Design of Jigessa Small Scale Irrigation in Dara Woreda, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

The artificial application of water to land to aid crop production has enabled man to increase his ability to produce food and cash crops. All-the-year round crop production is now possible instead of the previous restriction to rain fed agriculture. However, conserving water and delivery it to the fields in an efficient manner has continued to be a challenge. The design of small-scale irrigation project will provide supplementary irrigation for many farmers. This paper presents design of small scale irrigation in Dara Wereda by assessing irrigation agronomy, analyzing hydrological condition of the area and designing different engineering structures like the headwork structure, main canal, cross drainage structure, etc. and also analyzing the stability of the structure which already designed. The structure we design in this project will resist the 50 year return period peak flood. Design considerations of canals naturally vary according to the type of soil. Again, the velocity of flow in the canal should critical. The canals cross the natural drain or gullies so suitable structure must be selected and designed. Finally, we put our conclusion and the necessary recommendation for the government, society, university and stakeholders.