as well as

acquainting the existing spate irrigation professionals with relevant recent advancements in the

field

Promote the exchange and documentation of experiences through several outlets including

practical notes, policy briefs, videos, and organizing meeting and educational programs

Embracing farmers as key members of the SSpN and providing them with the platform to share

their experiences.

Structure Operating principles

The central operating principle will be that the legitimacy of the SSpN comes from actions and impact on

the ground – more so than from formal internal governance.

The following operating principles will apply for the SSpN:

The focus is on action

The network will work with other organizations – in implementing activities and in encouraging

those other organizations to implement activities in the spate irrigation areas

The network will try to create a movement and have many concerned people involved and give

due recognition to the efforts of different members

Knowledge and experience comes to a large extent from people working on the ground and this

needs to be captured and stimulated. In line with the SpN, SSpN will profess an open source

philosophy for it information. It will make intensive use of effective modern media (local

television channels, desk top publishing, internet)

Special efforts will be made to work in local languages

Organizational set-up The SSpN will be operated as a partnership of Hydraulic Research Station (HRS), Ministry of Agriculture

and the SpN. The activities will be stimulated from the field offices of HRS.

The organization of the SSpN will consist of a Convenor and a Secretary – whereas use will be made of

administrative and financial services within the convening organizations (HRS) as far as reasonable. The

tasks of the Convenor and Secretary are given in the table. For implementation of activities that require

more time and efforts, the SSpN may expand its core and/or engage project teams. Financial

administration will be brought in line with the requirement of the organizations funding it. As there are

three partners in the partnership the route of external funding will be decided jointly, keeping the

pragmatics of the administrative arrangements in mind. Where possible, however implementation of

activities will be with partners and the SSpN is to serve as catalyst and support and not competitor of its

partners and members.

Convenor Bring different parties in spate irrigation together

Convene meeting

Keep the discussion/ development of appropriate approaches lively –

at network and at policy level

Identify partner programmes and funding sources

Media contacts

Policy/ thematic contacts with SpN

Secretary Ensure membership stay informed and active

Identify partner programmes and help in their formulation

Media contacts

Management of information exchange

Operational contacts with SpN

Reporting and administration

Members of PSpN will be both individuals and organizations. They are expected to actively support and

contribute to meaningful activities of the network. There will at this stage not be membership fees, as

this may exclude some (students) and will involve small amounts that are difficult to administer. SSpN

funding instead will be sought from donors, funds and programmes – nationally and internationally,

whose objectives are in line with those of SSpN. The SSpN will have access to experts through SpN or

other organizations – to ask for ideas on the possible programmes and reflect on the quality of

implementation of ongoing programmes

The positions of the convenor and the secretary will also be reconsidered every two years – unless

personal circumstances or organizational requirements require this to done earlier.

Link to global Spate Irrigation Network. The SSpN is a chapter of the SpN. All parts of the SpN form a single global community of practitioners

and professionals aiming to improve livelihoods and productivity in these resource systems.

The cooperation between SSpN and SpN is

Joint promotion of effective programmes and policies in spate irrigation areas

Jointly developing the knowledge base – among other maintaining and improving the website,

producing and sharing practical notes and other means of dissemination

Effectively managing innovations across the international network

Support to implementation of joint programs – for instance the mainstreaming of spate

irrigation in higher education

Identifying joint funding opportunities

Activities Core activities

The core activities of the SSpN are:

Strengthen the SSPN

Identify opportunities for partnership programmes

Initiate new activities in support of development in the spate irrigated areas

Pick up ideas and encourage sharing and documentation, good examples

Contribute to policy development and agenda setting

PAKISTAN Introduction This business plan discusses the proposed working of the Pakistan Spate Irrigation Network – which is a

chapter of the international Spate Irrigation Network.

The international Spate Irrigation Network is a partnership operated by MetaMeta and UNESCO-IHE. It

currently has 450 members, is supporting the implementation of spate irrigation projects, is organizing

regional and international training, documents and disseminates experiences, approaches and good

practices and promoting country to country pilots. Guidelines for Spate Irrigation were issued August

2010 by FAO. A program of mainstreaming spate irrigation in higher education has started with the help

of UNW-DPC. The Spate Irrigation Network is supporting and setting up country chapters in countries

where spate irrigation is an important resource system – Yemen, Pakistan Ethiopia, Sudan. In the future

the same is planned for Eritrea and Morocco.

Pakistan has the world’s largest area under spate irrigation. Estimates vary – but the area under

cultivation from spate irrigated areas annually varies from 0.34 to 1.28 M Ha. The total bunded

command area is estimated at 2.02 M ha but the potential area is estimated much more than that.

The potential for improvements within the current systems moreover is large – through new diversions,

through improved moisture conservation and field water management, better agronomy and livestock

programmes. The areas have been underinvested and are the scene of higher poverty and instability.

The spate irrigated areas are among the most neglected and least privileged in the country. They

moreover were also among the main affected areas in the July/ August 2010 floods. In fact the spate

irrigated areas are caught between floods and droughts. The flood-affected areas in spate ecologies

were neglected because of their location outside the Indus basin irrigation system and away from the

large towns. The communities in the spate are poorest-of-the-poor and very much neglected.

In the past months several activities have been undertaken in support of the Pakistan Spate Irrigation

Network in line with the first phase of the support under the World Bank/ EKN:

One-to-one discussion with key organizations on scope for the Pakistan Spate Irrigation Network

– a summary of opportunities is given in annex 1.

Develop membership of the network – with currently 123 members, see annex 2

Preparation of nine Practical Notes on different aspects of improved spate irrigation (list is given

in annex 3) – as well as resource CD with training and reference material and also development

of sub-page on www.spate-irrigation.org

Organize workshop on Spate Irrigation and the scope for the Pakistan Spate Irrigation Network

on 23 and 24 August 2010.

In addition to what was agreed under World Bank/ EKN support a number of additional activities

were started up:

With the help of UNW-DPC work started on the curriculum development: integrating spate

irrigation in the curriculum of institutes of higher learning in each of the four provinces. An

orientation workshop in DG Khan Campus of the Faisalabad Agricultural University was

organized. Staff of three universities attended a workshop on mainstreaming spate irrigation in

higher education in Delft. Annex 5 describes the plans for curriculum development.

Practical Notes are being translated in Urdu. One new Practical Note is under preparation – on

truffle mushrooms in spate irrigation. This is done with help of research grant of IFAD.

An orientation workshop was organized for senior and mid level field staff of NRSP – working in

DG Khan and Rajanpur. This was undertaken in support of the preparation of a new project of

productive infrastructure under Poverty Alleviation Fund which can include schemes related to

spate irrigation.

Objective This note discusses (as an output of the first phase of the project) the functioning and output of the

Pakistan chapter of the Spate Irrigation Network.

The objective of the Pakistan Spate Irrigation Network (PSpN) is to make a significant and tangible

contribution to improved and sustainable livelihoods in the spate irrigated areas of the country. This will

be done by:

Working with partners who implement or fund field level activities by providing back stopping

services, capacity building and technical inputs based on the evidence of good practices

Initiate new and innovative activities in spate irrigation areas with partners

Structure the exchange and documentation of experiences, linking these to comparable

international experiences and disseminating these among other through educational programs

Contribute to an enabling policy environment for spate irrigation management and

development.

Structure Operating principles

Given the objectives of the PSpN the thrust of the network is to be stimulating, pragmatic and effective.

The point of departure is that legitimacy comes from actions and impact on the ground – more so than

from formal internal governance.

The following operating principles will apply for the PSpN:

The focus is on action

The network will work with other organizations – in implementing activities and in encouraging

those other organizations to implement activities in the spate irrigation areas

The network will try to create a movement and have many concerned people involved and give

due recognition to the efforts of different members

Knowledge and experience comes to a large extent from people working on the ground people

and this needs to be captured and stimulated. In line with the International Spate Irrigation

Network, the PSpN will profess an open source philosophy for it information. It will make

intensive use of effective modern media (local television channels, desk top publishing, internet)

Special efforts will be made to work in local languages

Organizational set-up The PSpN will be operated as a partnership of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and

Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO) and the International Spate Irrigation Network. The

activities will be stimulated from the field offices of PARC (DI Khan and DG Khan) and SPO (most relevant

are: Turbat, Quetta, DI Khan, Mardan, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Multan, and Muzaffar Garh).

The organization of the PSpN will consist of a Convenor and a Secretary – whereas use will be made of

administrative and financial services within the convening organizations as far as reasonable. The tasks

of the Convenor and Secretary are given in the table. For implementation of activities that require more

time and efforts the PSpN may expand its core and/or engage project teams. Financial administration

will be brought in line with the requirement of the organizations funding it. As there are three partners

in the partnership the route of external funding will be decided jointly, keeping the pragmatics of the

administrative arrangements in mind: in this respect all three parties have certain advantages. Where

possible however implementation of activities will be with partners and the PSpN is to serve as catalyst

and support and not competitor of its partners and members.

Convenor Bring different parties in spate irrigation together

Convene meeting

Keep the discussion/ development of appropriate approaches lively – at

network and at policy level

Identify partner programmes and funding sources

Media contacts

Policy/ thematic contacts with SpN

Secretary Ensure membership stay informed and active

Identify partner programmes and help in their formulation

Oversee implementation of partnership programmes

Media contacts

Management of information exchange

Operational contacts with SpN

Reporting and administration

Members of PSpN will be both individuals and organizations. They are expected to actively support and

contribute to meaningful activities of the network. There will at this stage not be membership fees, as

this may exclude some (students) and will involve small amounts that are difficult to administer. PSpN

funding instead will be sought from donors, funds and programmes – nationally and internationally,

whose objectives are in line with those of PSpN. At this stage for instance promising discussions have

started with IFAD and UNE-DPC to fund some additional activities.

