Revisiting dominant practices in floodwater harvesting systems: making flood events worth their occurrence in flood-prone areas

Mphatso Malota,Joshua Mchenga

doi:10.1007/s13201-019-1096-4

Abstract

The lower Shire valley region in Malawi has long been characterized by floods which have accounted for many fatalities and disaster-related economic losses in the region. Rain-fed crop production has also been adversely affected by such floods, subsequently leading to the region registering the highest levels of poverty in the country due to low agricultural crop production. This study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods and based on what is practiced in the region and elsewhere, recommended strategies that would lower the risk of engaging in crop production under floodwater harvesting. Study results revealed that farmers in the region have sought to dig networks of water ponds and shallow wells as coping strategies to future water scarcity at a scheme level. The absence of well-designed networks of field waterways in the irrigation schemes results in an unequal distribution of floodwaters among field plots. The study concluded that in addition to digging a network of shallow wells and small water ponds to enhance infiltration of floodwaters and increasing groundwater recharge, a resilient and low-risk package of the floodwater harvesting system in the region must also include (1) construction of floodwater diversion structures to increase the chances of flooding even from relatively small rainfall storms, (2) construction of floodwater field distribution channel networks to facilitate field to field distribution of floodwaters, and (3) formulating water distribution rules to enhance equal floodwater distribution among field plots.

Highlights

Water scarcity in predominantly rain-fed crop production systems is largely influenced by rainfall variability and substantial unproductive water losses in form of runoff (Biazin et al 2011; Araya and Stroosnijder 2010; Welderufael et al 2008)
The training was provided by Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs) from the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Water Development
Flooding of the Shire River in the lower Shire valley region of Malawi offers a great opportunity to enhance crop production when combined with floodwater harvesting

Summary

Introduction

Water scarcity in predominantly rain-fed crop production systems is largely influenced by rainfall variability and substantial unproductive water losses in form of runoff (Biazin et al 2011; Araya and Stroosnijder 2010; Welderufael et al 2008). According to Kowsar (2005), subsequent to a flood event, farming calendars in flood-prone environments are affected as it takes nearly 3 to 4 weeks before the fields naturally drain and become accessible. In the past decade alone, the country registered an annual average of 12% maize yield production losses due to flood-related crop damage (Pauw et al 2010). According to Pauw et al (2010), the high poverty levels in the region are largely attributed to the flood disaster-related economic losses, which are normally experienced annually

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Conclusion