scholarly journals Achievements, challenges and opportunities of rainwater harvesting in the Ethiopia context: a review working paper No. 1

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Negash Tessema Roba ◽  
Asfaw Kebede Kassa ◽  
Dame Yadeta Geleta ◽  
Birhanu Kindshih Hishe
Keyword(s):  
Water Conservation ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Rainwater Harvesting ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Water Supply Systems

Abstract Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is a novel way for developing countries to construct and maintain long-term water supply systems. As a result, this review article draws on actual findings and lessons learned from various places in Ethiopia to assess the country's achievements and opportunities when it comes to RWH, as well as to guide future alternatives toward its sustainability. RWH acts as a tie throughout the rainy season's dry spells, benefiting human and livestock consumption as well as crop production through irrigation. So, for the victory of well-organized rain water collection, watershed treatment, seepage and evaporation control, soil and water conservation, conservation tillage, and integration of low-cost water lifting techniques and family drip systems should all be feasible. Given that the country is not further modernized, it has ancient dated experiences on the operation and exploitation of RWH systems. Aside from financial inadequacies, historical and political instability, lack of understanding among farmers, and resistance to new technologies, the country has opportunities and has made some progress on rainwater harvesting systems. In general, rainwater harvesting could enable smallholder farmers to diversify their crops, thereby enhancing household food security, dietary status, and economic return. In addition, the much-needed green revolution and climate change adaptations should combine rainwater harvesting ideas with agronomic principles in the country. More work is needed to strengthen indigenous practices and share best practices to a larger scale.

scholarly journals Pengelolaan Lahan Kering Beriklim Kering untuk Pengembangan Jagung di Nusa Tenggara

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
Anny Mulyani ◽  
Mamat Haris Suwanda
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Soil Analysis ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Initial Point ◽  
Conservation Agriculture ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Annual Rainfall

<p><strong>Abstrak</strong>. Wilayah Nusa Tenggara mempunyai lahan kering beriklim kering seluas 4,9 juta ha dengan curah hujan &lt;2.000 mm/tahun dan bulan kering 5-10 bulan, bersolum tanah dangkal dan berbatu. Sebagian lahan tersebut sudah dimanfaatkan menjadi lahan pertanian terutama jagung, akibatnya produktivitas tanaman jagung rendah dibandingkan potensi genetiknya, yaitu sekitar 2,5 ton/ha di NTT dan 5,3 ton/ha di NTB dibanding dengan potensi genetiknya 9 ton/ha. Sejak tahun 2010-2015, Badan Penelitian dan Pengembangan Pertanian telah mengembangkan inovasi teknologi pengelolaan lahan kering beriklim kering dan berbatu di beberapa kabupaten di NTT dan NTB, meliputi penyediaan sumberdaya air (dam parit, embung, tampung renteng mini, sumur dangkal), pengenalan varietas unggul baru dan budidaya tanaman pangan. Pembelajaran yang diperoleh menunjukkan bahwa penyediaan air menjadi titik ungkit untuk meningkatkan indeks pertanaman dan produktivitas tanaman. Inovasi teknologi yang dibutuhkan petani adalah, mudah diterapkan, biaya murah, dan efisien tenaga kerja mendorong berlanjutnya teknologi tersebut meskipun progam tersebut telah selesai. Pada tahun 2014-2018 telah dilaksanakan kegiatan pertanian konservasi melalui dana hibah barang dan jasa yang dikelola FAO. Prinsip dasar pertanian konservasi terdiri atas 3 pilar, yaitu olah tanah terbatas berupa lubang olah permanen, penutupan permukaan tanah, rotasi/tumpangsari. Lubang tanam tersebut diberi pupuk kandang atau kompos, dan ditanami jagung pada 4 penjuru lubang, dan ditumpangsarikan dengan berbagai kacang-kacangan atau tanaman merambat seperti labu kuning yang berfungsi sebagai penutup tanah dan penghasilan tambahan dari kacang-kacangan berumur pendek. Berdasarkan hasil analisis tanah sebelum dan sesudah implementasi pertanian konservasi menunjukkan bahwa pertanian konservasi dapat meningkatkan kesuburan tanah, retensi air dan meningkatkan produksi tanaman jagung.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Abstract</strong>. The Nusa Tenggara region has upland area with dry climate of 4.9 million ha, less than 2,000 mm annual rainfall, 5-10 dry months, shallow and rocky soils. Some of the land has been used for agricultural development, especially corn, resulting in low corn productivity of around 2.5 tons / ha in NTT and 5.3 tons / ha in NTB as compared to it genetic potential 9 tons /ha. Since 2010-2015, Indonesian Agency of Agricultural Research and Development has developed innovation of soil management technology for upland with dry climates and and rocky soils in several districts in NTT and NTB. The innovation includes the provision of water resources (dam trenches, reservoirs, mini catchments, and shallow wells), introduction of new high yielding varieties and cultivation crops. The lessons learned show that water supply is the initial point to increase cropping index and crop productivity. Technological innovations needed by farmers are easy to implement, low cost, and labor efficient thereby encourage the continuation of the technology even though the program has been completed. In 2014-2018, conservation agriculture activities were carried out through grants of goods and services managed by Food Agriculture Organization (FAO). The basic principle of conservation agriculture consists of 3 pillars, namely limited tillage in the form of permanent planting holes, cover crops, rotation / intercropping. The planting hole is given manure or compost, and planted with corn in 4 corners, and intercropped with various nuts or vines such as pumpkin that serves as a soil cover and additional income from short-lived beans. Based on the results of soil analysis before and after the implementation of conservation agriculture, it shows that conservation agriculture can increase soil fertility, water retention and increase corn crop production.</p>

