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| Capacity development in irrigation and drainage - issues, challenges and the way ahead |
| General consensus among policy-makers in the developing world and aid agencies is that a lack of capacity is con-straining the development of irrigated agriculture. Although this concern is not new, it is now receiving much attention in the irrigation and drainage world where it is becoming an issue in its own right rather than being embedded in infrastructure investment projects. To address this issue, FAO Land and Water Development Division, in association with the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) Working Group on Capacity Building, Training and Education, organized a one-day workshop, Capacity Building in Irrigation, Drainage and Flood Control, on 16 September 2003 during the Fifty-fourth International Executive Council Meeting in Montpellier. This publication presents a synthesis of the workshop as well as three keynote papers based on the available literature and experiences. The complete workshop materials are included on the CD-ROM that accompanies this document. It is anticipated that the wealth of information supplied here will provide background for those people contemplating capacity development in irrigated agriculture in their own country. |
| Keywords: capacity development, irrigation, drainage |
| Publication Series: Water Reports 26 |
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| Crop evapotranspiration - guidelines for computing crop water requirements |
| Publication Series: FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper |
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| Crops and drops (Arabic version) |
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| Demand for products of irrigated agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa |
If irrigated production is to make a significant contribution to
food security and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA),
it will have to be re-structured across the region as a whole. This
is the main conclusion of a study undertaken by FAO to analyse
the drivers of demand for irrigated production in SSA. Steeply
rising commercial food import bills for staple crops across SSA are
indicative of the level of demand that is not being met from
domestic production.
The increase in area under equipped/spate irrigation for the
whole of Africa over the last ten years amounts to 1.27 million
ha, which is equal to about 127 000 ha per year. This rate of
growth has proved too low to have an impact on food import
bills and buffer regional food security. However, within
subregional trading groups there is scope for consolidation of
market supply.
Some key conclusions emerge: first, matching the structure of
the irrigated subsector to the structure of demand is essential;
second, it will be necessary to realize the value of the existing
asset base where supply chains, storage and processing can be
concentrated to address specific, well identified markets; third,
prior to new public expenditure or the encouragement of private
investment, the full implications of price impacts must be taken
into account; and, finally, the costs of supplying into specific crop
markets will need to be assessed.
With these provisions in mind and the political and
institutional constraints notwithstanding, irrigated production
opportunities in SSA could be realized where natural resources
and markets coincide, but only through a great deal more
attention to costs of production, price formation, effective water
allocation mechanisms, economically efficient water use and
strong, responsive institutions. |
| Publication Series: Water Reports 31 |
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| Drought impact mitigation and prevention in the Limpopo River Basin - A situation analysis |
| Southern Africa is particularly susceptible to climate
variability and drought and is increasingly being threatened
by desertification processes, degradation of land and water
resources and loss of biodiversity. Although rainfed farming
is a high-risk enterprise, it is also a way of life and people are
committed to making the best of the scarce resources at their
disposal. However, droughts tend to reduce production to
below the already marginal levels, thus threatening
subsistence farming. These conditions occur where the local
economy is least diversified and where almost everyone
depends either directly or indirectly on agriculture.
