Characterization and Redesigning of Mada Batu Small Scale Irrigation Scheme, West Arsi Zone of Oromia Region

Abstract

Irrigation enhances agricultural production, improves the food supply and income of rural population in Ethiopia. From this important viewpoint irrigation projects were widely studied, planned and implemented throughout the country. However, little or no attention was given to the monitoring and evaluation of the performance of already established schemes. The aim of this study was to characterize and redesign of Mada-Batu small scale irrigation scheme in order to improve the performance of the irrigation system. Firstly, scheme was characterized in terms of capacity, dimensions and functionality of reservoir, main and secondary canal and then redesign of the scheme was done depending on the current command area of the scheme. The scheme has trapezoidal shape of reservoir with a capacity of 2604 m3 live storage along with trapezoidal shape of main canal with average size of 161, 59, 38.2 cm at the top, bottom and depth respectively and maximum discharge capacity when gate was fully opened at off take was 70 l/sec. The overall efficiency of the scheme is rated at reasonable category. The current redesigned capacity of main canal was 524 l/s and dimensions of 253.9, 74 and 60 cm at the top, bottom and depth respectively.