scholarly journals A Century of Riverbank Protection and River Training in Bangladesh

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Knut Oberhagemann ◽  
A. M. Aminul Haque ◽  
Angela Thompson
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Dynamic Environment ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
New Techniques ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Protection Technology ◽  
River Training

Protecting against riverbank erosion along the world’s largest rivers is challenging. The Bangladesh Delta, bisected by the Brahmaputra River (also called the Jamuna River), is rife with complexity. Here, an emerging middle-income country with the world’s highest population density coexists with the world’s most unpredictable and largest braided, sand-bed river. Bangladesh has struggled over decades to protect against the onslaught of a continuously widening river corridor. Many of the principles implemented successfully in other parts of the world failed in Bangladesh. To this end, Bangladesh embarked on intensive knowledge-based developments and piloted new technologies. After two decades, successful, sustainable, low-cost riverbank protection technology was developed, suitable for the challenging river conditions. It was necessary to accept that no construction is permanent in this morphologically dynamic environment. What was initially born out of fund shortages became a cost-effective, systematic and adaptive approach to riverbank protection using improved knowledge, new materials, and new techniques, in the form of geobag revetments. This article provides an overview of the challenges faced when attempting to stabilize the riverbanks of the mighty rivers of Bangladesh. An overview of the construction of the major bridge crossings as well as riverbank protection schemes is detailed. Finally, a summary of lessons learned concludes the impressive progress made.

Design of a Small Scale Gas Turbine for a Hybrid Propulsion System

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elliott Bryner ◽  
David Ransom ◽  
John Bishop ◽  
Shane Coogan ◽  
Grant Musgrove
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Propulsion System ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Test Bed ◽  
Gas Generator ◽  
Original Design ◽  
Hybrid Propulsion

As part of the Great Horned Owl (GHO) program Southwest Research Institute© (SwRI©) has developed a small, lightweight gas-turbine generator to provide power for an electric or hybrid electric Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). This original design for a fuel-to-electricity component of a hybrid propulsion system was designed, built and tested at the SwRI facility in San Antonio, TX. The design is based on a patented SwRI gas-turbine configuration and went through five major design iterations leading to the final configuration. The design iterations of the gas generator were driven by aggressive targets for weight, size and performance that were part of program requirements. The design of the GHO machine evolved from the initial concept based on lessons learned from previous testing at SwRI and considerations to improve manufacturability and operability. Improvements to the design were also incorporated to meet performance goals and increase life of hot section parts. This machine is low-cost and simple to operate and in addition to the original design intent of fuel-to-electricity use in a hybrid propulsion system can be used as a technology demonstration platform. SwRI plans to use the GHO machine in projects such as instrumentation development, as a test bed for new technologies such as ceramic or additive manufactured parts and for use as a component in a hardware-in-the-loop system.

scholarly journals Optimization of rainwater harvesting system design for smallholder irrigation farmers in Kenya: a review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin O. Odhiambo ◽  
Basil T. Iro Ong'or ◽  
Edwin K. Kanda
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Rainwater Harvesting ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Supplemental Irrigation ◽  
Global Food Security

