Irrigation advancement in Tanzania: : MTC-MBU irrigation scheme: evaluation: a case study
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Date
1980
Authors
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
A study was conducted at Mtc-wa-Mbu irrigation scheme to collect enough relevant information related in particular to water management aspects which when integrated could assess the magnitude of specific proo leas namely: (1) the adequacy of the irrigation water for its intended use, (2) the nature and extent of the salt problem, and (3) the nature and extent of the drainage problem. From the available data, the project efficiency has been estimated to be about 56%. It has been identified that a considerable amount of water is lost before reaching the fiolas, and on the field it is not used efficiently. Factors contributing to water loss in the conveyance system and to inefficient use on the field are: (1) seepage losses and leakages from the main canal embankments, (2) lack of water control structures in the whole irrigation network, (3) poor ability of the farmers to manage the diverted flows, (4) wild flooding method of irrigation presently employed, (5) undefined water delivery schedules, etc. It is estimated that the overall average diversion requirement of about 13 × 〖10〗^3 m^3/sec from njoro spring is not enough to irrigate 400 Ha adequately if the effective irrigation time is to be increased considerably. A night storage at a feasible site any be a solution to the problem. Other methods of improving the project efficiency suitable from Mtc-wa-Mbu are suggested. Analysis of the available data on the salt problem indicate that two groups of salt affected soils exist namely: (1) the alkaline soils, and (2) the nonsaline – alkali soils. Ways and means of reclaiming and improving these salt affected soils are outlined. With regard to the drainage conditions, the available data indicate that there exists a drainage problem. The measured hydraulic conductivity values are below 2.54 cm/hr, a value below which a drainage problem normally exist. In view of the inconclusive nature of the available data on this subject, further study on drainage problem is recommended.
Description
Available in print form, EAF Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, (THS EAF TC919.T3M3)
Keywords
Irrigation, Mto wa Mbu irrigation scheme, Tanzania, Arusha
Citation
Mabugo, D.R.R (1980) Irrigation advancement in Tanzania: : MTC-MBU irrigation scheme: evaluation: a case study, Masters dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam,