In the heart of Ethiopia’s Awi Zone, a critical evaluation of the Dimama Angerf Abay irrigation scheme has unveiled both promising insights and areas for improvement, with significant implications for the energy sector. The study, led by Yeshaneh Amsalu of the Irrigation and Lowland Areas Development Office, sheds light on the performance of medium-scale irrigation systems, offering a roadmap for enhancing water productivity and sustainability.
The Dimama Angerf Abay irrigation scheme, like many others in Ethiopia, has faced numerous operational and maintenance challenges that have hindered its potential. Amsalu and his team set out to assess the scheme’s performance using advanced remote sensing techniques and geospatial analysis, providing a comprehensive evaluation that could revolutionize how we approach irrigation management.
The research, published in Discover Water, employed the Remote Sensing Portal Water Productivity (WaPOR) methods to analyze the irrigation scheme’s performance during the 2022/2023 season. The team utilized the Food and Agricultural Organization’s CROPWAT package to calculate crop water and irrigation demand, while the WaPOR dataset and Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) were used to determine actual evapotranspiration and water productivity.
The findings revealed a mixed bag of results. External performance indicators such as adequacy, equity, uniformity, and beneficial friction rated the scheme’s performance as good. However, water delivery efficiency was identified as a significant area for improvement. “The overall water delivery of the scheme is fair based on the field observed data,” Amsalu noted, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to enhance efficiency.
One of the most compelling aspects of the study is the use of WaPOR data, which showed that the scheme’s performance ranges from fair to good. The adequacy of the irrigation scheme was rated fair to good (75–92%), equity ranged from fair (12.5–20.2%), and uniformity was categorized as good (79.8–87.5%). Beneficial friction also fell within the fair range (72–76%). Water productivity was measured between 1.19 and 1.38 kg/m3, indicating room for improvement in water use efficiency.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are profound. Efficient water management is crucial for sustainable agriculture, which in turn supports the energy sector by reducing the carbon footprint associated with irrigation. By adopting appropriate irrigation schedules and minimizing conflicts, experts and managers can expand the command area and enhance overall productivity.
Amsalu’s work underscores the potential of remote sensing and geospatial analysis in evaluating irrigation system performance. The WaPOR database, in particular, has proven to be a valuable tool for assessing water productivity and identifying areas for improvement. As the demand for sustainable agriculture continues to grow, such technologies will play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of irrigation management.
The study published in Discover Water, which translates to “Discover Water” in English, offers a blueprint for enhancing the performance of irrigation schemes in Ethiopia and beyond. By leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven insights, stakeholders can work towards creating more efficient, sustainable, and productive irrigation systems. This research not only highlights the current state of the Dimama Angerf Abay irrigation scheme but also paves the way for future developments in the field, ensuring that agriculture and energy sectors thrive in harmony.