African Food Processing Technology (Food Science/Technology) | 21 July 2001
Designing Affordable Irrigation Systems for Drought Prone Regions in Mali
S, o, y, i, M, o, d, i, b, o, ,, D, i, a, w, a, r, a, C, o, u, l, i, b, a, l, y, ,, O, u, m, a, r, K, e, i, t, a, ,, S, a, l, a, k, o, T, r, a, o, r, e
Abstract
Irrigation is crucial for sustainable agriculture in Mali’s drought-prone regions, where water scarcity limits crop yields and farmer livelihoods. A mixed-method approach combining surveys with technical assessments to identify suitable technologies for the region's climate and soil conditions. An initial survey indicated a need for water-efficient drip irrigation systems in 70% of surveyed farms, while technical feasibility studies showed that low-pressure drip systems could be cost-effective up to a scale of 50 hectares per system. Low-cost drip irrigation systems are feasible and economically viable for Mali’s drought-prone regions, requiring further piloting before widespread adoption. Pilot projects should commence with a focus on small-scale farmers in the most vulnerable districts to validate technology performance and cost-effectiveness. Irrigation Systems, Drip Irrigation, Low-Cost Solutions, Mali Agriculture 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.