Review Article
Review on Opportunities and Challenges of Low Land Irrigated Wheat Production in Ethiopia: In the Case of Afar Region
Fikadu Robi*
,
Yitages Kuma,
Shimelis Alemayehu,
Hailu Mengistu
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-8
Received:
1 December 2024
Accepted:
12 December 2024
Published:
17 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.sf.20250601.11
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Views:
Abstract: The Afar Region of Ethiopia, characterized by its lowland areas and arid to semi-arid climate, has significant potential for irrigated wheat production, yet faces numerous challenges that hinder its full potentials. This review explores the opportunities and challenges associated with lowland irrigated wheat production in the Afar Region. Opportunities include the availability of irrigation potential from the Awash River, growing interest in wheat cultivation, favorable soil types in certain areas, and increasing support from governmental and non-governmental organizations. Additionally, the rise in consumer demand for wheat and wheat-based products presents an expanding market for local production. However, challenges such as poor water management, soil salinity, and limited access to improved seeds, inadequate irrigation infrastructure, Quelea birds (Red-billed quelea) and the impacts of climate change hinder the growth of the sector. Furthermore, the lack of sufficient extension services and technical knowledge among producer, coupled with limited access to credit, exacerbate the difficulties in adopting modern farming practices. This review highlights the need for improved irrigation management, development of drought and salt-tolerant wheat varieties, and the establishment of better training programs for producer. It concludes with recommendations for policy interventions, investment in irrigation infrastructure, and research to unlock the full potential of irrigated wheat production in the Afar Region, which could contribute significantly to Ethiopia’s food security and agricultural development.
Abstract: The Afar Region of Ethiopia, characterized by its lowland areas and arid to semi-arid climate, has significant potential for irrigated wheat production, yet faces numerous challenges that hinder its full potentials. This review explores the opportunities and challenges associated with lowland irrigated wheat production in the Afar Region. Opportuni...
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Research Article
Effect of Supplemental Irrigation at Different Irrigation Levels on Cotton Yield and Water Use Efficiency at Werer, Middle Awash, Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
9-16
Received:
22 February 2025
Accepted:
10 March 2025
Published:
21 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.sf.20250601.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Effects of supplemental irrigation at different irrigation levels on Cotton Yield and Water use efficiency conducted in Werer, Middle Awash, Ethiopia on 2018, 2019 and 2021 fiscal years. Cotton was planted in 18 experimental plots with irrigation treatment (No SI, 100% ETC, 80% ETC, 60% ETC, 40% ETC, and 20% ETC). Supplemental irrigation was conducted based on gravimetric soil moisture measurements. The results show more significant improvement in supplemental irrigation on water use efficiency at supplemental irrigation application rates than at full irrigation. Highest water use efficiency (WUE) (0.87 kg/m3) was achieved at rates of 80% ETc water requirement of crop. The lowest water use efficiency had recorded from application of 60% evapotranspiration requirement by supplemental irrigation. The highest cotton seed yield on average (3,252 kg/ha) was achieved from 80% application of supplementary irrigation to satisfy the water demand of cotton crop. The trend of water use efficiency increases as the application of supplemental irrigation decreases.
Abstract: Effects of supplemental irrigation at different irrigation levels on Cotton Yield and Water use efficiency conducted in Werer, Middle Awash, Ethiopia on 2018, 2019 and 2021 fiscal years. Cotton was planted in 18 experimental plots with irrigation treatment (No SI, 100% ETC, 80% ETC, 60% ETC, 40% ETC, and 20% ETC). Supplemental irrigation was conduc...
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