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Viability of Small-scale Irrigation Investments in the Middle East
Small-scale irrigation be it through pumping of groundwater from wells (Sudan 134-SU; Yemen 013-YA, 060-YD, 068-YD, 156-YD, 202-YD, 228-YD and 253-YD) or rivers (Sudan 134-SU) has been an important component of IFAD projects in arid areas. Projects have aimed to assist farmers, usually by providing credit for developing new or existing wells, improving conveyance systems, and through extension, demonstrating improved technology. The appropriateness of these interventions, and their sustainability, needs validation.
In Sudan (134-SU) over 3700 pumpsets were provided which helped overcome destructive, wide-spread flooding in 1988 and made a significant contribution to the proliferation of irrigation from wells (‘mataras’). Many of these wells were sited within government controlled large-scale irrigation schemes as a response to the inability of these schemes to supply efficient water. Project assistance with wells in Yemen was much sought after and generally successful. Overall, although small-scale farmers continue to face problems relating to shortages of spare parts and fuel, particularly in Sudan, they have demonstrated a capacity to maintain and repair their pumpsets and infrastructure and are fully aware of the financial value of their investment.
In Yemen, the current rates of groundwater extraction are not sustainable in many areas with water levels in main aquifers receding annually by one to seven metres. The declining watertables apart from creating conditions of uncertainty and scarcity, increases the risk of salt intrusion. In Sudan, while groundwater sources near the Nile are more secure, drops in water levels and salinity are occurring in wells in upper terraces where recharge is not influenced substantially by the Nile.
Private small-scale irrigation schemes, regardless of whether they rely on pumping from wells or rivers can be attractive investments for donors particularly in environments where rainfed cropping is impossible or marginal. They are self-managed and require only modest assistance consisting mainly of credit to purchase small infrastructure items such as pumps and engines.
Provided adequate knowledge through comprehensive hydro-geological surveys and, preferably, experience with regard to groundwater reserves and water quality is available, small-scale irrigation schemes should be considered attractive propositions in arid environments for IFAD investment.
Where necessary technical assistance should be provided for hydro-geological investigations and strengthening of national and/or regional authorities involved with water.
Sufficient technical assistance with the emphasis on training, should be an integral part of any assistance package concerning irrigation.
In the early years of new small-scale irrigation schemes supported by donors to ensure access to spare parts, fuel and inputs should be included, if necessary.
References:
1. Sudan - Country Portfolio Evaluation, CPE94 CESSU94E IFAD 1992.
2. Sudan - Northern Region Agricultural Rehabilitation Project, 134-SU R134SUBE,Interim Evaluation, 1991.
3. Yemen - Country Portfolio Evaluation, CPE92 CESYE92E IFAD 1992.
4. Yemen, A.R. - Tihama Development III (Wadi Mawr), 013-YA, IFAD, 1979
5. Yemen, A.R. - Central Highlands Agricultural Development, 156-YA, IFAD, 1984
6. Yemen, A.R. - Southern Regional Agricultural Development, 202-YA, IFAD, 1987
7. Yemen, P.D.R. - Agricultural Support Services Project, 060-YD, Mid Term Evaluation, 1984.
8. Yemen, P.D.R. - Cooperative Development of Rainfed Agriculture, 068-YD, IFAD, 1981
9. Yemen, P.D.R. - Eastern Regional Agricultural Development, 228-YD, IFAD, 1988
