Water Flow and Sediment Flux Forecast in the ChókwèIrrigation Scheme, Mozambique

This study sought to forecast water flow and sediment flux in the scheme as potential contributions for improved management in the Chókwè Irrigation Scheme (CIS). Fieldwork data was collected during dry (DS) and wet (WS) seasons. Flow measurement was performed at 9 stations using a calibrated flow meter OTT C31. Water flow and sediment flux from 2004 to 2019 were used. Hydrodynamic forecast simulations were performed using Mann-Kendall test and ARIMA model for determination of temporal trends. Findings suggest higher values during DS for water discharge and sediment flux. Mann-Kendall test for sediment discharge trends was not significant at 95% significance level, except for the Offtake in WS. ARIMA test for the sediment discharges, at the Intake, for DS and WS, sediments were well described by the ARIMA model and gave a good result for the sediments. Good fit between the observed and the predicted ARIMA model was found. ARIMA model for sediment discharge at CIS based on AIC has a good fit for AR (p = 1), whereby, at the Intake the ARIMA p-value was 0.822 and 0.932, for WS and DS, respectively. Whilst in the Offtake, the ARIMA p-value was 0.877 and 0.893, respectively. These results can be used to improve the CIS management, both for water flow and sediment flux.

Problems of Training Konni Producers in the Context of Reforming the Management of Hydroagricultural Developments: Challenges, Issues and Perspectives

Following the reform of the governance of irrigation schemes in Niger, producer cooperatives are encountering real difficulties in ensuring effective and efficient management of irrigation water, infrastructure maintenance and renewal of hydromechanical equipment. The objective of this research is to analyze the issues and challenges of capacity building for Konni producers in the context of AHA management reform in Niger. The methodological approach adopted is based on documentary research and field surveys with all the actors directly concerned with the management of the Konni irrigated perimeter. A total of 448 people were interviewed in all the localities selected. Direct observation and interview are the two field data collection techniques adopted. The data collected was processed and on the basis of the established diagnosis, the training needs were identified. The results show that there are several experiences in terms of training and capacity building of actors in charge of the management of irrigation systems at the Konni AHA level. However, the sustainability of the perimeter is threatened by various crises. The main themes that founded the first training were related to the mobilization, transport and distribution of irrigation water, operation and maintenance, and setting and collection of the fee. In view of the expectations of operators, future issues and challenges, the training modules are increasingly oriented towards social management, the integration of gender in management and environmental impacts. Even if technical progress is possible, the real lever is organizational and requires the professionalization of irrigators. This process requires a new pedagogical approach aimed at irrigators.