Abstract:
This study attempted to introduce the concept of comparative performance indicators with some technical indicators such as application, storage and distribution efficiencies as tools to evaluate the performance of two small scale irrigation schemes in Benishangul Gumuze Region. . Field data, mainly measurement of canal water flow at the diversion of both irrigation projects, measurement of the soil moisture contents before and after irrigation and measurement of the depth of applied water using three inches parshall flume were categorized under primary data and . Data like total yields, farm gate prices of irrigated crops, area per crop per season or year, crop type, income generated by the irrigation association and cropping pattern were under secondary data. At farm level, nine farmers’ fields were selected based on their location (head, middle and tail end of water users) from each irrigation projects so as to determine their irrigation efficiencies. The parameters used to compare efficiencies at field level were application, storage and distribution efficiencies. From the analyses of comparative performances indicators, the result of the ratio of RWS and RIS were 4.17 and 4.34 for Bullnegero and 2.05 and 2.09 for Anger shenkora irrigation projects, respectively. The value of water delivery capacity and gross return on investment were 1.4 and 1.42 for Bull negero and 0.32 and 0.81 for Angershenkora, respectively. The output per cropped area of the two irrigation project were 38701.96(birr/ha) for Bull negero and 43668.19(birr/ha) for Anger shenkora and the output per command area of Bullnegero(43501birr/ha) which was less than that of A nger shenkors(55152.93 birr/ha). The output per unit irrigation supply for Bullnegero was 1.89(birr/m3) while for Angershenkora was 2.68(birr/m3). Output per water consumed stretches from 5.64(birr/m3) to 7.78 (birr/m3) for Angershenkora and Bullnegero, respectively. Finacial self sufficenciy of Bullnegero was in the range of 51.54% to 166.16%and FSS of Angershenkora was in the order of 135.31% to 261% and finally, the result of the study showed that more water was applied without taking into account the crop water requirement in Bullnegero than Angershenkora.