The PSpN will have access to experts – to ask for ideas on the possible programmes and reflect on the

quality of implementation of ongoing programmes.

Every two years the PSpN will do a review of the program – by inviting an oversight committee to look at

the activities and outputs. The oversight committees will always include national and international

persons.

The positions of the convenor and the secretary will also be reconsidered every two years – unless

personal circumstances or organizational requirements require this to done earlier.

Link to global Spate Irrigation Network. The PSpN is a chapter of the international Spate Irrigation Network. All parts of the international Spate

Irrigation Network form a single global community of practitioners and professionals aiming to improve

livelihoods and productivity in these resource systems.

The cooperation between PSpN and SpN is

Joint promotion of effective programmes and policies in spate irrigation areas

Jointly developing the knowledge base – among other maintaining and improving the website,

producing and sharing practical notes and other means of dissemination

Effectively managing innovations across the international network

Support to implementation of joint programs – for instance the mainstreaming of spate

irrigation in higher education

Identifying joint funding opportunities

Activities Core activities

The core activities of the PSpN are:

Identify opportunities for partnership programmes

Initiate new activities in support of development in the spate irrigated areas

Pick up ideas and encourage sharing and documentation, good examples

Contribute to policy development and agenda setting

These core activities are all in support of programmes on the ground.

In line with the discussion and outcome of the first phase of the project, the emphasis of the Spate

Irrigation Network in the second phase2 will be on a direct engagement in operational activities – both in

(1) catalyzing new activities (2) introducing innovations and (3) engaging with development programs

and policies. A fourth activity will be to introduce spate irrigation in educational curricula. In addition a

number of activities are required to strengthen the Spate Irrigation Network

Programmes 2011-2012 The work programme, based on the consultations and planning, for the 2011-2012 period is described

below – in five work streams.

Stream 1: Strengthening the partnership

Small secretariat

Digitizing revenue records

Translation of documents and preparation of popular book

Stream 2: Catalyzing new activities

Making start with water management and CAD in Sanghar Command Area

Preparing for replenishment of bulldozer stock

Prepare small intervention programmes with NGO networks

Stream 3: Introducing innovations

Preparing for innovative bank reinforcement

Model for improved drinking water ponds

Integrated farming pilot

Stream 4: Engage with policies

Prepare national and provincial spate irrigation policy note

Develop and promote alternative concepts for dam development on ephemeral rivers

Stream 5: Capacity building

Curriculum development

New practical notes

The different activities are described in more detail below.

2The second phase of the program was originally supposed to consist of the launch of Pakistan Spate Irrigation Network

in line with the finalized strategy for membership, staff, fundraising and sustainability of the Network; development of training material and curricula on Spate Irrigation for various universities and colleges; documentation of good-practices in Spate Irrigation and practical improvement information sheets and relevant audio/visual materials; development of

national Spate Irrigation Network website and contribution to international Spate Irrigation Network and a series of experience sharing workshops at national and provincial levels in collaboration with PARC and Ministry of Water and Power

Stream 1 General strengthening of network

Small part time secretariat Website costs, secretariat, regional unit

Meeting to strengthen network and expand membership basis

especially to farmers and farmer leaders and to engineers (now

underrepresented)

Translation of documents Translation of 10 practical notes into Urdu/ local language

Digital library of land

records

Digitizing D.G. Khan and D.I. Khan land records – before they are lost

Preparation of popular book VANGUARD has indicated interest in the publication of a popular

book on spate irrigation. Texts for these were prepared in draft and

need to be updated and corrected.

Stream 2 Catalyzing initiatives

Making start with water

management and command

area development planning

in Sanghar

Substantial investment is made in Sanghar Rud (USD 27 M) –

consisting of a low weir and two open gates. This investment is

technically an excellent practice for flood water diversion from such

wide river. There is however no command area development

foreseen. The risk is that the scheme will be left unutilized and that

are large opportunities at livelihood improvement and economic

security are missed.

Activities

Support is to be given to initiate the process of command area

development – aligning among other the Revenue Department. , the

command area works involved in it Introductory meetings,

organizing stakeholders, detailed diagnostic surveys, analysis and

formulation of a plan in consultation with all relevant stakeholders

Preparing plan for bulldozer

replenishment

More than 30 years large numbers of bulldozer were put at the

disposal of the Agricultural Engineering Department – under a grant

in kind by JICA. Over the years these bulldozers have provided very

useful services in the construction of diversion and guide bunds.

Embankments as well as in repairing breaches and gullies – essential

for the operation of spate irrigation systems particularly in the sandy

lowlands. By now most bulldozers – having far outlived their

economic life – are out of order. In fact it is testimony of their

usefulness that they have continued operations – often with farmers

informally paying for the repairs and operations. With the present

flood damage the need for earthmoving equipment has increased

tremendously.

Activities

There is a need to replenish the stock of bulldozers and at the same

time to rethink the management of the earthmoving equipment –

particularly with a larger degree of local control and ability to

undertake repairs. There are examples from Eritrea and Yemen

where farmers have taken larger responsibility in managing

bulldozers and lessons can be drawn from this. A plan with JICA, the

concerned parties could be investigated developed to replenish the

stock of bulldozers and introduce effective management

arrangements. Selection of cost-effective and energy efficient

machinery have to be done.

The specific activities will be the development of discussion note –

with emphasis on private sector operation of bulldozer (smart

subsidy system) – to be jointly developed with JICA based on the

partnership of the Spate Farmers Organization and the private

sector for provision of bulldozers. Other options will be considered

too like Cooperative-Corporate culture run by the Board of Spate

Farmers Organization to operate the Service for earth-moving

machinery including large horse power tractors and crawlers.

Develop special spate

irrigation projects with large

NGO programmes

Several NGO in Pakistan support wide-spread networks of local

organizations that work to improve productivity and create better

livelihoods in spate irrigated areas – such as field water

management structures, grain storage and drinking water ponds.

There is also scope to make improvements in the water distribution.

This also requires engagement with local communities in the spate

areas.

SPO for instance has a large number of field offices – covering many

of the spate irrigation areas. In all these areas SPO works with three

types of local networks (a) community based organizations (b) civil

society organizations (c) members of political parties. One of the

objectives is improved livelihoods. SPO is also feeding into local

television channels.

Similarly NRSP operates from many field stations in spate irrigation

areas, strengthening and serving Village Organisations.

The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund is undertaking several

activities to reduce poverty and is working in 80 districts. Through

local partner organizations it provides micro-credit and small funds

for community infrastructure.

Activities

A program of introducing local improvements can be developed with

these organizations and with other NGO networks (in particular

Taraquee in Balochistan and the Kohistan network of NGOs in

Sindh).

This could start with a training and discussion with field offices and

partner organisations to introduce spate irrigation and highlight

improvements both in terms of local/ community infrastructure and

local management. The networks as they exist in different WUA

would be a powerful mechanism to do this.

From these discussions the incorporation of investments and

interventions especially appropriate to these areas can be discussed

as well as the support in terms of training, standard designs,

presentations and experience sharing or proposal writing. The

activities will also consist of training of key staff of Spate

Cooperative-Corporate Body through SPO, other NGOs and public-

sector institutions for joint formulation of activities (in agriculture,

livestock, water management). The ultimate objective will be to

improve the capacity of NGOs in developing and implement project

proposals which are cost-effective and sustainable – and help

prepare for funding from various sources.

Stream 3 Introducing innovations

Pilot on improved soil bund

diversions (strengthening

embankments)

Issue

The spate systems in Pakistan are largely dependent on soil bunds.

There is sometime reluctance to breach these – even when required

– as the surge created by a breached bunds also damages river soil

embankments and upper sections of the guide bunds.

Activities

After proper discussion and design, a pilot with innovative design

should be developed consisting over reinforced embankment just

d/s of current location so that a breach does not cause the same

level of damage. This can be implemented through field offices of

PARC and/or through NGOs such as VEER.

The activities will consist of the development of design, proposal to

investment program, documentation of performance once

implemented.

Developing model for

improved drinking water

ponds

In many spate irrigated areas drinking water ponds (and pools in the

river) still remain a major source of water for humans and livestock –

for lack of alternatives. Over the time several organizations in side

the spate areas of Pakistan (and outside of the country) have

worked on improving the ponds. It is time to put all these

experiences together, evaluate them and come to a new standard to

be shared with Public Health Engineering and NGOs and most

important Spate Farmer Organizations.

Activities

Assessment of different drinking water ponds by team of farmers,

sociologist and engineers.

Documentation and development of standard budget format,

workshop with Cooperative and Corporate Body of Spate Farmers

and other stakeholders i.e. Public Health Engineering. Prepare cost

effective design for water ponds for multiple purposes through

maintaining quantity and quality of stored water and hand pump

based filtration system for domestic, stock water and washing

clothes. . Guidelines will be prepared for the NGOs and Farmers’

Organizations to follow standards operating procedures.

Promoting integrated land

use – livestock, crops, range

grass, fruits, bio-gas – and

link to marketing

Agricultural extension services have often more or less vanished

after the demise of the T&V system. This applies not only to Pakistan

but is a global phenomenon. On the other hand the impact of

agricultural practices is enormous in terms of economic

development and food security

Activities:

SDC-Intercooperation is working on a model for agricultural service

centres – that will bring together different service providers. As a

first pilot an agricultural service centre can be introduced in DI Khan,

where SDC-Intercooperation is already active.

Activities

Collaboration of Spate Cooperative-Corporate Body with Integrated

Service Centre of SDC – which they plan in D.I. Khan. Funding to the

Service Centre. The Cooperative Corporate Body of Spate irrigation

area will get the full benefit of the integrated service centre.

However, Spate Cooperative-Corporate Body will be organized so

that it can sustain itself on the pattern of Idara-a-Kissan Patoki

where the Cooperative-Corporate Body of farmers managing the

Halla Milk Plant and provide integrated services to the women

members (around 25,000).

