Participatory Approach for Improvements in Spate Irrigation Systems

Spate irrigation is a complex and unique form of water management. Water is diverted from seasonal rivers through the use of diversion structures made by stones, earth and brushwood, which are located within the river bed. Despite its widespread diffusion and its history, spate irrigation is one of the least studied techniques at academic level.

The development of modernized spate irrigation schemes realised in the last 15 years in Raya Valley (Ethiopia) resulted in disappointing performances, mainly due to a poor consideration of the very particular characteristics of wadi catchments. Local farmers, who showed a deep knowledge of the river system and of the irrigation techniques, and who represented the beneficiaries of the improvements, where involved only at the level of consultation after the failure of the main projects.     

The purpose of this study has been to develop and test a participatory framework for selection and design of effective improvements in spate systems. A participatory approach based on Diagnostic Analysis was realised utilising Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques and Participatory Design methodology. A participatory analysis of the problems of the scheme was realised, then problems were ranked and suitable solutions were proposed.

Farmers recognised the need of more resistant diversion structures and gabion walls for the stabilisation of the river bank. Together with the local community, the main features of the design were identified and used for a preliminary analysis of the structures. The involvement of farmers in the planning phase of the work also helped to highlight that not only irrigation-related problems, but also flood-related problems threaten agricultural production and rural livelihoods. Rather than an irrigation system approach, a river system approach is then suggested for framing future development strategies.