Abstract:
Irrigation development has been identified as an important tool to stimulate economic growth
and rural development, and is considered as a food security and poverty reduction in Ethiopia.
While a lot of effort is being exerted towards irrigation development little attempt is being made
toward the performance and sustainability of already constructed schemes. The aim of this study
was to evaluate the performance of Aleltu Tiko small-scale irrigation schemes using performance
indicators. The primary data were collected by observations, household survey, discussion and
flow measurements, Secondary data were also collected through literature reviews from previous
researchers, Hidabu Abote Woreda agricultural office, Sire Morose kebele irrigation experts and
household surveys .GIS software used for the map delineated for the study area and excel
software packages were used for the analysis of the data. The primary data were collected
through field measurement and obviation. These include measurement of canal velocity using
floating method to determine discharge. Secondary data were also collected through literature
reviews from previous researchers, Hidabu Abote Woreda agricultural office, Sire Morose
kebele irrigation experts‟ zonal agricultural office and Necessary data collected from Oromia
Engineering Corporation and household surveys. GIS software used for the map delineated for
the study area and Microsoft Excel (Spreadsheet) were used for the analysis of the data.
CROPWAT 8.0 computer model was used to calculate the crop water requirements and irrigation
water requirements. System and from Goha-Tsion Meteorological Station. Microsoft Excels,
CROPWAT 8.0 software and CLIMWAT 2.0 for CROPWAT 8.0 software used to analyze the
data. The results show that, the total diverted water was 24.767 l/s (213.987.74m3/season).
While the depth of Crop Water Requirement for the cropping season of the scheme is also
364.26 l/s (31,964 m3
/season) by volume of water was demanded. The insufficiency of irrigation
water, the type of irrigation system in use, the poor maintenance of irrigation structures and the
main problems identified in the management and operations of the scheme.