Stream 3 Engaging with policies

Prepare national and

provincial spate irrigation

policy note

Spate irrigation has largely been invisible in Pakistan and there has

been no policy to describe the approach to agricultural development

and livelihoods improvement.

Activities

Preparagraphtion of policy note by the core group of PSpN having

experience in policy review and analysis – based on local ecologies

and economic potential with suggestion for location specific

programs in each of the provinces – and preferably endorsed in the

Provinces too. Having note endorsed by MINFA, a number of

roundtables will be organized to support this action. Two to three

Policy Notes will be developed for each province, Tribal Areas and

AJK.

Develop and promote

alternative concepts for dam

development on ephemeral

rivers using innovative ideas

of managing floodwater and

sediments to maintain

hydrological equilibrium.

At present several dam projects are under consideration on

ephemeral rivers from the Suleiman and Kirther ranges – including

the Gai Nai Dam and several small dams in the Dadu District. The

development of these dams is undertaken without a longer term

perspective and without looking at the value and potential of spate

irrigation systems.

Activities

Discussion should start based on the review of several proposed

project – taking a medium term and long term perspective – looking

among others at long term sedimentation management, effect on

groundwater, effect of flood management and changes to local river

morphology, present and potential benefits of current uses

(agriculture, livestock, others). Make a joint steering team with main

organizations in dam development. Overview of ongoing activities,

compare with international practices (Yemen) and national best

practices (i.e. Shabo Headworks in Balochistan; Tanda dam in Kohat,

etc.), and propose cost-effective alternatives. The innovative options

of underground geo-synthetic barriers will be investigated in a

cascade system to enhance recharge and reduce the peak and

prolong the duration of the flood.

Case studies will be conducted for the small dams constructed

during last 2 decades and based on the SWOT analysis a strategy will

be developed for integrated watershed management, reservoir

operation, command area development and Spate irrigation.

Stream 5 Capacity development

Curriculum development With the engagement of the Higher Educational Council and staff of

some universities as well as the International Spate Irrigation

Network, the FAO and United Nations University development of

multi disciplinary course at Gomal University, D. I. Khan, Sindh

Agriculture University, TandoJam, University of Water, Agriculture

and Marine Sciences at Lasbela, Agricultural College, D. G. Khan.

Curriculum will be designed for BSc and MSc level education – to be

adopted. The curriculum developed for IWRM under the ADB TA-

4560 (Pak) will be the drawn upon for developing curriculum for

Spate irrigation.

New practical notes Practical note on “Natural Mushrooms and Native Natural Resources

(i.e. Herbs and vegetables) for value addition for food, beverages,

pharmaceuticals, perfumes, etc. The other topics will include

integrated land use systems to reduce the impacts of droughts and

floods, biogas for pumping water and power generation. Generated

power for value addition of agricultural commodities. Small-scale

cottage industry, etc.

Annex 5: Poster for Spate Irrigation Network and Spate Project Profile

Annex 6: MSc Research Proposals for Ethiopia

ARBAMINCH UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES

DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES AND IRRIGATION ENGINEERING

M.Sc. THESIS PROPOSAL ON

Towards better spate flow and sediment management for Billio spate irrigation scheme

Prepared by Ephrem Kidane

Advisor Dr. Mekonen Ayana

March 17, 2012

Table of contents

Contents page

LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................................................... XXVIII

LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................................................... XXIX

ACRONYMS ....................................................................................................................................................... XXX

1 - INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................ XXX

1.1-Background .............................................................................................................................................. xxx

1.2- Statement of the problem ..................................................................................................................... xxxi

1.3- Study objectives .................................................................................................................................... xxxii

1.3.1- General objectives ......................................................................................................................... xxxii

1.3.2- Specific objectives of the study ..................................................................................................... xxxii

1.4- Research question................................................................................................................................. xxxii

1.5- Significance of the study ....................................................................................................................... xxxii

1.6- Scope of the study ................................................................................................................................ xxxii

2- METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................................................................... XXXIII

2.1- Description of the study area .............................................................................................................. xxxiii

2.2- Data collection ..................................................................................................................................... xxxiii

2.3- Equipment and materials ..................................................................................................................... xxxiv

2.4- Data collection techniques .................................................................................................................. xxxiv

3- EXPECTED OUTPUTS ................................................................................................................................... XXXV

4-WORK SCHEDULE ......................................................................................................................................... XXXV

REFERENCE ...................................................................................................................................................... XXXV

List of tables

Table 1: Work plan of the study ....................................................................................................................... xxxv

List of figures

Figure 1: Location Map of Mieso District. ....................................................................................................... xxxiii

Acronyms

FAO Food and Agriculture organization

GPS Global Positioning System

OIDA Oromya irrigation development agency

SWAT Soil and Water Analysis Tool

UNDP United Nation Development Program

1 - INTRODUCTION

1.1-Background

Rainfed agriculture has long history in Ethiopia and thus its productivity mainly depends on the characteristics of rainfall (i.e distribution and amount in time and space). However, the nature of rainfall in Ethiopia is unreliable and because of its dependency on rainfall different agricultural activities had not productive for many years, which makes the country unable to provide sufficient food for its people. To enhance agricultural productivity and secure food self-sufficiency, government has made different strategic plans. Among these, adopting a new and/or improving traditional spate irrigation method is the one which is intended to utilize runoff water in dry areas of the country. Spate irrigation is a unique form of water resource management that has been practiced in arid and semi-arid regions where evapotranspiration greatly exceeds rainfall. In the report of an Expert Consultation on the subject, UNDP and FAO (1987) have defined spate irrigation as “an ancient irrigation practice that involves the diversion of flashy spate floods running off from mountainous catchments where flood flows, usually flowing for only a few hours with appreciable discharges and with recession flows lasting for only one to a few days, are channeled through short steep canals to bunded basins, which are flooded to a certain depth”. Crops are grown from one or more irrigations using residual moisture stored in the deep alluvial soils formed from the sediments deposited in previous irrigations. (Steenbergen, F. v. (2010)) Spate systems are risk-prone and are categorically different from perennial systems. The foods may be abundant or minimal and production varies from year to year. The fluctuation also brings along an unavoidable degree of inequity, with some lands always better served than others. Spate systems, moreover, have to deal with occasional high floods that - unless properly controlled - can cause damage to river beds and command areas. Another feature that sets spate systems apart from perennial irrigation is the high sediment load of the water. This sediment is a blessing as well as a curse: it brings fertility and makes it possible to build up well-structured soils. On the other hand, it can also cause rapid rise of the command area and the sedimentation of canals. In Ethiopia spate irrigation is - as elsewhere in Sub Saharan Africa - on the increase. Its popularity is part of a larger movement towards higher productivity farm systems - not exclusively rain-dependent. In some areas spate irrigation is also a response to a trend of perennial rivers no longer being perennial, the result of catchment degradation, - but moving to a semi-perennial state with more flashy floods. The area currently under spate irrigation is estimated at 140,000 ha, but the potential particularly in the lowland plains is much higher (Alemayehu, 2008).

Hararghe is considered as one of water stressed area in Ethiopia so that it is common to observe flood irrigation practice, from such area Mi’eso district is the one having improved spate irrigation system and it is selected for the study purpose. (Abebe M, June 2010) Modern spate Irrigation technique is the one introduced recently and adopted in some areas in the country. Bililo Spate irrigation project is among such schemes developed in the country although it is not performing well. In this area, Bililo, the flood is not only an option for spate irrigation method but also the source of water for the survival of the people, by providing water for their domestic use and their livestock. Thus, it is interesting to study the nature of flood occurrence in and sediment yield of the catchment to provide reliable data for better design and management practices of the scheme.

1.2- Statement of the problem

In Ethiopia best practices on design, construction and management of spate irrigation method are not well developed. Designing of spate irrigation system requires an in depth understanding about hydrological processes and in particular runoff and sediment processes of the area. Availability of a long time series hydrological and meteorological data are very essential for better design of spate irrigation system that minimizes risk of system failure which is either due to design or management shortcomings. In Oromya regional state traditional spate irrigation methods have long history, in some semi-arid areas, serving the people by providing water for irrigation and domestic uses. However, the development in design techniques and management is not well developed. Beside, due to climate and/or land use changes brought a reduction in flow or totally stop flow of small streams, which had been used for conventional irrigation and hence to sustain the livelihood of the people adoption of spate irrigation methods inevitable, one of the best example is Bililo spate irrigation scheme. After the improvements made on Bililo irrigation scheme, as a spate irrigation the scheme have been serving the people in the area by providing water for irrigation which improved their agricultural productivity and for domestic uses and also for their livestock. As most of ephemeral streams in the country important hydrologic data, like runoff and sediment data are not available sufficiently that can ensure better design and minimize risk of uncertainty. Hence, it would not able to serve long because of headwork structure failure, problems associated with sediment and land use practices and/or other factors related to management practices in the scheme command area. As there is no better option to access water in the area better and adoptable practices to utilize the available flood is very essential for the livelihood of the people. Thus estimating the amount of flood and sediment reached the point of diversion and identifying best land use management practices in the catchment and in the field as well are very crucial. This may essentially minimize design risks related to the hydrologic characteristics of the catchment. Such characteristics of the catchment can be understand by using selected hydrologic models that suits the area. To ensure the sustainability and better redesign of Bililo spate irrigation scheme it is essential to describe runoff/flood characteristics and sediment yield of the catchment and identify best land use management practices both in the catchment and on the field. This can be achieved by analyzing available secondary data and by collecting primary data about the stream characteristics.

1.3- Study objectives

1.3.1- General objectives

Describing runoff/flood potential and sediment yield and identifying best land use management practices for the catchment of Bililo spate irrigation scheme.

