Next Generation Irrigation Systems (NGIS)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/140558

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Estimating crop coefficients for vegetable production and agricultural water management under climate change in sub-humid tropics
(Journal Article, 2025-03-06) Tegegne, Desalegn; Schmitter, Petra; Worqlul, A. W.; Lefore, N.
Understanding current and future crop water demand is crucial for improving agricultural productivity and managing long-term water resources in a changing climate. This study aimed to estimate how the crop water demand will change under different water management practices and climate change scenarios. The field experiment using irrigation decision-making tools was carried out in 2016 and 2017 in Lemo, Ethiopia. Crop and water management data were collected on cabbage and carrot production. The field data were used to estimate the crop coefficient (Kc), and the results were compared with the simulated Kc with the Agricultural Policy Environmental eXtender (APEX) model. Predicted future climate data were used in APEX to evaluate the effect of climate change on future crop water requirements and Kc. The field data analysis indicated that, on average, farmer traditional practice (FTP) treatments used more water than wetting front detector (WFD) treatments. Using the soil water balance method, the average of the two treatments’ Kc values at the initial, mid, and late stages was 0.71, 1.21, and 0.8 for cabbage and 0.69, 1.27, and 0.86 for carrot, respectively. The APEXsimulated Kc has captured the FAO Kc pattern very well with the coefficient of determination (R-square) ranging between 0.5 and 0.74. The APEX simulation and the soil water balance estimated Kc also indicated a strong association with R-square ranging between 0.5 and 0.75 for cabbage and 0.66 and 0.96 for carrot. The projected climate change analysis indicated that the crop water demand is expected to increase in the future due to increasing temperatures. Under climate change scenarios, the growing season potential evapotranspiration will increase by 2.5, 5.1, and 6.0% in 2025, 2055, and 2085 compared to the baseline period, respectively. The simulated Kc indicated a higher coefficient of variation in 2085 with 19% for cabbage and 24% for carrot, while the 2025 period simulated Kc indicated the least coefficient of variation (16 and 21% for cabbage and carrot, respectively). The study shows that current irrigation planning with the available water resources should take into account higher crop water requirements in the region to reduce water scarcity risks.
WEF-Nexus Decision Support System (DSS): a sustainability and resilience tool for India
(Brief, 2024-12-30) Sena, Dipaka Ranjan; Alam, Mohammed Faiz; Chaudhary, Shivam; Chandu, Navya; Behera, Abhijit; Sharma, Ruchi; Sikka, Alok; McCartney, Matthew P.; Hafeez, Mohsin
Agroecology in action: empowering tribal communities in Mandla, India through trainings on bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticides
(Report, 2024-12-30) Malaiappan, Sudharsan; Goverdhanam, S.; Konwar, D.; Gadewar, P.; Kumar, Gopal; Krishnan, S.; Sikka, Alok
This report outlines the training sessions and exposure visits conducted by CGIAR’s Agroecology team in partnership with PRADAN for local communities in Mandla district, Madhya Pradesh, India. Training sessions introduced agroecological practices such as Agroecological Homestead Model (AHM) and Krishi Kund (Microsite) and covered essential topics such as preparation techniques for bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticide preparation, pest identification, and sustainable crop management techniques to 119 farmers (105 females, and 14 males). Additionally, the report outlines the preparation techniques of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides such as Neemastra, Kanda Khaad, Jivamrit, Brahmastra, Agniastra, and Mathastra. The knowledge gained through these trainings is expected to support long-term adoption of agroecological practices, promoting resilience and sustainability for tribal farmers. Future plans include additional training sessions and continuous support, ensuring the successful adoption and scaling of agroecological practices for improving livelihood and ecosystem services.
