Next Generation Irrigation Systems (NGIS)

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

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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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