Shallow Groundwater Irrigation in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: Practices and Issues

Abstract

The Tigray region in Northern Ethiopia has been among the drought prone areas of the country. To enhance food security at household level, a number of efforts have been implemented in the Tigray region including construction of micro-dams, river diversion weirs and ponds as well as extensive soil and water conservation (SWC) measures (like deep trenches, stone or earth bunds and mulching). The rainfall in the region varies from about 500 mm (in eastern part) to 1200 mm (in western part); most of it rains in the month of June–September. In the last 5 years shallow groundwater irrigation has been also extensively implemented. In this context a research study was carried out to assess: (a) the practice of shallow groundwater irrigation, (b) the advantages of soil and water conservation on groundwater recharge, and (c) possible challenges associated with shallow groundwater development, and management. Results revealed that thousands of shallow groundwater wells (with depths not exceeding 30 m) have been developed in Tigray region; shallow groundwater irrigation has increased from less than 20 ha in the year 1994 to over 40,000 ha in the year 2012. Due to the implementation of SWC measures, most of the valley floors of the region have become potential areas for shallow groundwater development; an opportunity for the conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater. Possible challenges related to shallow groundwater irrigation include: (a) well design and construction problems as open excavation is made upto 9 m diameter, (b) high costs of pumps and oil, (c) depletion of groundwater due to excessive withdrawal, (d) the emergence of conflicts due to competition for resources, and (e) lack of awareness of the farmers on the benefits of shallow groundwater irrigation.