Agroecological Homestead Model (AHM): technical and implementation report, Madhya Pradesh, India
(Report, 2024-12-30) Malaiappan, Sudharsan; Gadewar, P.; Goverdhanam, S.; Konwar, D.; Kumar, Gopal; Krishnan, S.; Sikka, Alok
The Agroecological Homestead Model (AHM), conceptualized under the CGIAR Agroecology Initiative in collaboration with PRADAN, provides an innovative framework to address critical challenges faced by tribal communities in Mandla district, Madhya Pradesh, India. These challenges include dietary monotony, malnutrition, irregular income, and resource degradation. Rooted in agroecological principles, AHM offers a sustainable and holistic approach to managing homestead resources. The AHM integrates diverse elements such as multilayer farming systems, natural composting techniques, water harvesting through Jal Kund, backyard poultry farming, livestock rearing, and beekeeping. Its participatory codesign process involved local farmers, women’s self-help groups, and other stakeholders, ensuring the model's adaptability and relevance to the local context. The implementation process included baseline assessments, visioning exercises, stakeholder consultations, exposure visits, and tailored training programs to equip participants with the knowledge and tools for sustainable homestead management. AHM has significantly enhanced production diversity (over 350%), dietary diversity (100%), and the consumption of nutrient-rich foods such as leafy greens (70% increase). Additionally, it has improved protein intake and created opportunities for regularized income, empowering marginalized communities, particularly women. The model has also demonstrated the potential to optimize resource use efficiency, strengthen resilience to climatic and economic shocks, and contribute to environmental sustainability. Despite its successes, the implementation of AHM encountered challenges, including resource limitations, knowledge gaps, pest infestations, and extreme weather events. These lessons highlight the need for enhanced training, improved market linkages, and site-specific adjustments to the model. Future directions for AHM include developing typologies based on resource availability, incorporating mid-course corrections from field learnings, and integrating AHM into regional and national agricultural extension frameworks. Emphasis will also be placed on scaling the model through partnerships, impact assessments, and policy advocacy to promote sustainable livelihoods and food security across diverse agroecological contexts. This document serves as a comprehensive guide for implementing the AHM, offering practical insights into its design, components, and transformative potential for rural communities. It underscores the importance of agroecological innovations in creating resilient, sustainable, and inclusive food systems.
Innovative water management in irrigated rice fields: participatory demonstration approach to promoting alternate wetting and drying and tailwater harvesting in Ghana
(Report, 2024-12-30) Amankwaa-Yeboah, P.; Oke, Adebayo; Okyere, H.; Zemadim, Birhanu; Yeboah, S.; Adomako, J.; Ntedwah, A. A.; Offei, M. A.
This report highlights the implementation of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and tailwater harvesting technologies in Ghana, targeting sustainable rice production in the Northern and Ashanti regions. AWD, a water-saving irrigation method, and tailwater recovery systems were demonstrated to optimize water use, reduce environmental impacts, and improve farm productivity. The initiative included demonstration plots, capacity-building workshops for Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs), and farmer engagement activities to promote adoption. AWD has been validated to save up to 30% of irrigation water without compromising rice yields, making it a viable strategy to conserve water resources, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and lower production costs. Tailwater harvesting complemented these efforts by facilitating water reuse, enabling year-round agricultural productivity and the cultivation of high-value crops like okra. This diversified farm output improved dietary diversity and household incomes while enhancing the resilience of rice-based farming systems. To ensure broad adoption, a participatory approach was central to the demonstrations. Farmer Field Days (FFD) were organized as key training and knowledge-sharing events, showcasing the application and benefits of AWD and tailwater recovery systems. These events, held on December 4, 2024, in Botanga (Northern Region) and December 6, 2024, in Potrikrom (Ashanti Region), engaged over 100 stakeholders. Participants included farmers, researchers, extension officers, agri-input suppliers, irrigation managers, and policymakers, emphasizing the collaborative efforts required to advance sustainable rice production. Farmers who attended the FFD events gained practical knowledge on implementing AWD and tailwater harvesting to mitigate water stress during critical crop growth stages and improve yields. The events sparked significant interest, with many farmers expressing readiness to adopt AWD and complementary practices, such as tied ridging, to address challenges like erratic rainfall and water scarcity. Additionally, the events facilitated partnerships between farmers, extension agents, and researchers, fostering a collaborative environment essential for scaling sustainable practices across more rice-growing communities.
Agroecology homestead models: enhancing nutrition, soil health, and income for tribal farmers [Abstract only]
(Conference Paper, 2024-09-11) Kumar, Gopal; Malaiappan, Sudharsan; Sikka, Alok; Konwar, D.; Singh, S.
Tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh, India are characterised by limited interaction with outside world and minimal exposure to developmental initiatives, heavily rely on self-production and the collection of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) for sustenance. However, this reliance often leads to imbalanced nutrition and irregular income, exacerbated by monoculture farming practices and diminishing forest resources. Coupled with widespread migration, gender inequality, and social alienation, these challenges perpetuate a cycle of poverty and malnutrition within these communities. To address these issues, an Agroecological Homestead Model (AHM) has been developed and promoted for adoption. Unlike regions with limited land holdings, tribal farmers in this region possess sizable but degraded land. The AHM utilises homesteads, employing water harvesting and storage systems for irrigation, multi-layer cultivation, crop rotation, horticulture plants, applying natural amendments, composting, backyard poultry and goat rearing, using local seed varieties, and nutrient rich fodder for livestock. Community engagement is facilitated through resource aggregation for bio-input production, planting materials and collective marketing efforts. Implemented on less than 0.1 hectares, the AHM, predominantly managed by women, accommodates 10 to 16 types of vegetable/crops annually. Initial support and capacity building, particularly through women led self-help groups, are crucial for adoption. Despite initial challenges such as investment requirements and knowledge gaps, the establishment of community nurseries, training on natural amendment preparation, and dissemination of knowledge on farm management were found instrumental in scaling the model. The AHM has resulted in significant improvements, including a 100% increase in dietary diversity, over 70% rise in green vegetable consumption, increase in protein intake. Soil health indicators, including organic carbon levels and water retention capacity, have shown promising improvements, validated through citizen science approach. Multistakeholder engagement, involving government departments, research institutions, and women's groups, is essential for the model's success. Efforts are underway to explore local business opportunities linked to the AHM, leveraging existing government programs, and advocating for policy changes at the national level to address malnutrition among marginalised farmers women and children across the country.
Krishi Kund for agroecological transition of degraded lands: microsite for improved production and ecosystem services [Abstract only]
(Conference Paper, 2024-09-11) Malaiappan, Sudharsan; Kumar, Gopal; Sikka, Alok
Decades of rampant land degradation have rendered many areas unsuitable for cultivation. In Madhya Pradesh, India, land degradation along with difficult terrain, and poor soil conditions make significant portions of land unfit for cultivation leading to the migration of tribal communities. These degraded or sporadically cultivated lands are caught in a vicious cycle leading to further degradation. A cost-effective agroecological approach to transform degraded lands into productive assets using natural amendments is crucial for improving agricultural diversity, soil health, and overall ecosystem services. It also helps alleviate the pressure of intensive farming on other lands. Moreover, this practice holds promise for reversing migration among tribal communities. The CGIAR’s Agroecology Initiative, in collaboration with local tribal farmers and stakeholders, has co-designed an innovative practice locally popularized as Krishi Kund (micro-site improvement with agriculture pits). This practice focuses on improving micro-sites rather than entire parcels of land using organic amendments. In this method, small cylindrical pits (did: 60cm, depth 60cm) are excavated at 1.2m intervals, filled with locally available organic materials such as cow dung compost, vermicompost, plant biomass, and organic inoculants, and then covered with sieved soil. This approach improves approximately 20% (6450 pits per hectare) of the land area, resulting in a similar yield of fully restored land. Circular depressions around each pit serve as micro catchments, conserving rainwater on-site. This technique effectively enhances soil physical condition, fertility, water retention, thermal buffering leading to successful crop establishment and production. Drought tolerant crops viz pigeon pea, caster for the poor water availability sites and other cash crops including vegetables at sites of water availability are being grown. A two-year recovery period was estimated for the cost incurred on land restoration. Krishi Kund offers a resource-efficient alternative for restoring degraded lands by concentrating organic materials within specific areas and minimising soil loss. This method aligns with the goal of achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) and can significantly contribute to fulfiling Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15.3, which aims to end desertification and restore degraded land.
Mobilizing and supporting a community of practice for scaling sustainable water use in rice production in Ghana
(Report, 2024-12-30) Amankwaa-Yeboah, P.; Oke, Adebayo; Yeboah, S.; Zemadim, Birhanu; Okyere, H.; Akwasi, K.; Fati, A. A.; Cofie, Olufunke
Rice production is a significant user of global water resources, accounting for approximately 30% of the world's freshwater withdrawals. With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, increasing pressure is being placed on the agricultural sector to reduce its water footprint. This report explores the potential of mobilizing and supporting a community of practice (CoP) to scale efficient water use practices in rice production, promoting sustainable agriculture water use and ensuring food security. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining workshops, focus group discussions, and field visits to mobilize farmers and introduce them to water-efficient irrigation technologies such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and tailwater harvesting. Several meetings were conducted at the community level to build a gradual reintegration process and cooperation among farmers interested in watersaving agriculture. Through the workshops, focus group discussions, and field visits, a total of 150 farmers were mobilized and introduced to water-efficient irrigation technologies in the Kumbungu, Ahafo Ano South East and Ahafo Ano South West Districts of Ghana, resulting in increased awareness for subsequent adoption of AWD and tailwater harvesting practices. The community-level meetings facilitated the reintegration and cooperation of farmers and other relevant stakeholders which is supposed to lead to the formation of a functional CoP with a shared vision for agricultural water management. The CoP is intended to become a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation among farmers, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders, promoting sustainable agriculture and food security in Ghana.

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