1.3.2- Specific objectives of the study

1- Estimating runoff potential of the catchment that reaches at the point of diversion 2- Estimating sediment yield of the catchment that reaches at the point of diversion 3- Identifying best landuse management practices for the catchment and the scheme 4- Investigating alternative site for the headwork structure 5- Forward best Sediment and flood water management in the main system.

1.4- Research question

1- How much flood is generated from the catchment? 2- What is the sediment load of the flood at the point of diversion? 3- What are the best landuse and management practices in the catchment and in the command

area, what best land management practices can be recommended if necessary? 4- How is sediment managed throughout the scheme? 5- Is the headwork site appropriate?

1.5- Significance of the study

By identifying and describing important hydrologic characteristics, mainly runoff and sediment yield, of the catchment can has a significant role for the development of design techniques and management of spate irrigation method. To fulfill the gap in design principles of hydraulic structures, and water and sediment management in spate irrigation, understanding the nature of runoff/flood occurrence and sediment yield of the catchment by collecting primary data or analyzing secondary data is very essential. In addition to these, land use management practices that have a direct or indirect relation to the flood and sediment yield of the catchment understood clearly. The significance of this research is to describe the aforementioned hydrologic characteristics and identify best land use management practices that can ensure the rehabilitation of Bililo spate irrigation scheme. It also tries to contribute tangible or applicable recommendations on the improvement of technical design and overall management practices in Bililo spate irrigation scheme. This study will come up with best solutions for existed problems in the scheme. It also identifies alternative headwork site and irrigation potential of the flood at selected sites. In general, significance of this research is improving the design techniques of hydraulic structures in spate irrigation system and identifying best land use management practices in the catchment and specifically in the command area.

1.6- Scope of the study

The scope of this research is to describe hydrologic characteristics, identify best land use management practices and important recommendations to scale up the scheme’s management practices, related with water and sediment, made. Beside alternative headwork site along the stream is investigated.

2- METHODOLOGY

2.1- Description of the study area

Bililo spate irrigation scheme is located in Oromia region West Harerge zone Mieso woreda. Geographically the scheme is located between 9o13’35” N latitude and 40o45’23” E longitude which is about 6km South of Mieso town. The area has a semi arid agro-ecology receiving an average annual rainfall of 757.15 mm and temperature between 15.6oc and 31.6oc. The area has an average altitude of 1450m above mean sea level. The watershed Area is 157 km2 of which above 70% of it covered by forest and scattered bushes and the rest is farmland. About 25% of the catchment has a slope >28 %. Farmlands have chance of getting two floods for irrigation during the growing season, the resulting design capacity is 3 m3/s for 500ha. The major crops produced in the area are sorghum and maize. (Abebe M, June 2010) Bililo spate irrigation scheme mainly receives runoff generated in the highland areas of Chiro and Doba district and come with very heavy flood. Flood from this river, sometimes lasts for 15 days with low flow and it is simple to divert locally this rescission flow mostly used by farmers. The area under this scheme constitutes a number of valleys ranging from small to large sizes, thus the main canal of the distribution system alignment follow contour lines and/or crosses some of the valleys providing flume structures. Bililo spate irrigation scheme is one of small scale irrigation scheme designed and constructed by Luturan Missionaries as conventional irrigation system before 30 years. Previously the scheme has failed two more times and maintained by CARE Ethiopia and by Oromia Irrigation Development Agency (OIDA). The system is designed and implemented attempting to divert runoff water generated by rainfall received in highland areas of adjacent districts of Mieso and to distribute water through canal system networks to the area where intended. According to the design during improvement time it was planned to irrigate 500 ha that is about 750 house hold farm by estimating average of 1.25 ha per house hold. (Abebe M , June 2010)

2.2- Data collection

I- Primary data

Runoff amount generated in the catchment, if already recorded data are not available.

Soil data or FAO soil map for East Africa can be used by taking ground check points

Sediment load of the flood.

River cross section at different points read using level and meter tape.

Geographical coordinates of the headwork site taken using GPS

II- Secondary data

Precipitation, wind speed at 2m height, sunshine hours, air temperature (maximum and minimum), relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, solar radiation, - from national meteorology service agency.

Information about water and sediment management in the scheme.

Peak flood discharge - from Ministry of water resources and energy(optional), if not available it can be estimated by collecting primary historic data about the flood levels in the river cross section.

Topographic map, DEM of the area with 30 x 30 resolution and Ehio-GIS – from Ethiopian map authority

Land use land cover map- from Ethiopian map authority

Crop types and cropping patterns and their evapotranspiration of the command area- from Water Users Association (WUA) or Agriculture and Rural Development Office (ARDO)

Design documents and drawings- from Oromiya Irrigation Development Agency (OIDA)

2.3- Equipment and materials

Staff gauge

Level

Topographic map sheets(1:50000), land use map, soil map

Meter tape

Soil sampler/auger set, oven, sieve, double ring infiltrometer, water can

Global Positioning System(GPS)

Hardware and Software Laptop GIS, SWAT, Global Mapper

2.4- Data collection techniques

Installing temporary gauge staff at selected points along the stream to measure both flood and sediment load brought by the flood.

Estimating missed rainfall data, if any.

Estimating runoff produced and sediment yield of the catchment using SWAT model

Estimating sediment load of the river at the headwork site using SWAT model

Determining best land use measures/practices applied in the future in the catchment that sustains service of the scheme, when the scheme rehabilitated or reconstructed, using SWAT model.

Soil data obtained by taking soil samples from the field and its physical properties are determined in laboratory or measured in situ. Important physical properties of soil required for this research purpose includes:

Texture determined by mechanical and/or sedimentation analysis method. Bulk density: determined by dividing the total dry weight of the soil by total volume of

soil sample Infiltration rate: measured in the field using double ring infiltrometer Hydraulic conductivity: measured in the field using auger pit

Determine the river cross section at the headwork site and other relevant points using level and meter tape.

Questioners about the water and sediment management practices in the Bililo spate irrigation scheme are prepared and a further discussion also made with selected group leaders and elders.

Analyzing appropriateness of headwork site to divert the required amount of flood and capacity of the structure to divert the required flood.

3- EXPECTED OUTPUTS

Amount of flood and its sediment load that reach point of diversion is estimated

Characteristics of the catchment in relation with runoff generated and sediment yield are described

Best land use management practices in the catchment as well as in the field are determined

Irrigation potential of most probable or dependable flood is determined

Technical and institutional Performance level to manage water and sediment in the scheme are identified and better options, if required, are recommended

Important parameters used for the design of flood diversion headwork and water distribution structures are determined or simulated by selected model(s)

Appropriate measures applied in order to rehabilitate the scheme are determined.

4-WORK SCHEDULE

Table 1: Work plan of the study

Components of thesis work May June July August September

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

1-Preparatory works and literature review

* * * * *

2-Data collection a. primary data b. secondary

*

*

*

*

3-Data analysis * * *

4-Result and conclusion work * * *

5-First draft preparation * *

6-Thesis writing and reporting

* * * *

N.B:- Based on the availability of rainfall in the catchment primary data collection about runoff and sediment may or may not be as the schedule above, hence it can be modified accordingly.

Reference

1- Abebe, M. (Jne 2010). Traditional and Improved Spate Irrigation Systems in eastern Ethiopia. Haramaya.

2- Alemayehu, T. (2008). Spate Profle of Ethiopia (A Preliminary Assessment). .

3- Steenbergen, F. v. (2010). Guide lines on spate irrigation. Rome: FAO.

ARBAMINCH UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES

DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES AND IRRIGATION ENGINEERING

M.Sc. THESIS PROPOSAL ON

Optimum Community Flood Water Management in Boru Dodota Spate Irrigation Scheme

By: Shushay Legesse Supervisor: Dr.Ing. Nigussie Teklie

Ermias Alemu (Dr Student)

March 25, 2012

Table of content page

1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 39

1.1 General information .......................................................................................................................... 39

1.2 Background ....................................................................................................................................... 39

1.3 Problem of Statement ....................................................................................................................... 40

1.4 Objectives .......................................................................................................................................... 40

1.4.1 General Objective ...................................................................................................................... 40

1.4.2 Specific Objective ....................................................................................................................... 40

1.5 Research Questions ........................................................................................................................... 40

1.6 Scope of the study ............................................................................................................................. 41

2. THE STUDY AREA ...................................................................................................................... 41

3. MATERIALS AND METHODS ...................................................................................................... 41

3.2 Materials ........................................................................................................................................... 41

3.2 Methods ............................................................................................................................................ 41

3.2.1 Data Collection ........................................................................................................................... 41

3.2.2 Field work ................................................................................................................................... 42

3.2.3 Analysis of data .......................................................................................................................... 42

4. EXPECTED OUTPUT ................................................................................................................... 42

5. BUDGET REQUIREMENT ................................................... FOUT! BLADWIJZER NIET GEDEFINIEERD.

6. TIME SCHEDULE ........................................................................................................................ 42

7. REFERENCE ............................................................................................................................... 43

Introduction

1.1 General information

Spate irrigation is among the oldest forms of irrigation and used in several arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Spate floods originate from accumulated rainfall over mountainous catchments and run through the lower areas. Spate irrigation involves the diversion, conveyance, and application of the spate flood to the irrigated fields. This is established by simple earthen, brushwood, gabion or concrete structures. The importance of spate irrigation is not to be underestimated since for several regions spate irrigation is also the only method of irrigation to achieve sufficient yields. Spate irrigation can be found in parts of Africa, the Middle East, West India and Latin America. FAO Aquastat has collected data obtained from governments and estimated there is a total area of 3.15 million ha of spate irrigation over 10 countries representing 13% of their irrigated area. However, it is believed that “more informal” areas of small-farm spate irrigation can be found in other countries such as Sudan, Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania and Senegal as well as Chile and Bolivia (ElAskari, 2005). One of the main characteristics of spate irrigation is the unpredictability of the flood water in occurrence and amount and its high sediment load and destructive nature (Haile, 2007) Therefore this research will analyze the problems of flood water management and its fair distribution. Firstly, it investigates why the scheme does not properly flood water managed and operates efficiently, and based on this understanding then proposes and evaluate to provide recommendations.

