Soil and Water Management in Spate Irrigation Systems in Eritrea

Soil and Water Management in Spate Irrigation Systems in Eritrea
Author: Mehreteab Tesfai Hadera
Publisher:
Total Pages: 234
Release: 2001
Genre: Irrigation
ISBN:

Spate irrigation has been practised over 100 years in the Red Sea coastal zone of Eritrea such as the Sheeb area. Main problem of the spate irrigation system is water shortage caused by irregular rainfall in the highlands of Eritrea and breaching of the irrigation structures by destructive big floods. Annually, a tremendous amount of soil with nutrients is eroded from the adjacent highlands, transported by seasonal streams (wadis) and deposited on the lowlands in the irrigated fields. The dominant types of soils of Sheeb area are the Fluvisols, which have good physical and chemical properties. The annual sedimentation on the spate fields enables the farmers to harvest a crop without application of fertilisers. A nutrient balance study revealed no soil mining in the spate fields. Farmers in Sheeb could obtain a more uniform water distribution over their fields with better levelling. Of the total area of Sheeb (8,000 ha), about 3,160 ha of land was classified as highly and moderately suitable for spate irrigation. When the flood diversion structures (at wadis Laba and Maiule) are made more permanent, an additional 2, 000 ha of land can be irrigated. In general, spate irrigation production system is a 'cost effective' system if the irrigation structures are properly maintained at low cost and if the fields receive enough water and nutrients.

A Tradition in Transition, Water Management Reforms and Indigenous Spate Irrigation Systems in Eritrea

A Tradition in Transition, Water Management Reforms and Indigenous Spate Irrigation Systems in Eritrea
Author: Abraham Mehari Haile
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 235
Release: 2007-07-18
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1439828385

An in-depth assessment of the century-old Wadi Laba indigenous spate irrigation system in Eritrea. This system has relied on earthern and brushwood structures and customary water rules to support subsistence livelihoods of the Wadi Laba communities for many years. This research analyses the effectiveness of the introduction o

Guidelines on Spate Irrigation

Guidelines on Spate Irrigation
Author: Frank van Steenbergen
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO)
Total Pages: 254
Release: 2010
Genre: Science
ISBN:

Spate irrigation has been largely neglected in the technical literature.

An Introduction to Agricultural Systems

An Introduction to Agricultural Systems
Author: C. Spedding
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 197
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9401164088

It would have been very easy to expand on all the sections of the first edition but I decided to try to retain the relatively short, introductory nature of the book. Some new material has been added, particularly where it has been possible to update data, and there has been some change of emphasis in places, in order to reflect changing world conditions. The book retains its original purpose, however, of introducing systems thinking as applied to agriculture. I am grateful to Angela Hoxey for help in preparing this edition, especially in relation to the preparation of tables and figures. C. R. W. SPEDDING v Preface to the First Edition The agricultural systems of the world represent a very large subject. Their study involves a great deal of fairly detailed knowledge, as well as a grasp of the structures and functions of the systems themselves. This book has been written as an introduction to such a study and it concentrates on an overall view, rather than on the detail, partly because of the need to relate the latter to some larger picture in order to appreciate the relevance and significance of the detail. This problem-of seeing the relevance of component studies and the significance of physical, biological and economic detail, and indeed principles-is encountered by many agricultural students right at the beginning of their university careers.

Irrigation

Irrigation
Author: Sandra Ricart
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 136
Release: 2019-12-18
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1789846765

The management of irrigation systems is context-dependent, socially constructed, and technically uncertain. An example of complex social-ecological systems, irrigation deals with both the ecosystem uncertainty and the implementation of new technological systems and water management options. Issues to be addressed by irrigation systems at the global scale include: water productivity and food security, field operation and maintenance, spate irrigation in climate change scenarios, and vulnerability of environmental resources. This book provides examples of some of the current challenges faced by irrigation systems from technical and social perspectives. The book offers an easy-to-follow format focused on different case studies combining evidence-based solutions for increasing resilience and reducing vulnerability of irrigation systems in semi-arid and arid regions across the world.

Sustainable Water Management in Smallholder Farming

Sustainable Water Management in Smallholder Farming
Author: Sara Finley
Publisher: CABI
Total Pages: 206
Release: 2016-07-27
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1780646860

Water is critical to all human activities, but access to this crucial resource is increasingly limited by competition and the effects of climate change. In agriculture, water management is key to ensuring good and sustained crop yields, maintaining soil health, and safeguarding the long-term viability of the land. Water management is especially challenging on smallholder farms in resource-poor areas, which tend to be primarily rainfed and thus highly dependent on unreliable rainfall patterns. Sustainable practices can help farmers promote the development of soils, plants and field surfaces to allow maximum retention of water between rains, and encourage the efficient use of each drop of water applied as irrigation. Especially useful for farmers' groups, agricultural extension workers, NGOs, students and researchers working with farmers in dryland areas, this comprehensive yet concise book is a practical and accessible resource for anyone interested in sustainable water management.

Climate Hazard Crises in Asian Societies and Environments

Climate Hazard Crises in Asian Societies and Environments
Author: Troy Sternberg
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 220
Release: 2017-01-20
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1317165101

Climate hazards are the world’s most widespread, deadliest and costliest natural disasters. Knowledge of climate hazard dynamics is critical since the impacts of climate change, population growth, development projects and migration affect both the impact and severity of disasters. Current global events highlight how hazards can lead to significant financial losses, increased mortality rates and political instability. This book examines climate hazard crises in contemporary Asia, identifying how hazards from the Middle East through South and Central Asia and China have the power to reshape our globalised world. In an era of changing climates, knowledge of hazard dynamics is essential to mitigating disasters and strengthening livelihoods and societies across Asia. By integrating human exposure to climate factors and disaster episodes, the book explores the environmental forces that drive disasters and their social implications. Focusing on a range of Asian countries, landscapes and themes, the chapters address several scales (province, national, regional), different hazards (drought, flood, temperature, storms, dust), environments (desert, temperate, mountain, coastal) and issues (vulnerability, development, management, politics) to present a diverse, comprehensive evaluation of climate hazards in Asia. This book offers an understanding of the challenges climate hazards present, their critical nature and the effort needed to mitigate climate hazards in 21st-century Asia. Climate Hazard Crises in Asian Societies and Environments is vital reading for those interested and engaged in Asia’s development and well-being today and will be of interest to those working in Geography, Development Studies, Environmental Sciences, Sociology and Political Science.