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  Preparation Of Small-Scale Irrigation Projects: Stage 1
 

R Number:  R6184  
Contractor: 
Dates:          November 1994 to March 1995

Confirmation of the need for and practicality of developing a checklist to assist preparation of irrigation projects in Sub-Saharan Africa where the scheme is too small to support full feasibility study.

Executive Summary
Objectives

  • Purpose
    To assess the justification for investment in the development a checklist to facilitate preparation of small-scale irrigation projects in the Sub-Saharan Region of Africa

  • Outputs
    1.Report on the likely utility of such a checklist

    2. A costed proposal for the preparation of the checklist

    • Methodology

    1. A study, based on available information, was carried out to assess the contribution which irrigation might be expected to make towards meeting future agricultural demand in the countries of the Region. A time horizon of 2025 was taken. In determining demand, the prime determinant was assumed to be population growth, World Bank projections being used. Some rise in nutritional levels was also assumed. Potential for agricultural production in each country was based in the case of rainfed crops on figures published by FAO in Agriculture: Towards 2000, and in the case of irrigation, on estimates quoted by the World Bank.

    Because of the difficulty of determining the degree to which any country might choose to develop its potential for irrigation, in order to obtain a first indication of the contribution which might be made by irrigation towards meeting future demand, and the adequacy of the land resource generally, two bounding cases were considered: irrigated production maximised through development of the full irrigation potential, and no further development of irrigation beyond levels then existing, with in both cases the balance being met from rainfed cropping.

    2. To avoid possible duplication of effort, enquiries as to the existence of checklists of the type envisaged were made through the active ICID National Committees in the relevant countries, multi-lateral and bi-lateral funding agencies, FAO, and consultants and academic institutions with interests in the region.

    3. To establish its feasibility, draft headings for the checklist were drawn up and preliminary discussions held with specialists in the relevant disciplines.

    1. Having established the likely utility of a checklist, a costed proposal for its development (Stage 2) was prepared.

    Results And Conclusions

    In spite of the lack of definitive data, particularly regarding irrigation potential, and the simplistic approach adopted, a number of conclusions could be drawn:

  • In national terms, relative to the predicted demand, the contribution to agricultural production which can be made by irrigation is in the majority of countries limited. The main contribution to increased production must in general come from rainfed agriculture.

  • About half the countries in the Region will need to develop more than 50% of their remaining potential for rainfed cropping. Even so, in some countries, because of limited potential, it is unlikely that the demand can be met.

  • However, even in those countries with ample potential for rainfed cropping, uneven distribution of that potential is likely to require development of irrigation in the less favoured parts or for special crops. For those countries approaching full utilisation of their resources, development of irrigation assumes increasing importance if production is to be maximised.

  • Because of the high cost and disappointing performance of many large-scale schemes, irrigation development is likely to be small-scale.

  • Experience of irrigation development confirms the need for improved project preparation, particularly with regard to proper integration of schemes into the local agricultural context. In many countries, human and material resources are in short supply, and the availability to junior staff of a checklist allowing rapid assessment of the principal factors upon which the success of a potential irrigation scheme depends, could be of considerable benefit.

  • Existing checklists/guidelines either tend to cover only preliminary identification, are too general, or are targeted at experienced planners.
    • Further Information
    List of Publications

    Checklist to Assist Preparation of Small-Scale Irrigation Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa: Stage 1 - W P Field

    The Future Role of Irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa - W P Field, News and Views, April 1996

    Follow-up Activities

    1. A presentation on the future role of irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa was made at the 1995 ICID Executive Council in Rome.

    2. Implementation of Stage 2, preparation of the checklist.

    Collaborating Organisations

    International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage: Working Group on Construction, Rehabilitation and Modernisation of Irrigation Projects.

    Contact Details for Further Information
    W.P. Field

    Tel: +44 1444 452946
    Fax: +44 1444 441168
    Email: agerfield@pavilion.co.uk