1.2 Background

Ethiopia has been described as the water tower of Africa, because most of the rivers in Eastern Africa originate from its highlands. The country is endowed with 12 river basins and 22 natural & artificial lakes. The total annual surface runoff is about 123 billion cubic meters while usable water is estimated 2.56 billion cubic meters (Metu, 2002 cited in Tesfa-alem G. 2009). Mean annual rainfall ranges from 2000 mm over some areas in the southwest highlands, to less than 250 mm in the lowlands. In general, annual precipitation ranges from 800 to 2200 mm in the highlands (elevation greater than 1500 m.a.s.l) and varies from less than 200 to 800 mm in the lowlands (Annual rainfall in Ethiopia, 2002). In Ethiopia practices of water harvesting dated back as early as the pre-Axumite period, 560 before Christ (Getachew and Alemayehu, 2008). The use of run-off and seasonal floods is a common practice and used mainly in the arid parts of the country. Floods may come several times a year and makes spate irrigation more evened out than in other countries. Spate irrigation schemes can be found in the valleys and plains east of Tigray, parts of Amhara, in the eastern Highlands around Dire Dawa and near Harari in the eastern and western parts of Harerge. Also in the southern region it is found near Lake Ababaya and south of Konso. Almost all traditional spate irrigation systems are small scale and entirely managed by farmers (Alemayehu, 2008). Spate Irrigation is one means of increasing land productivity. The spate systems in Ethiopia rely more on rainfall. In some systems the spate flows are supplementary to the rainfall rather than the other way around, (Community spate irrigation network). In such areas spate irrigation is used as a supplementary irrigation to the rainfed agriculture during periods of small rainfall. The numbers of public programs to support spate irrigation have been relatively limited. One reason has been the difficulty to justify investment in civil engineering works on the systems, dominating with low value farming. The second reason has been that it has been hard to identify successful interventions in spate irrigation systems, because spate systems are often hydraulically and socially very complex (FAO aqua stat and spate irrigation network).

The government will manage at scheme level and the Water User Association (WUA) at field level. These organizations need to contribute efficiently and are both responsible for proper management to enable efficient and fair irrigation water utilization.

1.3 Problem of Statement

In many semi-arid areas spate irrigation is the most cost-effective way to retain and store water and improvements in soil and water management and agronomy have considerable potential to improve water productivity. Flood Water management strongly depends on collective labour and collective water management and will fail without it robust organizational structures should have developed. The major challenge of spate irrigation system as compared to conventional irrigation systems is cooperation among the users to manage a resource which is uncertain and distributed in different amount among the members (Ghebramariam and Steenbergen, 2007). In the study area, the spate flood from the micro sub-basins couldn’t be utilized efficiently and operation of the existing reservoirs was not set towards ensuring water productivity. The poor field water management also could not bring significant yield improvement in the yield (Abebe D, 2010). The design and construction, the water management of the system and the users will have to interact to find the optimum situation. Many new questions arise about water management of the system and also about the involvement of farmers to manage their fields.

The main problem of the study area case of flood water management, Lack of strong community organisation, lack of irrigation experience poor cultural practice equity in water distribution is appeared to in the scheme. Therefore, this study tries to analyse problems of flood water management in Boru-Dodota spate irrigation scheme at community level.

1.4 Objectives

1.4.1 General Objective

The general objective of the study is to assess the flood water management at community level and recommend best management practice as necessary at Dodota spate irrigation scheme.

1.4.2 Specific Objective

The Specific objectives of the study are to:

to assess how the users manage the flood water resources throughout the scheme,

to understand the structure, the rules and regulations in WUA and its role for managing the flood and the

infrastructure of the Dodota spate irrigation scheme,

To suggest alternative mechanisms to have best performing scheme in terms of water diversion, flood

distribution, pond water management, moisture retention and functioning WUA, as necessary.

1.5 Research Questions

This research will try to answer the following research questions

What infrastructure choices and design principles have been used in the system?

How flood water is managed throughout the Boru Dodota Spate irrigation scheme?

What are the moisture conservation techniques (mulching) in the area? How effective are they?

Is there WUA in the scheme, how is the structure, rules and regulation for the flood water management

throughout the scheme?

What alternative mechanisms can be suggested to have best performing scheme in terms of water

diversion, flood distribution, pond water management, moisture retention and functioning WUA, as

necessary.

1.6 Scope of the study

The research will mainly focus conducting study on the challenges of the community flood water management

and forward best institutional arrangement, infrastructure setup and operational and maintenance rule as

necessary.

The Study Area

The Boru Dodota Spate Irrigation development project is located in the Arsi Zone of the Oromia state. The scheme is in the south of Nazretand has a potential command area of 5000ha. The construction started in 2006, and from 2008 onwards this large new system is expected to contribute significantly to increased production. There are estimated 4.172 households as beneficiaries, representing a population of 30,073 people. The crops which could be grown are carrot, beetroot, potato, onion, cabbage, maize, sorghum, soybean and cereals, wheat and barley (Aman et al, 2006) Materials and Methods

3.2 Materials

The materials which are used for the study are:

GPS (Global Position System)

Top map of the watershed of the study area

DEM and Arc GIS version 9.2

Tape meter and current meter

3.2 Methods

The following methodology will be adopted for this study

3.2.1 Data Collection

Different data that are collected from different organization are going to be considered during study, these are I. Primary data

Field observation, investigation and evaluation of spate irrigation schemes

On-farm water management

Questionnaires

II. Secondary data

Collecting design and study document including topographic maps of modern spate irrigation scheme

from Oromia Bureau of Water Resource, Mine and Energy and other concerned body.

Colleting construction data report of each scheme from Oromia Bureau of Water Resource, Mine and

Energy or other concerned body.

Systems and Organization structure of water management of the scheme report data

Hydrological and metrological data

Operation and maintenance report data

functions and arrangements Water user association(WAU) report data

3.2.2 Field work

measuring discharge in main , sub-main and field canal using current meter during flooding

measuring the storage capacity of the pond in command area and observing it’s distribution among

the farmers

Measuring the infiltration rate using ring infltrometer and water holding capacity (soil moisture

change) using tenso-meter of the irrigated land.

3.2.3 Analysis of data

Primary data is collected by surveying the schemes and interviewing using semi- structured questioners. Water users and leaders (water fathers) or traditionally called “Ywuha Abat” of such schemes were discussed using informal tools and semi-structured interviewing. An iterative process was used to seeking clarifications from the water users, development agents and district agricultural experts on new questions and issues. Analyzing primary and secondary data and Interviewing: beneficiary, administrative officials at regional level, Woreda as well as Kebelle level and coupled with the design and study document of water management aspect. Analyze how community strategies of interact with the water management and To review whether the flood water management of Boru Dodota spate irrigation scheme is equitable, reliable, fair distribution among users, manageable and environmental friendly. In general the methodologies of the study conducted by assessing and evaluating the existing condition of the flood water management and functionality of water user association and its coordination with the concerned governmental organization of the spate irrigation scheme. Expected Output

The expected out of study: Understanding the challenges of flood water management at scheme level, and draw set of applicable

recommendation on water management for spate irrigation based on prevailing conditions.

It helps to achieve fair and equitable distribution of water on the field level and to increase the time

schedule

Major activities

May June July August September

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

1.preparatory works Acceptance for the proposal

Literature review

√

√

2.Data collections Primary data

Secondary data

√ √ √ √ √ √ √

3.Data analysis , Analyzing the Observing of existing spate irrigation

data of the scheme

Analyzing the secondary data base on water

management in community option

Analyzing the questioner data

√ √ √ √ √ √

4. Preparing reports: On flood water management:Community management on Dodota spate irrigation scheme.

√ √

5. Finalizing: of the report and submission

√ √ √

Reference

1. Abebe D, 2010, use of flash floods for optimizing productivity in irrigation case of Boru Dodota spate

irrigation scheme, Ethiopia, MSc thesis. UNESCO_IHE

2. Alemayehu, T. 2008, Ethiopia spate irrigation country profile. Addis Ababa, Oromia Water Works

Supervision and Design Enterprise

3. Aman, H. et al 2006, A draft design document on Koloba Bika (Boru Dodota) spate irrigation project,

Adama, Oromia Water Resource Bureau

4. Annual Rainfall in Ethiopia (2002):

http://www.fas.usda.gov/pecad2/highlights/2002/10/ethiopia/baseline/Eth_Annual_Rainfall.htm.Cite

d September, 2008).

5. Berhane H. Ghebremariam,and Frank van Steenbergen, (2005), Agricultural Water Management in

Ephemeral Rivers: Community Management in Spate Irrigation in Eritrea, African Water Journal,

volume1 No1,

6. El-Askari, K. 2005, investigating the potential for efficient water management in spate irrigation

schemes using the spate management model, Journal of Applied Irrigation Science 40, 2/2005: 177-

192.

7. Haile, A.M. 2007, A tradition in transition, water management reforms and indigenous spate irrigation

systems in Eritrea Leiden, Taylor and Francis/Balkema. Ph. D. thesis. Wageningen University

8. www.spate-irrigation.org

Annex 7: Yemen Research Proposals

Ground water artificial recharge in spate areas (Case study Wadi Zabid catchment in Yemen)

Background

Wadi Zabid covers an area of 4630 Km2, It includes parts of IBB, and Hudiadah Governorates. Rainfall is the major source of ground water recharge, which is supplemented by other sources such as recharge from canals, irrigated fields and surface water bodies. The rainfall is unevenly distributed. The amount of ground water withdrawal and situation of low rainfall are factors responsible for overall stress on ground water. Water resources become less due to changing natural resources where spate water to Wadi Zabid is decreasing by about 20 to 30% as the latest studies indicated while cultivating bananas need more water than other crops. This caused many wells to be drilled and the problem is that distances between wells were not according to customs.

