Comparative Performance Evaluation of Irrigation Schemes in Southern Ethiopia

Performance evaluation of irrigation schemes plays a fundamental role in improving irrigation system by identifying where the critical problems occurred. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of Wosha and Werka irrigation schemes found at Wondo Genet district southern Ethiopia using comparative indicators. Agricultural output, water supply and physical indicators were used as proposed by the International Water Management Institute. The study showed that Werka irrigation scheme has performed better with respect to all agricultural output indicators except output per unit command area. The crop water demands at both irrigation schemes were not satisfied due to the diverted water was inadequate. Physical indicators revealed that irrigation ratio of 0.89 and 0.78 were recorded at Wosha and Werka irrigation scheme, respectively. In addition, water delivery capacity of both irrigation schemes was sufficient. Moreover, the sustainability of irrigated area indicated that the irrigated area of both schemes was expanding beyond the designed command area. Therefore, both irrigation schemes would needs improvement on irrigation water management and expanding high value crops.