Abstract The adverse effects of climate change on agriculture have been felt across the globe. Smallholder farmers in sub-Sahara Africa are particularly more vulnerable to the effects of climate change leading to loss of income and livelihood thus affecting the global food security. Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) is emerging as a viable option to mitigate the negative effects of climate change by supporting rain-fed agriculture through supplemental irrigation. However, smallholder farmers are still grappling with a myriad of challenges hindering them from reaping the benefits of their investment in RWH systems. This review explores some of the factors behind the poor performance of RWH systems in Kenya and also seeks to suggest techniques that can be applied to optimize the design parameters for improved performance and the adoption of RWH systems. According to the review, RWH has the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change among smallholder farmers. It allows for crop production beyond the growing season through supplemental irrigation. However, their impacts have been minimal due to the consistent poor performance of RWH systems. This is attributed to inefficiencies in design and construction brought about by lack of required technical skills among RWH system designers and implementers. Proper design and implementation are therefore paramount for better performance and adoption of RWH systems in the region. This will ensure that RWH systems are reliable, technically and economically feasible as well as possess a desirable water-saving efficiency.

scholarly journals What drives smallholder farmers’ crop production choices in Central Zambia? Lessons from the 2012/2013 agricultural season

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kabwe Harnadih Mubanga ◽  
Bridget Bwalya Umar ◽  
Jane Muchabi ◽  
Chishimba Mubanga
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
State Agency ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Climate Information ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
Household Food

The study, conducted in central Zambia was aimed at determining the major drivers of crop production choices among smallholder farmers. It utilized recent national crop production and utilization data; 200 semi-structured interview schedules, and key informant interviews conducted with smallholder farmers and experts from the agricultural sector in Zambia respectively. Results showed that despite being confronted by late on-set of rains and post germination crop attacks by army worms which made maize (Zea mays) production extremely precarious, 61.5% of the affected smallholder farmers replanted their cultivated land with maize. The farmers had a choice of whether to replant maize which had a ready market from the state agency, the Food Reserve Agency, or to plant a drought tolerant crop such as sorghum or millet which would have guaranteed them with household food security from own production. They mainly chose the former option. They increased production of other crops such as soya beans (Glycine max), sun flower(Helianthus annuus) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) when contract farming with private business entities became available. Markets determined smallholder farmers’ crop production choices more than household food security from own production or availability of climate information forecasting poor rainfall distribution. The study concludes that (i) prior knowledge of climate information does not necessarily result in a change of smallholder farmers’ crop production choices in response to a predicted climate anomaly, (ii) markets are a major determinant of crops cultivated by smallholder farmers, and hence adaptation measures involving crop diversification should be designed with market availability in mind. 

scholarly journals PERBAIKAN SIFAT FISIKO-KIMIA TANAH PSAMMENT DENGAN PEMULSAAN ORGANIK DAN OLAH TANAH KONSERVASI PADA BUDIDAYA JAGUNG

Jurnal Solum ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Adrinal Adrinal ◽  
Amrizal Saidi ◽  
Gusmini Gusmini
Keyword(s):  
Water Conservation ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Conservation Tillage ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Corn Yield ◽  
Corn Straw ◽  
Organic Mulch ◽  
No Till ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Two Factors

A research about amelioration of psycho-chemical of Psamment by using organic mulch and techniques of conservation tillage on corn growth had been conducted in 2009. Field experiment was located in Korong Olo Bangau, Batang Anai, Padang Pariaman Regency. The general objective of the research was to improve fertility of Psamment and to find out the best tillage practice for corn growth based on soil and water conservation rules. The treatment consisted of two factors (3 x 5) which was designed in RBD. The first factor was tillage (No till, Minimum till, convensional till) and the second factor was mulch source (without mulch, Tithonia, Chromolaena, rice straw, and corn straw). Parameters analysed were either soil physical (moisture, BD, total pore, aggregation) or chemical (pH, N, P, and K) properties, as well as crop production. The result showed that both treatments were able to improve soil-physico-chemical properties of Psamment and corn yield. The value of BD decreased, soil organic mattere, total pore, and aggregation increased. Then, the soil pH as well as available P and K tended to increase. The highest yield (dry seeds) was found from combination between minimum tillage and tithonia mulch.Keywords: sifat fisiko-kimia, Psamment, mulksa, olah tanah konservasi, jagung.

scholarly journals The role of water conservation strategies and benchmark ecotopes for increasing yields in South Africa’s semi-arid croplands