Frequent exposure to drought causes agricultural production
to be out of equilibrium with the seasonal conditions,
representing an inability on the part of most smallholders to
adjust land use to climate variability. Thus, managing for
drought is about managing for the risks associated with
agriculture; managing for climate variability must become the norm rather than the exception. Farmers must either increase agricultural productivity or develop alternative sources of income if their livelihoods are to be sustained. The situation analysis presented in this paper aims to provide readers with an understanding of the people and their environment in the Limpopo River Basin in southern Africa, covering parts of Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. It examines the biophysical, socio-economic and institutional characteristics of the basin and captures details of past programmes and practices. It concludes with a section on lessons learned and proposes options and strategies for sustainable development, with a focus on drought impact mitigation. |
| Keywords: Limpopo; Southern Africa; river basin; climate variability; drought; sustainable development |
| Publication Series: Land and Water Discussion Paper 4 |
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| Effective rainfall in irrigated agriculture |
| Publication Series: FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper |
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| Environmental impact assessment of irrigation and drainage projects |
| Publication Series: FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper |
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| Farmer Field Schools Facilitators' Manual - Volume 1 - Integrated Soil, Water and Nutrient Management in Semi-arid Zimbabwe |
| This Farmer Field School Facilitators’ Manual explains some of the basic principles of plant production and land management in the semi-arid zone of southern and western Zimbabwe. It describes the various properties and functions of the soil relevant for cropping and the water and nutrient cycles in the agro-ecosystem. The role and management of mineral and organic fertilizers are described and illustrated. Additional learning modules are dedicated to crop establishment, weed management and soil and water conservation. The manual is intended for extension and research staff involved in field-level farmer education and for farmers trained as FFS facilitators and includes 39 Field Studies to guide practical learning and experimentation at field level. |
| Keywords: Integrated Soil, Water and Nutrient Management (ISWNM), soil life, soil organic matter (SOM), land degradation, pegging, control barriers, manure, soil moisture, soil fertility |
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| Field measurement of soil erosion and runoff |
| Publication Series: FAO Soils Bulletin |
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| Guidelines for designing and evaluating surface irrigation systems |
| Publication Series: FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper |
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| Guidelines: land evaluation for irrigated agriculture |
| Publication Series: FAO Soils Bulletin |
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| Identification et diffusion de bonnes pratiques sur les périmètres irrigués en Afrique de l’Ouest |
Cette publication est le rapport final du projet «Identification et diffusion de bonnes pratiques sur les périmètres irrigués en Afrique de l’Ouest» financé par le Ministère français des affaires étrangères et mis en œuvre par l’IPTRID en partenariat avec l’EIER, le PSI-CORAF, l’AFARTCT, l’AMVS, le PSSA et la Senagrhy.SA.
Dans le cadre du projet, douze périmètres irrigués de cinq pays d’Afrique de l’Ouest (Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritanie, Niger et Sénégal) on fait l’objet d’un suivi pendant une, deux ou trois campagnes. Les objectifs de ce projet étaient d’identifier, de caractériser et d’évaluer les pratiques à l’échelle du périmètre et de la parcelle, qu’elles soient individuelles ou collectives, organisationnelles, techniques ou financières, et de diffuser par des moyens appropriés celles identifiées comme ayant des résultats positifs sur les performances des périmètres irrigués. Le projet visait également à dresser un bilan des filières rizicoles dans la région.The publication is the final report of the project “Identification and dissemination of good practices in irrigated schemes in West Africa”, financed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by IPTRID in partnership with EIER, PSI-CORAF, AFARTCT, AMVS, SPFS and Senagrhy SA. Within the project, a study was carried out over one to three cropping seasons on twelve irrigated schemes in five West African countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal). The objectives were to identify, characterize and assess practices, at plot and scheme levels, individual and collective, technical, organizational and financial, and to disseminate practices having a positive impact on the performances of the irrigated schemes. The project also aimed to provide an overall view of rice production in West Africa. |
| Keywords: transfert de la gestion, 'eau, libéralisation, indicateurs, performances, diagnostic comparatif rapide, West Africa, irrigation management transfer, rice market liberalization, practices identification, performance indicators, rapid comparative assessment |
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| Introduction à la gestion conservatoire de l'eau, de la biomasse et de la fertilité des sols (GCES) |
| Publication Series: Bulletin Pédologique de la FAO |
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| Irrigation Water Management: Elements of topographic surveying |
| Publication Series: Training manual |
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| Irrigation Water Management: Introduction to irrigation |
| Publication Series: Training manual |
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| Irrigation Water Management: Irrigation methods |
| Publication Series: Training manual |