Ground water resources development and related engineering activities have gained paramount importance as

the risks from pollution to resource have increased year after year. As a result, the interferences are becoming

more and more pronounced which brings about a growing need for integrated management of the resources.

Progress in water resource sciences and improved computational facilities have paved the way to an integrated

approach.

In the command area of Wadi Zabid access of farmers to use of spate irrigation flows has traditionally been governed by the unwritten principles referred to as al a'la fal a'la which give priority to upstream users, then those below them in the middle areas, then those in lower or downstream areas. These are the basis of the water allocation along with the allocation of specific time periods for the operation of individual canal as has set by AlGabarti about six hundred years ago as explained above. Spate irrigation in Wadi Zabid shows many differences from conventional irrigation, both in water deliver principles and property rights. These should be given more attention in development of appropriate design routines for spate irrigation. Existing water distribution rules should be respected, even if they constrain the optimization of crop production by spreading water thinly across an area. Where possible, the introduction of single point controls on spate systems should be avoided. Where possible, systems could be returned to their earlier form by reopening old intakes once opening directly onto the wadi.

In Wadi Zabid matching long-term withdrawals of groundwater to recharge is the principal objective of

sustainable groundwater resource planning. Maintaining the water balance of extraction and recharge is vital

for managing human impact on water and ecology. Management of groundwater resources, projecting the

future development possibilities and socio-economic as well as environment impact assessment, can be

achieved through effective implementation of water harvesting and artificial recharge measures.

The need of the hour therefore is a long term planning for effective and efficient management of this precious

resource as well as to bring in additionality to depleting water resources by adopting a holistic approach.

Ground water management deals with a complex interaction between human society and physical

environment and presents a difficult problem of policy design. Aquifers are exploited by human decisions and

over exploitation cannot be always defined in technical terms, but as a failure to design and implement

adequate institutional arrangements to manage people who exploit the ground water resources.

2. Need for Comprehensive Recharge in Wadi Zabid

Due to the wrongful consumption for the groundwater for agricultural irrigation, performed the descent of the groundwater level and crawl waters of the sea to this areas. Where is some fertile areas start in desertification in number of Tihama wadis especially in wadi's downstream areas. During the past decade (1990-2000) almost the entire Wadi Zabid area has witnessed decline in ground water levels. Steep decline in water level has been reported from TDA in 2009 well inventory report.

Natural replenishment of ground water reservoir is a slow process and is often unable to keep pace with the

excessive and continued exploitation of ground water resources in various parts of the country. This has

resulted in declining ground water levels and depletion of ground water resources in several areas of the

country. Rain water harvesting and artificial recharge to ground water efforts are basically aimed at

augmentation of the natural movement of surface water into ground water reservoir through suitable

engineering construction techniques. Such techniques inter-relate and integrate the source water to ground

water reservoir and are dependent on the soil, topography and hydrogeological situation of an area.

Occurrence of rainfall in Wadi Zabid Catchment is mostly limited to about three months in a year, with the

number of rainy days ranging from around 13 to 20. The natural recharge to ground water reservoir is

restricted to this period only in a major part of the country. Artificial recharge techniques aim at extending the

recharge period during the rainy season for about three or more months, resulting in enhanced sustainability

of ground water resources during the lean season.

To solve this problem it is necessary to search about new, suitable and easy methods for increasing groundwater recharge from flood waters which spilled from high mountainous areas in the rainy season. This research will deal with this problem and proposed suitable solutions..

3. Objectives of the proposal

Overall objective: to increase the ground water potential for conjunctive use with spate flow and consequently improve the agricultural productivity and profitability of spate irrigated areas.

To identify different locally feasible artificial ground water recharge techniques - evaluate this from a

technical, financial and operational aspects

To attempt for the arrival to balance aquatic budget between the groundwater recharge quantity and

the consumption.

To limit intrusion of seawaters to the fertile agricultural areas

Saving waters for the supplementary irrigation for spate irrigation areas.

4. Suggested results from proposal research:

Defined the new methods of the ground water recharge from floods to farmers in spate areas.

Reducing pump deepening and pumping costs.

Providing a more reliable source of water for WUAs and their members and potentially increasing the

farmer income from the supplementary irrigation.

Indirectly contributes to financial sustainability of WUAs - the usual practice in Wadi Zabid is that WUAs

pay about 8% of their income as a water fee.

5. Research Methodology and Instruments: The study team should straighten to specify the instruments which will use in the data-collecting. There are several kinds of the instruments which can be used in this study. And will straighten on using the suitable instrument which reached for known information needed and suitable with the local Yemeni societies. From the important instruments which use in data-collecting be possible in this research:

The collective interview and the personality with families of the aiming area.

Interview of water user groups and discussing the groundwater depletion problem and methods of

aquifer recharge from floods water, and methods of saving and guiding of water use for the arrival to

the secure aquatic water balance.

The application forms and the questionnaires

Making work plan for the study and specify the work for every member from all members of the team.

Making work plan for elucidation of the rational water uses, and the conservative methods of secure

water balance for the groundwater aquifer in the research area with the participation of the

association members and the important personalities, farmers and the specialized.

Appendix

1. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE STUDY AREA

Wadi Zabid(4630 km2), is located between 14° 58′–15° 35′ N and 43° 20′–43° 58′ E. on the so-called Western

Escarpment of the highlands along western part of the Yemen Republic (Figure 1). It is one of seven major

wadis, which developed in these highlands and flow westwards to the Red Sea across the semi-arid coastal

plain locally known as Tihama.

Figure 1. Location of the study area.

Study area

1.1 Geomorphic Divisions

Topography, Geology, and Land Use The area comprises a gently sloping mountainous (foothills zone) terrain at low elevations bounded from the higher rugged and highly dissected mountains that reach elevations well over 3000 meters. The stream length and gradient of the study area are 80 km and 0.003 m/m, respectively. The main wadi channels have a mean depth of 2.0 m and width of 30 m. Surficial geology is dominated by Tertiary Yemeni Volcanic in the upper catchment of the study area. Further downstream, Tertiary granite intrusions cover large areas, within a short distance from the Tihama Plain. Forty-two percent of the study area is mountainous terraced terrain with shallow soil depths varying from 1.5 to 3 m. The rest of the study area is a rugged terrain with minor vegetations. Soils and Land Capability The soils of the study area can be divided into three main types: those associated with the very steep rocky slopes; the stony soils of the flatter slopes; and the soil on the terraces. The former are thin and patchy and have non-significant agricultural potential. The second group, commonly have stones and boulders at the surface and in the profile. The matrix is generally a coarse sandy loam of variable depth down to either bed rock or rubble. Those soils are not usually cultivated but the natural vegetation is used for rough grazing. The terrace soils occur in a very distinctive stepped landscape. The soils are chiefly composed of friable gravelly sandy loam horizons with some included stones and pebbles. There would appear to be some potential for further agricultural development of the terrace soils and some prospects of upgrading the stony soils of the flatter slopes with which they are often geographically associated. Rainfall and Evaporation Two rainy seasons can be distinguished in the study area: one in spring, and the other in summer, with 45% of rainfall occurring during July and August. Annual precipitation ranges from 550 mm in the mountain to 300 mm at the outlet of the study area in Al-Kawalh. The number of rainy days (>10 mm) is around 17 which is typical of desert climate. The rainy events are characterized by a rapid onset and high intensity short duration. Shower storms are infrequent, localized, and variable within the basin. Potential evaportransporation [ETo] exceeds the monthly and annual rainfall amounts observed. Calculated [ETo] according to the Penman method is around 1825 mm/year. Groundwater abstraction and the annual recharge are estimated at 320 Mm3/year and 170.5 Mm3/year respectively. 1.2. Aquifer Systems

Extensive exploratory drilling has been carried out by TDA in 2009. It is observed from the exploratory well

drilling data that in the areas underlain by alluvial deposits, the shallow aquifers hold ground water in

unconfined state. Individual tubewells drilled down to more than 300 meters depth in the eastern most parts

(along the Ganga) and northern parts (along the Yamuna in districts of Panipat and Sonepat), generally yield

more than 150 m3

/hour for reasonable draw downs. The transmissivity of aquifers in these parts generally

varies between 1000 to 3000 m2

/day. Wells constructed in eastern parts of Sonepat district, eastern fringe of

NCT of Delhi and along both sides of the Yamuna falling in U.P. and Haryana generally yield between 100-150

m3

/hr of ground water. The aquifers in this area are fairly thick and productive. Tubewells constructed down to

100-150 m depths along Sahibi river and in the western parts of Rewari district have moderate yields ranging

between 50 – 100 m3

/hour.

1.3 Climatic conditions

The overall climatic conditions and rainfall pattern plays a vital role in assessing the ground water availability in

time and space and scope for water harvesting and recharge to ground water . The amount of rainfall received

in the area is major input and the only source of ground water recharge in the non irrigation commands. Other

than the quantity of rainfall the intensity and duration of rainfall is equally important, as far as ground water

recharge is concerned. Similarly, temperature, humidity and several other climatic factors influences a lot in

overall budgeting of ground water. As such the entire Wadi Zabid catchment area falls under the semi-arid

climatic region. The climate of the area is mainly influenced by its inland position and the prevalence of air of

the continental type during the major part of the year. Two rainy seasons with hot summer and warm winter

are the characteristics of the climate. Only during the monsoon months July, August, and September doses air

of oceanic origin penetrate to mountainous areas and causes increased humidity, cloudiness and precipitation.

