Integration of surface irrigation suitability maps in estimating water demand for allocations in the Kafu catchment.

Abstract

Kafu catchment is endowed with immense water and land resources that could be tapped and used for irrigation development. However, little has been done so far due mainly to lack of comprehensive knowledge on the potential of these resources. This study was therefore taken up to assess the irrigation potential in data scarce Kafu catchment of the Albertine basin. To achieve the objective of the study, the suitability of the catchment for surface irrigation was estimated using a parametric evaluation technique combined with the FAO land evaluation framework in the GIS environment with multi-criteria analysis of irrigation suitability factors. And the irrigation water demands of major crops adopted in the area are determined using CROPWAT software. That was then projected for the future year 2040 and integrated in the water resource allocation for the development of Kafu catchment management plan (CMP). Based on the CMP, specific project profile on surface irrigation can be developed in detail for implementation.