Effects of farmer-initiated modifications of water control structures on performance of irrigation system:a case study of Mkindo Scheme, Morogoro, Tanzania
| dc.contributor.author | Matiku,John Magorombe | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-11-18T05:15:19Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-11-18T05:15:19Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2000 | |
| dc.description | Dissertation | |
| dc.description.abstract | A study to assess the effects of farmer-initiated modifications of water control structures on the performance of the irrigation system in Tanzania was carried out at Mkindo farmer managed irrigation scheme (FMIS) in Morogoro region. The scheme had two phases. The changes made on the original water control structures were assessed, the performance of the existing water distribution system, and the effect of the existing water control structures on performance of the irrigation system was evaluated. The result of the study shows that changes were made by farmers on the original design of already constructed water control structures in the scheme as follows: some of the field canals and the original centrally located field drains were removed by farmers in order to increase irrigable area (bigger utilised land area). Therefore, some farmers were doing field-to-field irrigation method; the main drainage for phase-I has been converted to field irrigation canal by nearby farmers; dimension of existing paddy field earth bunds and secondary canal banks were smaller than original ones; water harvesting from main and secondary canal by farmers outside the scheme exists and no water control gates (wooden stop-logs originally provided) exists at division box openings and at turnout level for the scheme. Applicable indicators for the performance of FMIS are quantified as follows:-Overall irrigation efficiencies were 6% and 8.3% for phase-I and phase-II of the scheme respectively: Average productivity dropped from 6.6 ton/ha in 1995/96 to 3.1 ton/ha in1998/99 season. The organisation of Mkindo FMIS was appropriate, however, the scheme was weak in irrigation management as the essential operation and maintenance activities were not carried out effectively. The scheme had canal maintenance problem. There was a corresponding big error in waler adequacy of 72% and 68% for both phase- I and phase-II of the scheme respectively arising from improper water control along the main canal and at secondary canal offtake. Both phase-I and phase-II of the scheme were not able to distribute water equitably, reliably as well as maintaining a correct field water depth from tilling to flowering and grain formation stage. This was shown by relatively high error of equity of 18% and 20% for both phases respectively. These figures are far greater than zero, which is the indicator for highest performance. Therefore, the FMIS in Tanzania may perform better, or be sustainable, if original design of already constructed water control structures are maintained (i.e. not changed) by farmers at operation stage. This emphasises farmer’s involvement and empowerment at planning, design and construction stages of the scheme. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | NAEP-II/Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operative | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/20.500.14820/7143 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Sokoine University of Agriculture | |
| dc.subject | Mkindo Scheme | |
| dc.subject | Irrigation system | |
| dc.subject | Irrigation method | |
| dc.subject | Climate | |
| dc.title | Effects of farmer-initiated modifications of water control structures on performance of irrigation system:a case study of Mkindo Scheme, Morogoro, Tanzania | |
| dc.type | Thesis |