dc.description.abstract | The main aim of this study has been to assess the performance of Bura Irrigation and Settlement Scheme using the
MASSCOTE approach and advise on some improvement options for the Bura Irrigation & Settlement Scheme. Furthermore, the study
was also aimed at evaluating the applicability of MASSCOTE approach in assessment of its current performance and suggesting
possible changes and modifications required. Field observations, oral farmer and staff interviews helped understand the functioning of
the irrigation scheme. DUFLOW model was used to schematize the canal network and obtained operational requirements of the
structures while the water balance was analyzed with CROPWAT 8.0 model. The findings revealed that the water use efficiency is
currently at average of 7,056 kg/m3
and can be improved to 18,910kg/m3
by improving irrigation efficiency. By improving the field
irrigation efficiency from 9% to over 75%, more water would be available and the area under irrigation can be increased from the
current 2500ha to 6700ha representing an increase of 168% of irrigated land if farmers continue the conventional maize cultivation
technique (surface irrigation). The improvement options for the irrigation scheme is the modernization by partial lining of the canals
and reshaping of the tertiary and field canals at a cost of million US$ 7,355,829 (According to NIB cost for construction of the 26km
gravity canal and rehabilitation of the existing 64km canal, 2013). This can also be done through construction of a gravity canal
upstream of the existing pumping station. This will save the money currently being used for fueling the two pumps at Nanighi costing at
US$ 180,411 annually and will in a long way realize the losses the irrigation scheme has been going through since it was revived. The
study recommended that the use of MASSCOTE approach for performance assessment and modernization proves to be vital and
effective, therefore it needs to be widely used in the Bura irrigation and settlement scheme. It is believed that investment on
improvements of physical infrastructure, management and operation of the schemes at all levels will bring substantial improvement of
performance of all the Public irrigation scheme. Further studies should be done on all the blocks of the Bura Irrigation and Settlement
Scheme with more focus on the current performance of the main canals, secondary and tertiary canals and advise on the general
efficiency of irrigation water use. | en_US |