Water SA ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (3 July) ◽  
Author(s):  
Malcolm Hensley ◽  
Pieter AL Le Roux ◽  
J Jacobus Botha ◽  
Leon D Van Rensburg
Keyword(s):  
Water Conservation ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Rainwater Harvesting ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Daily Rainfall ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Cumulative Probability ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Semi Arid

Recently published results regarding South Africa’s cropping potential show that about one third of the arable land is of low potential, located mainly in semi-arid areas, with the main problem being water shortage.  This is therefore an appropriate time to review priorities and procedures, for selecting benchmark ecotopes to represent marginal areas, and for research needs with regard to water conservation strategies to mitigate the problems of low yields.  Relevant international principles encapsulated in the words agro-ecology, sustainability and socio-economic conditions, are discussed. Relevant new technologies are described, namely: digital soil mapping that will facilitate the identification of benchmark ecotopes; a stochastic procedure to predict rainfall intensity data from daily rainfall that will facilitate runoff predictions; a crop yield cumulative probability procedure that enables sustainability to be described quantitatively. As a case study, results from a successful field experiment using the infield rainwater harvesting production technique on benchmark ecotopes in a semi-arid area, inhabited by subsistence farmers, are presented.  The objectives of the study, procedures used and the method of expressing the results are recommended as guidelines for contributing towards mitigating the problem of low crop productivity across a large portion of the arable area in South Africa.

Effectiveness of existing climate smart agricultural practices in Tehuledere district, north-eastern Ethiopia.

2020 ◽  
pp. 180-193
Author(s):  
Adera S. Wassie ◽  
Noah M. Pauline
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
Eastern Ethiopia ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Climate Change Effects ◽  
North Eastern

Abstract This study sought to understand the effectiveness of existing climate smart agricultural (CSA) practices used by smallholder farmers in Tehuledere District, north-eastern Ethiopia, using empirical data collected over 3 months in 2016. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from primary and secondary sources, including historical climatic records and perceptions, indicatiors of climate change, impacts and responses. The study employed focus group discussions and a household questionnaire survey during data collection. Findings reveal that the majority of participants are aware of climate change and variability. The indicators of climate change include drought, off-season rainfall, too little and/or too much rainfall, and high temperature. The impact of climate variability observed by participants include: (i) decreasing crop yields and livestock production; (ii) increasing pests and disease; and (iii) decreasing water quantity and quality. The adaptation measures embraced to mitigate negative climate change effects include: (i) changing crop varieties; (ii) integrating livestock and crop production; and (iii) soil and water conservation practices. As far as CSA practices were found to be viable and effective response measures, support from innovative polices and strategies should be emphasized so as to address the barriers and bring about widespread adoption.

scholarly journals Impacts of Cash Crop Production on Household Food Security for Smallholder Farmers: A Case of Shamva District, Zimbabwe

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 188
Author(s):  
Theresa Tendai Rubhara ◽  
Maxwell Mudhara ◽  
Oluwaseun Samuel Oduniyi ◽  
Michael Akwasi Antwi
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Tobit Regression ◽  
Cash Crop ◽  
Cash Cropping ◽  
Cash Crops ◽  
Household Food

Zimbabwe has recently experienced a considerable shift towards the production of more cash crops, such as tobacco, at the expense of food crops. Although cash cropping has been associated with increased income, the question is whether the income gained from cash crops would be enough to provide the food needs of farming households. This research was conducted to analyse the impact of cash crops on household food security. A cross-sectional survey consisting of 281 randomly selected smallholder farmers in Shamva District was used for primary data collection. Data were analysed using the Tobit regression model and Propensity score matching (PSM). The household dietary diversity score (HDDS) was used to measure food security. The PSM results showed a positive impact of cash crop production on the HDDS. This could be attributed to the income effect of cash cropping. Furthermore, Tobit regression results showed that cash crop production (p < 0.1), non-farm income (p < 0.01), total arable land (p < 0.05) and access to draft power (p < 0.05) positively influenced household food security. Household size negatively impacted food security (p < 0.05). While the results from this study suggest the need to promote cash crop production, it should not be regarded as the panacea for addressing food insecurity. There is a need for further research to derive optimum combinations of cash and food crops in the crop mixture for smallholder farmers to achieve food security. Furthermore, opportunities for off-farm livelihood options should be developed, since non-farm income had a positive effect on food security.

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