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| Irrigation Water Management: Irrigation scheduling |
| Publication Series: Training manual |
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| Irrigation Water Management: Irrigation water needs |
| Publication Series: Training manual |
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| Irrigation Water Management: Scheme irrigation water needs and supply |
| Publication Series: Training manual |
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| Irrigation in the Countries of the Former Soviet Union in Figures |
| The AQUASTAT programme was initiated with the view of presenting a comprehensive picture of water resources and irrigation in developing countries. This report is the third of a series and presents the results of surveys of the countries of the Former Soviet Union, carried out in 1996 and 1997. The survey relied as much as possible on country-based statistics and information contained in national strategy papers. A general summary presents a regional analysis on water resources, irrigation and drainage in the region, and 15 country profiles describe the situation in each country in more detail. A section presents the specific problems related to water management in the Aral Sea basin. |
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| Irrigation potential in Africa: A basin approach |
| Assessment of irrigation potential is of prime importance for planning of sustainable food production in the African continent. The present study combines a review of existing information on irrigation potential by country with an approach using a geographic information system to assess land and water availability for irrigation on the basis of river basins. The ever-present environmental issues related to water management highlight some of the major challenges to irrigation development on the continent. The results of this study and the methodology developed in the report should be useful to researchers and planners at national and regional levels for work aiming at sustainable water resources development in Africa. |
| Publication Series: FAO Land and Water Bulletin |
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| Irrigation scheduling: From theory to practice. Proceedings |
| Publication Series: Water Reports |
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| Irrigation technology transfer in support of food security. (Water Reports - 14) |
| Publication Series: Water Reports |
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| La collecte des eaux de surface en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre - Water harvesting in western and central Africa |
| Actes d’un atelier régional à Niamey/Niger, Octobre 1999 - Proceedings of a regional workshop held in Niamey, October 1999 |
| Keywords: collecte des eaux, water harvesting |
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| La petite irrigation dans les zones arides: Principes et options |
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| Lucha contra la contaminación agrícola de los recursos hídricos. (Estudio FAO: Riego y drenaje - 55) |
| Publication Series: Estudio FAO: Riego y drenaje |
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| Management of agricultural drainage water quality |
| Publication Series: Water Reports |
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| Modern Water Control and Management Practices in Irrigation |
| Publication Series: FAO Water Reports 19 |
| Credits: C.M. Burt, S. W. Styles |
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| Modernization of irrigation system operations: proceedings of the 5th ITIS network international meeting, Aurangabad, 28-30 October 1998 |
A conference supported by IWMI, Cemagref and FAO gathered in Aurangabad, Maharashtra State, India, between 28 and 30 October 1998 to discuss and exchange ideas concerning the modernization of irrigation system operations. Main conclusions were that there is a need:
1/ for a re-engineering process to rethink the operation of irrigation systems within a more global framework including a clear redefinition of the service of water, the elaboration of a consistent water management strategy at scheme level, the identification of current constraints and a vision for the future development of the scheme,
2/ for in-depth methods of evaluation and monitoring of the performance of pilot projects in terms of costs and benefits and also for rapid evaluation methods mixing diagnosis and the identification of a strategy for modernization at project level;
3/ to consider modernization without limiting it to the introduction of modern hardware and software techniques, but rather as a fundamental transformation of the management of water resources;
4/ to include training and capacity-building to enhance the ability of irrigation professionals to initiate, design, organize and implement modernization measures.
Strategies for modernization should be defined consistently at state level: the goal is to establish a framework for the best institutional arrangement, increase awareness in modernization, upgrade the knowledge of the irrigation professionals, and define methodologies for diagnosis and the selection of appropriate strategies of modernization at project level. |
| Keywords: water management, modernization, modernisation, rehabilitation, upgradation, operation, maintenance, irrigation, irrigation, management transfer, IMT, participatory irrigation management, PIM, training |
| Publication Series: FAO-RAP Publication 1999/43 |
| Credits: Daniel Renault, Thierry Facon |
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| Nile Basin - Water Resources Management -- Bassin du Nil - Gestion des Ressources en Eau |
A long-term process for the settlement of perceived conflict and setting the basis for shared-benefit water development has been put in motion. At the same time, the development potential of the Nile Basin region has attracted funding at the pre-investment level. Further attention will be necessary in order to ensure that emerging development patterns yield tangible benefits in improving the livelihoods of the vulnerable, long-suffering populations of the Nile Basin.
