Evaluation of water: a case study of the Kilombero Sugar Irrigation Project (Msolwa Estate)

The cost of water as pumped and delivered from source to cane fields for the Kilombero Irrigation project, Msolwa estate is investigated. The yearly pump output from irrigation source, the conveyance losses and the quantities of water reaching cane fields are estimated. Benefits resulting from irrigation are estimated for some and a selected year by comparing yields from irrigated and non-irrigated cane fields. It is found that, if farmers are to pay, the cost of irrigation outweighs the benefits. It is therefore unprofitable for the farmer to use irrigation unless the cost is subsidized.