African Geotechnical Engineering | 02 June 2002
Design of Low-Cost Irrigation Systems in Drought-Prone Mali
O, u, m, a, r, D, i, o, p
Abstract
In Mali, drought-prone areas face significant challenges in agricultural productivity due to unreliable rainfall patterns. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining field surveys with cost-benefit analysis to assess system viability. Of the tested systems, a gravity-fed drip irrigation model showed an average yield increase of 30% compared to traditional methods in similar conditions. The study recommends widespread adoption of low-cost gravity-fed drip irrigation for sustainable agricultural development in Mali’s drought-prone regions. Local governments and NGOs should prioritise the implementation of these systems, particularly in small-scale farming communities. Irrigation Systems, Low-Cost Solutions, Drought-Prone Areas, Mali The maintenance outcome was modelled as $Y<em>{it}=\beta</em>0+\beta<em>1X</em>{it}+u<em>i+\varepsilon</em>{it}$, with robustness checked using heteroskedasticity-consistent errors.