Research Article
Performance Evaluation of Dorso Irrigation Scheme at Abaya Distrcit, West Guji Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Obsa Welde Dilgasa*
,
Tesfaye Gragn Debele
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
35-51
Received:
27 May 2026
Accepted:
16 June 2026
Published:
8 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjast.20260403.11
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Abstract: Many irrigation schemes are performing poorly for a number of reasons, and should be improved to increase the efficiency and productivity of the schemes. This study attempted to determine the performance of Dorso irrigation scheme in Abaya District. For field data measurements, three farmers’ fields were selected at upper, middle, and lower scheme. The internal performance indicators, Agricultural Performance Indicators and physical performance indicators were used for data analysis. From internal indicators, the average conveyance efficiency of lined and unlined main canal were 91.11% and 78.04%, with a mean conveyance loss 0.0190 l/s and 0.0210 l/s. The application efficiency of the scheme were 48.64%, 42.05%, and 48.91% at head, middle, and tail reach, with average application efficiency of 45.53%. The storage efficiency (Es) of scheme at upper, middle and tail user of the scheme were 54.53%, 58.39%, and 41.72%, respectively, with average of 51.55%. This implied the scheme was performing inefficiently. The estimated water distribution uniformity of the scheme were 93.28%, 90.30%, and 97.31% at head, middle, and tail reach, with an average of 93.63%. The water deep percolation ratio computed in the selected fields at three were, 51.36%, 57.95%, and 51.09%, with the average of 53.47%. As internal performance indicators show, the overall efficiency of the Dorso irrigation scheme was 28.88%. The Agricultural Performance Indicators used and the total crop productivity of 889,095 kg was obtained from crop area of 61 ha and total gross income 331076.72 $. The performance indicator with respect to land and water productivity shows, the output per unit irrigated and command area were 7197.32 and 3310.77 US$/ha. The output per unit irrigated area is better than output per unit command area. The output per irrigation supply and water consumed during 2023/24 irrigation season were 1.91 and 1.51 US$/m3. The result of output per water consumed was out of the recommended range. The calculated relative water supply was 0.79. The total water supplied was insufficient for the water demand of crop. The computed relative irrigation supply was 0.31, the diverted irrigation supply was insufficient for irrigation demand. The irrigation ratio of the scheme was 0.61, means 61% of the command area was currently under irrigation and 39% was not during study period. The scheme’s sustainability value for irrigated area was 0.61, suggests irrigated area contraction and less sustainable than initially. So, adopting the best practices and awareness creation of irrigation scheme users are very important.
Abstract: Many irrigation schemes are performing poorly for a number of reasons, and should be improved to increase the efficiency and productivity of the schemes. This study attempted to determine the performance of Dorso irrigation scheme in Abaya District. For field data measurements, three farmers’ fields were selected at upper, middle, and lower scheme....
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