The year can broadly be divided into two seasons. The first rainy season starts in late February and extends to

about the beginning of April. This is followed by the second rainy season, which lasts till about the end of June

when the monsoon arrives over the district. The monsoon continues to the last week of September.

2. Water Availability & Recharge Prospects in Wadi Zabid

Assessment of the water availability in an area is one of the important task and invariably this activity should

precede any water resource planning be it a development or management scheme. Various attempts have

been made from time to time to assess the availability of water in Wadi Zabid area at different seasons.

The availability of water in an area in different time period is the deciding factor which helps in planning

various irrigation and conservation measures. Rainfall is the major source of water, the total annual volume of

rainfall received in an area along with number of rainy days and intensity of rainfall gives broad idea about

runoff generated, evapo-transpiration losses and contribution to ground water as natural recharge. The water

carried by streams is an important source of water which can be optimally utilized in the stretch passing

through the area by ensuring the required downstream flow for spate irrigation.

3. Potential Recharge areas

Wadi Zabid area represents complex hydrogeological and geomorphic set up. Further, the drainage network

also varies to the great extent, the eastern portion i.e. the UP region represents the mountainous areas ,

whereas the southern portion is represent the coastal area.

The potential recharge areas in Wadi Zabid include theWadi streams and the flood plains of the coastal Tihama.

Flood plain areas are globally being used for induced recharge by the adjoining Wadi. Flood plains offer dual

advantage of heavy ground water withdrawal creating more space for recharge during flood season. A major

part of Wadi Zabid can be categorized as mountainous area , in such areas the village ponds offers viable

options for harnessing the rain water and recharge to ground water, either by de-silting the existing ponds to

enhance the rate of infiltration or by constructing the vertical shafts within the pond. Similarly, the existing dug

wells can be used for recharge with suitable provisions for filtering. The Wadi bed can also act as potential

recharge areas, by constructing the trenches along the fringe of hills and sloping segments, further, the lower

order streams can be harnessed by constructing the small check dams and gabion structures.

3.1 Utilizing Potential Aquifers along Flood Plains

Wadi Zabid Flood Plain Aquifer System occupies an area of 250 Sq.km. alluvium, which is predominantly silty

sand, mixed with clay and gravel acts as potential aquifer. Total thickness of Wadi Zabid alluvium varies

between 80 to 150 m. Aquifer system in alluvium is unconfined with depth to water level occurring at shallow

depths of 30 to 70 m bgl which sustain tube wells with yields ranging from 1000 to 1800 lpm(liter per minute).

Transmissivity of the aquifer system varies between 730 m2

/day to 2100 m2

/day with hydraulic conductivity

varying between 13 m/day to 60 m/day. In general, the quality of ground water is fresh at shallow depths

(Fresh/Saline water interface is about 70 m and becoming brackish to saline at deeper levels. The elevation of

water table in Yamuna Flood Plain varies from 100 to 200 amsl (above mean sea level).

4. Artificial Recharge: Concepts and Techniques

4.1Artificial Recharge

Artificial recharge systems are engineered systems where surface water is put on or in the ground for

infiltration and subsequent movement to aquifers to augment groundwater resources. Other objectives of

artificial recharge are to store water, to improve the quality of the water through soil-aquifer treatment or geo-

purification, to use aquifers as water conveyance systems, and to make groundwater out of surface water

where groundwater is traditionally preferred over surface water for drinking. Artificial recharge is expected to

become increasingly necessary in the future as growing populations require more water, and as more storage

of water is needed to save water in times of water surplus for use in times of water shortage.

Artificial recharge efforts are basically augmentation of the natural movement of surface water into ground

water reservoir through suitable civil construction technique or other similar methods. Availability of source

water is one of the important requirements for recharge schemes. It is assessed in terms of non-committed

surplus run-off, which is going unutilized as per the water resource development pattern. The other basic

requirement is the availability of sub-surface storage space in different hydrogeological situations. The

topography and the soil condition of the area links the above two factors. Topography governs the extent of

run-off and its retention where as the soil condition determines the extent of percolation. The artificial

recharge technique interrelate and integrate the source water to ground water reservoir which in turn

dependent on the hydrogeoloical situation of the area.

Artificial recharge projects are site specific. The replication of the techniques from similar areas is to be based

on the local hydrogeoloical and hydrological environs. The first step in planning the project is to demarcate the

area of recharge. The scheme can be implemented systematically in case a hydrologic unit like watershed is

taken for implementation. However, localized schemes are also can be taken up to augment the ground water

reservoir. Schemes are normally taken in the following areas:

• Areas where ground water levels are declining over a period of time.

• Areas where substantial amount of aquifer has already been desaturated.

• Areas where availability of ground water is in adequate in lean months and there is availability of

surface water for recharge during rainy season.

• Areas where salinity ingress is taking place.

• Areas where there is quality problem in ground water

Techniques used for artificial recharge to ground water broadly fall under the following categories

Direct Methods

A) Surface Spreading Techniques

a) Flooding

b) Ditch and Furrows

c) Recharge Basins

d) Runoff Conservation Structure

i) Bench terracing

ii) Contour Bunds and contour trenches

iii) Gully Plugs, Nala Bunds, Check Dams

iv) Percolation Ponds

e) Stream Modification / Augmentation

B) Sub-surface Techniques

a) Injection wells (Recharge wells)

b) Gravity head recharge wells

c) Recharge pits and shafts Indirect Methods

A) Induced Recharge from Surface Water Sources;

B) Aquifer Modification

i) Bore Blasting.

ii) Hydro-fracturing. Combination

Methods

In addition to the above, ground water conservation structures like Subsurface dykes and “Fracture Sealing

Cementation Techniques” are also used to restrict subsurface flows. Aquifer disposition plays a decisive role in

choosing the appropriate technique of artificial recharge of ground water.

5. Proposed Ground Water Artificial Recharge Methods for Wadi Zabid

6-1 METHODS OF ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE

Most commonly used methods are described below. Broadly, two methods namely the surface and sub-surface

techniques are used to recharge underground water. Basically the following techniques are considered possibly

feasible:

Recharge pits and shafts

Pits & trenches with injection well bores

Open dug well recharge

Park-type Urban storm-water recharge

Infiltration basins

Storage dams

Subsurface dams

Each of these methods are briefly described below:

Recharge Pits: Recharge pits are constricted to recharge shallow aquifer .These are constructed 1 to 2 m wide

with depth varying from 24m. These are back - filled with boulders, gravels, and depending upon occurrence of

impeding layer at shallow depth, borehole is driven inside the pit. Figures show the design of recharge pits.

Shafts: Similarly, vertical and lateral recharge shafts of 2 to 4m diameter are constructed with or without bore

well driven in it. Shafts with injection well may be 200 mm in diameter that would pierce through imperious

horizons up to intended aquifer. Trenches with recharge well are constructed inside a drain bed, inside a

municipal park, in the premises of courtyards and large industrial houses and institutions and office campuses.

These are ideally suited where permeable horizon of 3 to 4 m thickness below land surface extends upto

ground water table of unconfined aquifers. The length of trench depends upon run-off volume of water

available for recharge, the design of trench through abounded wells is shows in the figure 10-10.

Dug Well Recharge: In alluvial or even in hard rock area where open wells have dry or else whose yield has

substantially declined, can be used as recharging structures using storm water, canal water, or wadi flow. The

recharge water is guided through a pipe to the bottom of well below water table. Such wells should be first

desilted and filled with porous gravels & boulders before recharging. The recharge through dug wells is shows

in the figure 10-8.

Check Dams: This is a spreading technique of rain water harvesting. The design of this technique is show in the

Annex figure 10-9.

Research proposal:Water User's Associations Strengthening

in spate areas Case Study: Wadi Zabid - Tihama plain

1. Introduction Yemen be distinguished about changed from other countries of comparable with Arabian peninsula across the historiography in level from the development and the improvement especially in domain of the irrigation, dams building and technicalities of rainwaters harvesting. This making the population living for thousand years in case satisfaction and balance with returned natural environment. But the increase in the agricultural areas and number of the inhabitants and their activities in agricultural, industrial, commercial and entering the new irrigation technology cause water sacristy and increase demand on water in water basins, which result in depletion of water in ground water aquifers, and cause the wrongful withdrawal from the present wells. During the eighties of the twenty centuries the government started the work in the construction of irrigation structures on the entrances of the wadis channels with the aim of cost reduction of the agricultural production for farmers, and increase margin of their profit from their work in the crop production. Where was previously put a margin of profit increase in the production costs, due to the destruction loses caused by the floods for