Un processus à long terme pour le règlement de conflits perçus et pour une mise en valeur des eaux aux avantages partagés a été mis en route. Simultanément, le potentiel de développement de la région du bassin du Nil a attiré des fonds de pré-investissement. Plus d’attention sera nécessaire afin de faire en sorte que les nouveaux modèles de développement améliorent de façon tangible les moyens d’existence des populations appauvries et éprouvées du bassin du Nil. |
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| Organization, operation and manintenance of irrigation schemes |
| Publication Series: FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper |
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| Payment schemes for environmental services in watersheds |
| Payment schemes for environmental services (PES) are innovative instruments for natural resources management which are increasingly being applied in Latin America. In a watershed context, PES schemes generally involve the implementation of market mechanisms to compensate upstream landowners in order to maintain or modify a particular land use that is affecting the availability and/or quality of the water resources for downstream users. The Regional Forum on Payment Schemes for Environmental Services in Watersheds was held during the Third Latin American Congress on Watershed Management (Arequipa, Peru, 9–13 June 2003) to exchange experiences with these schemes in Latin America and to formulate recommendations for the economic valuation of water-related services, as well as the design and execution of PES
schemes in watersheds. This report summarizes the lessons and recommendations of the forum. The complete documentation, including 19 papers, 22 presentations and case studies, is included on the CD-ROM that accompanies this publication. |
| Keywords: watershed, payment schemes, environmental services, Latin America, land use, forests, water valuation, water quality,environmental policy
economic instruments |
| Publication Series: Land and Wate Discussion Paper 3 |
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| Performance analysis of on-demand pressurized irrigation systems |
The main objective of this publication is the analysis of performance of pressurized irrigation systems operating on-demand (also under other conditions), and provides revised criteria for the design of such irrigation networks. For this purpose new approaches and a computer tool (COPAM) have been developed. Calculation examples have been included to demonstrate the procedures and facilitate the understanding and practical use of formulae. The computer program has been tested in several field situations in the Mediterranean Basin and proved its usefulness by quickly identifying the weak points of the network and the power requirements of pumping stations needed to satisfy varying demand situations. The present publication should be of particular interest to irrigation district managers, consultants, irrigation engineers, irrigation companies, university professors, students of irrigation engineering and planners.
Click here to download the COPAM software ! |
| Publication Series: FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 59 |
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| Preliminary Review of the Impact of Irrigation on Poverty - with Special Emphasis on Asia |
The impact of irrigation on poverty is a controversial issue. While there is empirical evidence that irrigation development has, in some cases, a substantial impact on poverty reduction, it becomes increasingly clear that such impact is determined by the type of irrigated agriculture. The scheme size, the type of operation and maintenance, the system of water allocation, etc. can all play an important role in determining the eventual impact on beneficiaries.
So far, there exists no comparative analysis of the performance of irrigated agriculture with respect to poverty, yet interest of donors in poverty alleviation is increasing and governments need to take strategic decisions for future investments in irrigation.
This study was promoted to help understand the linkages between irrigation development and poverty reduction, with a view to propose recommendations on how to increase the impact of irrigation development projects on poverty alleviation. Through a review of 27 irrigation project, it aims to provide a framework for analysing the impacts of irrigation on poverty and to review some evidence of these impacts. It is hoped that its findings and recommendations can help shaping future investment strategies in the field of irrigation. |
| Publication Series: AGL/Misc/34/2003 |
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| Quality control of wastewater for irrigated crop production. |
| Publication Series: Water Reports |
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| Reforming water resources policy - A guide to methods, processes and practices |
| Publication Series: FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper |
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| Reforming water resources policy - A guide to methods, processes and practices |
| Publication Series: FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper |
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| Relaciones Tierra-Agua en Cuencas Hidrográficas Rurales |
| A menudo se supone que la dinámica de la ocupación de tierras y las prácticas de manejo del suelo generan importantes impactos sobre los recursos hídricos, que afectan a la población situada aguas abajo de la cuenca hidrográfica. Los pagos que la población que vive aguas abajo efectúa a la población situada aguas arriba por los «servicios ambientales» prestados –un suministro de agua de buena calidad, el contenimiento de sedimentos o un régimen más regular de caudales–, constituyen un asunto ampliamente debatido. Sin embargo, existe escaso consenso técnico respecto de la naturaleza y alcance de los impactos biofísicos, las consecuencias socioeconómicas para la población y para otras personas, y los mecanismos para cuantificar y distribuir los costes y beneficios de las prácticas de manejo del suelo entre los diferentes usuarios. Para abordar estos problemas, la Dirección de Fomento de Tierras y Aguas de la FAO organizó, del 18 de septiembre al 27 de octubre de 2000, el taller electrónico «Relaciones tierra-agua en cuencas hidrográficas rurales».
