- Crop productivity increased across
the board. Tomato and okra increased
by 114% and 100% respectively. This
mainly occurred because the dam helped
farmers recapture water for longer
periods, giving time to infiltrate deep
into the soil. The rise in productivity
was reflected in an increase in incomes
of 83.3% and 100% for the two crops
respectively.
- Rehabilitation of the dam created
employment for local workers. Female
farmers benefited in terms of family
food security, self-employment, paying
school fees and meeting health needs.
- Job opportunities increased due
to widening of the cultivated area.
A survey on the project indicated an
increase of 50% and 300% for men and
women respectively.
1.5 Problems to be Considered
1. Some farmers complain that they are
receiving a smaller quantity of water
now because their plots are on the
outskirts of the main wadi.
2. Some complain that the system of
water distribution is inadequate because
those nearby receive water before those
further away.
3. Expansion of the irrigated area
has raised the demand for ploughs.
Tractor owners prefer to work for large
landholders, making smallholders wait.
There is a need for more ploughs.
4. Land preparation before the flooding
of the area is a necessity because it helps
the infiltration of water into the land
more efficiency.
2.0 Azagrfa Water
Harvesting Project
Location and Inhabitants: The project
area is located near the village of
Azagrfa, about 30km north of El Fashir,
North Darfur State. Its population is
5,650.
Number of Beneficiaries: 500 families.
Amount of Surface Water Produced in
Cubic Metres: 250,000 cubic metres.
Irrigated Area in Feddans:
Approximately 500 feddans.
T2.1 Problem Statement
WO wadis, named Khasum Hilla
and Mushuk, run from north to
south and meet to form Yuma wadi. The
water in this wadi is not well exploited.
Only sub-surface wells are used to
source water during the dry season.
People in the area realised the potential
benefits of building a dam across this
wadi and contacted ITDG to help
with planning and construction. ITDG
responded positively and worked with
the community to design and implement
the project.
PRACTICAL ANSWERS
TO POVERTY
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