SPECIAL PROGRAMME FOR FOOD SECURITY

Water Control

The Water Control component of the Special Programme for Food Security (SPFS) recognizes that water development and irrigation are essential to increasing food security and to reduce the variability of food production in most food-deficit countries. Its focus is on low-cost solutions and development models which stimulate self-reliance and management responsibility at local level; economic viability, internal resource mobilization and private sector involvement are emphasized, a holistic approach is followed, addressing constraints at technical, institutional and economic levels. The objectives of the demonstrations will vary from site to site, depending on the results of a rapid rural appraisal undertaken and on the strategic orientation of irrigation development. However, in most cases, the demonstration phase will focus on one or more of the following objectives:

(i) increase of agricultural production on irrigated land through appropriate agronomic packages and improved irrigation scheduling;
(ii) improvement of performance of existing schemes through improved on-farm irrigation technology;
(iii) improvement of performance of existing schemes through capacity building of staff and local community and the development of the institutional base for self-management; and
(iv) demonstration and development of suitable approaches for irrigation expansion.

It is not important to develop large areas but to demonstrate the potential of better technologies. Investment should be covered as much as possible from local resources but some external support will be required to cover the risks of demonstrations and to provide incentives for innovations. Cost recovery is not a prime objective but beneficiaries should participate through the provision of manual labour and material if appropriate. In some cases it might be a stated objective of the demonstrations to test the viability of revolving funds for the replacement of mechanical material for further expansion.

The concept for demonstrations as it emerges should clearly define what should be demonstrated; why should there be a demonstration; what are the expected results, and what is the methodology used to introduce improved technology or better practices in farmers' fields. Before any demonstration is started, it is essential that an agreement on the selected solution and on the required material contributions of the different partners has been reached. The features of any technological options should be clearly explained to farmers, including benefits, operational characteristics, maintenance requirements, operation and investment costs.

Activities that could be included in the water control component are:

  • (i) introduction of soil moisture and water conservation measures such as terracing and bunding; low cost pumps and drainage systems; better water storage systems and land use practices to conserve water and offer greater resistance to the vagaries of climate;
  • (ii) introduction of irrigation where water is a limiting factor, and where large productivity gains and/or stabilization of yields can be expected through better utilization of available water resources;
  • (iii) Identification of the potential for improving water management by promoting users associations, adapting water harvesting and soil conservation practices, diversifying irrigated farming systems, assessing the possibilities for small-scale irrigation, for improving existing irrigation schemes, financing and credit.

 

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SEE SPECIFIC COMMON ELEMENTS (Terms of references (TORs) and contractual services relevant to SPFS water control activities):

CONTRACTUAL SERVICES:

 

For complete information on SPFS project formulation and implementation see:

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