Introduction

Basic  facts

Water and food security

Managing water -  the "people" side

Technology - irrigated production

Technology - options for farmers

Use and abuse

Looking ahead

The highest yields that can be obtained from irrigation are more than double the highest yields that can be obtained from rainfed agriculture. But irrigation is expensive and beyond the means of small-scale farmers in many developing countries. Irrigation can also lead to waterlogging or salinization, after which the land produces less rather than more food.

In spite of these drawbacks, irrigations holds the most promise for increasing food productivity and security, provided it is managed efficiently and combined with other inputs such as fertilizers and improved seed varieties.

THE "TECHNOLOGY" SIDE
- IRRIGATED PRODUCTION

Did you know... Irrigation can increase yields of most crops by 100 to 400 percent. Farmers who switch from surface irrigation to localized irrigation can cut their water use by 30 to 60 percent.

The Three Main Types of Irrigation

Surface irrigation, in which most or all of the crop area is flooded. This is the most common technique and is used by many small-scale farmers.

Sprinkler irrigation, in which water moves under pressure through a pipe network before being delivered to the crop through a sprinkler system. This technique basically simulates rainfall and is also known as overhead irrigation.

Localized irrigation, in which water is distributed under low pressure through a piped network and applied in small quantities to each plant or to the area immediately adjacent to it. This is an increasingly popular form of irrigation since water is used efficiently by placing it only where it is needed and little is wasted.