The role of indigenous environmental knowledge in improving irrigation efficiency: a case Study of Usangu basin, Tanzania

The main objective of this study had been to examine the role of indigenous knowledge in improving irrigation efficiency in the Usangu basin. The target population for this study was the smallholder farmers in Igomelo and Majenje irrigation schemes in the Usangu basin. Respondents were obtained basin on stratified random sampling procedure. Data collection based on Participatory Rural appraisal techniques, questionnaire, and field experiment. Data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Irrigation expansion over time was determined using IDRISS 32 GIS software. Results were presented using graphs, tables, text boxes, pie cha1is, and maps. Findings revealed that rivers were the main sources of water for irrigation but follows correspond to rainfall patterns thus leading to different concerns of irrigation management and organization of modern and indigenous knowledge systems. The later was more effective at furrow level as far as water use efficiency was concerned ; the majority of farmers were not aware of the concept of i irrigation efficiency , however, they had developed their indigenous methods of improving irrigation that showed some potentiality. The study concludes that there is potential for indigenous environmental knowledge systems (IEKS) in improving irrigation efficiency in the Usangu basin. It is recommended that more efforts should be made to improve farmers understanding of the concept of irrigation efficiency and effective integration of indigenous knowledge in water use management.