Abstract
Although the spate irrigation system is an ancient practice, it is only in the past very few decades the system has undergone little modernization interventions. However, these interventions were mostly in the aspects of heavy investment in the sophisticated head works for improving flood water diversion efficiency. In many cases, the modernization interventions were not successful due to various problems such as heavy sedimentation, high flood, disturbed local water distribution rules, or the new designs were not coherent with home-grown practices. On the other hand, successful improvements incorporate less labor intensive and relatively permanent structures with the advantages of conventional systems without considerably altering the approach of the spate irrigation practice. Thus, in this chapter, the techniques of improving traditional spate irrigation systems were reviewed. Farmer-implemented improved traditional spate irrigation systems: flow diversions; canals and control structures; management of sediment, field water, and soil moisture and agronomic practices; reactive water rights and distribution rules were assessed. Therefore, this chapter helps as a reference material for teaching, training and research activities, and it plays a great role in the efforts of sustainable spate irrigation systems development, rehabilitation and management programs.
Highlights
Spate irrigation was defined by [1] as “a resource system, whereby flood water is released through generally dry wadis and transmitted to irrigable fields.”
According to Ref. [11], flood water spreading in Gareh-Bygone plain (Iran) facilitated spate irrigation of rangeland and groundwater recharge
There are different types of diversion structures which depend on resources available for construction, farmers’ preference, and site conditions. These are more long-lasting diversion spurs with breach/overflow parts; improved diversion bunds including the use of fuse plugs and bed bars; controlling flows admitted to canals including natural orifice control or gated intake structures; rejection spillways; and a combination of the above [5]
Summary
Spate irrigation is being practiced in dry-land regions for food security and livelihood improvement. Flash flood irrigation has been practiced since 70 centuries ago as a main means of survival and income source for the poor in dry-lands [6]. [11], flood water spreading in Gareh-Bygone plain (Iran) facilitated spate irrigation of rangeland and groundwater recharge. This reversed migration of communities who have left the area due to groundwater depletion. The best successful improvements incorporate less labor intensive and relatively permanent structures with the advantages of conventional systems without considerably altering the existing approach of the spate irrigation practice [2, 5]. This strengthens any sustainable spate irrigation system development, rehabilitation and management efforts aimed at improving food security and livelihood in water-scarce environments
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