La presente publicación contiene las actas del taller y las dos comunicaciones en que se basaron los debates. La documentación completa del taller, comprendido el archivo de los debates, los documentos de antecedentes y los estudios de casos, están contenidos en el CD-ROM que completa esta publicación. |
| Publication Series: FAO Land and Water Bulletin 9 |
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| Relations terres-eau dans les bassins versants ruraux |
| Il est souvent admis que les utilisations des terres pratiquées en amont ont des
impacts importants sur les ressources en eau et influencent les populations en aval à
l’échelle du bassin versant. La façon dont les consommateurs en aval rétribuent les
utilisateurs en amont pour des «services environnementaux», comme la bonne qualité
de l’eau, la réduction des sédiments ou la régularisation des débits, fait l’objet de
nombreux débats. Cependant, les avis sont partagés quant à la direction et à l’ampleur
de ces impacts, à la façon dont ils influencent les relations entre les utilisateurs en
amont et en aval, et aux mécanismes permettant le partage des avantages et coûts qui
en découlent entre tous les utilisateurs dans le contexte d’un bassin versant. Pour traiter ces questions, la Division de la mise en valeur des terres et des eaux de la FAO a organisé un atelier électronique intitulé «Relations terres-eau dans les bassins versants ruraux» du 18 septembre au 27 octobre 2000.
La présente publication contient les actes de l’atelier et deux documents qui établissent le cadre des débats. La documentation complète de l’atelier, y compris les comptes rendus des discussions, les documents de base et les études de cas, sont disponibles sur le CD-ROM joint au présent volume. |
| Publication Series: Bulletins des terres et des eaux de la FAO 9 |
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| Remote sensing and water resources |
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| Réformer les politiques dans le domaine des ressources en eau: Guide des méthodes, processus et pratiques. (Bulletin FAO d'irrigation et de drainage - 52) |
| Publication Series: Bulletin FAO d'irrigation et de drainage |
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| Self-help wells |
| Publication Series: FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper |
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| Sistemas de pago por servicios ambientales en cuencas hidrográficas |
| El Pago por Servicios Ambientales (PSA) es un instrumento innovador para la gestión de recursos naturales que es aplicado crecientemente en América Latina. Los sistemas de PSA en cuencas hidrográficas involucran generalmente la implantación de mecanismos de mercado para la compensación a los propietarios de tierras aguas arriba con el fin de mantener o modificar un uso particular del suelo que afecta la disponibilidad y/o la calidad del recurso hídrico para los usuarios aguas abajo. El Foro Regional sobre Sistemas de Pago por Servicios Ambientales en Cuencas Hidrográficas se llevó a cabo dentro del marco del Tercer Congreso Latinoamericano de Manejo de Cuencas Hidrográficas (Arequipa, Perú, 9-13 de junio 2003) para intercambiar experiencias sobre sistemas de PSA en cuencas hidrográficas en América Latina, y formular recomendaciones para el diseño y la ejecución de estos sistemas, así como la valoración económica de los servicios hidrológicos. El presente informe resume las principales conclusiones y recomendaciones del Foro. La documentación completa, que comprende 19 trabajos, 22 presentaciones y estudios de caso, se encuentran disponibles en el CD-ROM adjunto a esta publicación. |
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