the channels and their entrances. Consequently the intervention had positive and negative role, perhaps the positive role appeared in the crops pattern change. So the trees of the mango and the lemon, and the tomatoes and a lot of vegetables crops were completely entering in the spate areas. However, the negative role was the government role in operation and maintenance of irrigation structures and canals, with omission of the customs and the previous traditions roles of water distribution and operation and maintenance, which produce a lot of the passivity's. The important passivity's is the influential control on the share big and ignoring of that customs and the traditions roles which in truths protect the others water rights. Other passivity is the power lack of the local authorities on the just distribution for waters of the floods and spring, just as was previously. 1.1 Wadi Zabid – Tihama Plain Tihama plane is distinguished in unique characteristic between different agricultural regions in our country. It represent in many wadis which formed the main in their nature and geographic forming, and distinguishes their restricted signers between borders elevated feet the mountains in the east and the red sea in the west. It has the characteristic of receiving and reception the floods waters which flows annual from the rains waters in the mountains through plane lands and wadis courses and continuing the running to the sea, forming thereby main source from water sources in Tihama plane. Most of agricultural is concentrated in the large agricultural area, which is good for agricultural in these wadis, beside the large population density. The major seven wadis in Tihama plane from the north to the south are: Wadi Mawr, Surdud, Siham, Rima, Zabid, Rasyan, and Mwaza figure (1). Wadi Zabid is one of Tihama plane wadi, and the most floods water flowed. It consider as second big wadi in Tihama plane and it characterized in deep-rootedness of the agricultural practices. The irrigated area in wadi Zabid around 15215 hectare, and the wadi watershed area around 4630Km2, and the average annual rainfall in the wadi watershed 550mm/year and increase in some areas to 1000mm/year. Also the quantity of the water flow around 135 million meter cubic/year. Five irrigation systems were complete modernize for irrigation in the floods waters across the wadi. These five irrigation systems consist 16 main channels which distribute waters of the floods according to the law of the traditional waters distribution in the wadi areas, which was traditional since thousands of year. In beginning of the twenty one centuries the World Bank support the Improvement Irrigation Project (IIP) in Wadi Zabid Al-Hodiadah governorate and wadi Tuban Lahj governorate in a purpose of transfer of competence of the administration and the maintenance and operation of Irrigation systems to Farmers. The improvement irrigation project establishment 16 Water User Associations (WUA's) in Wadi Zabid and also 16 WUA's in Wadi Tuban. The IIP project trained them to manage the participatory work in the management and operation and maintenance of irrigation systems in these wadis. Also, the project establishes the water council in these wadis. However, after the project complete which work for five years, these WUA's were not evaluated in order to know if it success in the operation and maintenance and management of these irrigation system or not. In addition, there are many constrains which faces these WUA's in the water distribution and operation and maintenance of irrigation systems. The evaluation of WUA's aims to increase the knowledge in the status and performance of WU associations, and specify points of associations strengthening which can build on it, and specify points of the associations weakness which can be treated or surpassing it. The reinforcement to water user's association's works is the operation of defending methods to solve problems of the associations and consolidate role in administration of the waters and creating of ways for new financial resources for exported development and the work on continuity of these associations.

Therefore, this research will deal with the operation of evaluation and strengthening these WUA's and Water Council in Wadi Zabid and the problems which faced it and putting the solutions for these problems, to find the sustainability and enforcement in theirs management, operation and maintenance, and water distribution adjustment. 2. Research objectives: Overall objective:

Assess the technical, managerial and financial capacity of the WUAs

Recommend measures for strengthening the sustainability of the WUAs Specific objectives:

Evaluate the technical capacity of the WUA o Knowledge of the WUA leaders with regard to different indigenous designs of water

distribution and diversion structures o Planning and implementation of operation and maintenance tasks o Knowledge about the different agronomic practices

Evaluate the managerial capacity of the WUA o Organizing and leading meetings o Mobilizing resources for operation and maintenance o Solving conflicts o Creating a good relationship with external organizations including TDA

Evaluation financial capacity and sustainability o Does the WUA has an financial plan o How much of the financial requirement is covered from internal source - water fees o What are external financial source - how reliable are they o Does the WUA has plans strengthen its financial sustainability

Identify a number of measures including tailored trainings that contribute to strengthening the technical, managerial and financial sustainability of the WUAs

Expected results:

The strengths and weaknesses of 16 WUAs in wadi Zabid with respect to technical, managerial and financial aspects, are systematically analyzed

A list of measures in order of priority are identified that address the technical, managerial and financial weaknesses

3. Research Methodology and instruments: The research methodology will involve both qualitative and quantitative attributes: The qualitative methods will include:

Literature review: critically review the by-laws of the WUAs

Critically review financial, and operation and maintenance plans, if available

Based on properly prepared questionnaire and checklist for each of the topics: technical, managerial and financial:

Individual interviews with different members of the WUAs

Focal group discussion For quantitative assessment:

• Field observation will be conducted and the canal maintenance work, if any, will be assessed against the design criteria • On site technical discussion with the responsible WUA members

Annex 8: Application Procedure Double Degree MSc Programme on Agricultural Water Management in Arid and Semi Arid Climates

Admission requirements

Candidates for the double degree program should meet the following admission requirements: Academic:

Bachelors or equivalent degree, awarded by a university of recognized standing in soil and water engineering; water resources engineering; irrigation engineering; civil engineering; hydraulic engineering; agricultural engineering or related field,

Must have a CGPA of their BSc study of minium 3.00/4.00 for male and 2.75 for female applicants.

Some years of working experience in an environment related to the program.

English language requirements (if applicable)

IELTS: 6.0 or above TOEFL: >550 (paper based), >213 (computer), >79 (internet) No test required for native English speakers

An exemption can be made in case the candidate has done higher degree studies for a minimum of one year at an institute where English was the official language of instruction. In such cases the candidate should present a certificate issued by that higher education institute as proof of this. The maximum time between this higher degree course and registering as a candidate for the double degree program cannot be more than three (3) years. Some countries may be exempted from English test requirement. More information can be found on website UNESCO-IHE: Documents needed for admission:

Application form (regular MSC application form of UNESCO-IHE will be used) Copy BSC degree and transcript CV Two recommendation letters

At UNESCO-IHE decision on academic admission is made by academic registrar. At HU decision on academic admission is made by the counselor of graduate studies.

Deadline of application for academic admission and confirmation of funding: end June for the MSC program that will start in October of the same year. Candidates have to apply for academic admission with UNESCO-IHE. The academic registrar of UNESCO-IHE decides if a candidate can be academically accepted, according to the agreed admission requirements as mentioned above. If an applicant meets academic admission requirements, UNESCO-IHE will send provisional admission letter to the applicant. The provisional admission letter will indicate admission to both partners. With the provisional admission letter the application can start looking for a sponsor. Cost estimate will be included. For NFP applicants: UNESCO-IHE will send a list with all NFP applicants to HU after the application deadline and request HU to score the applicants according to NFP criteria.

After confirmation of funding

After confirmation of funding, UNESCO-IHE will inform HU and send a list of confirmed applicants with copies of application documents to HU. For NFP applicants: In case of NFP participants, UNESCO-IHE will send fellowship award letter to the candidate and inform the candidate he/she will be contacted by UNESCO-IHE. HU will (July):

Send final admission letter to the student. Final admission to both partners is mentioned in the letter.

register student with HU

HU will include practical information in final admission letter to the student (arrival information, assistance visa, accommodation, bank account, local transport info, inform documents of registration days and which documents to take)

Request participants to open bank account in Ethiopia and will inform U-IHE of students bank account number, so that allowance can be transferred, if applicable.

UNESCO-IHE will (november):

send final admission letter to the student. Admission to both partners is mentioned in the letter

UNESCO-IHE will send practical information and possible ticket arrangements to the student in November (possible ticket arrangements, arrival information, assistance visa, accommodation, bank account, local transport info)

Tuition fee for each partner and payment of allowances

UNESCO-IHE will send invoice for total program to the sponsor or the project. HU will send invoice for their part of the fees to UNESCO-IHE. Registration periods at each institution

At HU the academic calendar for the academic year that starts in October, will be ready in the beginning of July. As soon as it is ready, HU will send copy of this calendar to UNESCO-IHE (program coordinator and admission and fellowship officer)

In principle the first semester starts around 1st October and the second semester will finish 1st week of February.

At UNESCO-IHE the students will start with module 5 (mid-February) and stay till the end of module 14 (3rd week of October)

Thereafter they will return to HU for field trip and MSc research till beginning February. In week 6 they will return to UNESCO-IHE, where they will graduate end June.

Insurance

For NFP fellows UNESCO-IHE, will arrange the insurance for the whole study period. The students have to send requests for reimbursement of certain medical cost, directly to the insurance company.

For other students it may not be required to have insurance for the period in Ethiopia. Visa

HU will assist the student in obtaining necessary visa and residence permit for Ethiopia if required. UNESCO-IHE will assist the student in obtaining necessary visa and residence permit for The Netherlands.

Exchange of study results

Partners inform each other of students' results by sending transcripts of the students in the DD-AWMASC program to the academic registrar of the partner university at the end of each completed semester. By e-mail the program coordinators will inform each other, when this has been done. If confirmed that the student meets the requirements for the diploma, partners will immediately inform each other in order to prepare the diploma and diploma supplement. For possible inquiries/problems, academic registrars may contact each other. Diploma and diploma supplement

Each partner will prepare its own diploma and transcript for the student. The transcript will mention the marks obtained at both partner institute as well as an explanation of the partner's marking system. Each partner will arrange the necessary signatures. Each partner is responsible for the lay-out and design of its own diploma and transcript. At HUB the original transcript is never given to the student. The student may only be issued certified copies. Diploma awarding

Diploma awarding of UNESCO-I HE diploma will take place in Delft during official ceremony June. Diploma awarding of Harames diploma will take place in Harames during official ceremony in July. Thesis lay-out

On the title page of the thesis report, the name of each partner and the logo will be mentioned. The planning officer will send copy of the thesis report to the program coordinator of Harames University.

Annex 9: Flood based farming article for prepared for World Water Forum, Marseille 12 to 17, March, 2012

International Spate Irrigation Network

Frank van Steenbergen

(fvansteenbergen@metameta.nl)

Abraham Mehari Haile (a.meharihaile@unesco-

ihe.org)

Lennke Knoop (lknoop@metameta.nl)

Country Network team

Sudan

Eiman Mohamed Fadul (hrs_iman@hotmail.com)

Yasir Mohamed Abbas (y.mohamed@hrs-sudan.sd)

Yemen:

Sharafaddin Saleh (sharafaddens@yahoo.com)

Jaafer Aljeffri (j.aljaffri@yahoo.com)

Pakistan:

Mr. Allah Bux Kaisarani (kaisarani@yahoo.com)

Mr. Karim Nawaz (knawaz99@yahoo.com)

Ethiopia:

Abebe Demsie (abedeme@yahoo.com)

Dr. Tena Alamirew (Alamirew2004@yahoo.com)

More project details: www.spate-irrigation.org