Technologies

Pipe Irrigation [Nepal]

Pipe Sinchai

technologies_1599 - Nepal

Completeness: 78%

1. General information

1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Key resource person(s)

SLM specialist:
SLM specialist:

Karki Nimisha

Kathmandu University

Nepal

SLM specialist:

Niraula Archana

Kathmandu University

Nepal

SLM specialist:

Anish Adhikari

Kathmandu University

Nepal

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Kathmandu University (KU) - Nepal

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

1.5 Reference to Questionnaire(s) on SLM Approaches (documented using WOCAT)

Pipeline Irrigation
approaches

Pipeline Irrigation [Nepal]

The process and measures taken to draw water from nearby rivers for irrigation and household purposes.

  • Compiler: Sabita Aryal

2. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Waterways and pipelines to draw water from closeby rivers for irrigation and household purposes.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

The technology involves the construction of diversion and waterways from the rivers to draw ample water sufficient for distribution to the different houses of the V.D.C .
Water is drawn from two rivers via three routes, one route from 'Polsing' river and the two other from 'Ghatte river' .
In the upper areas, open digging is done up to 700 meters from the source and waterways are created.
However, in lower areas due to more stones, creation of waterways was not possible, hence pipelines had to be created over 425 meters.
The pipeline opens in each house into a small reservoir for use in irrigation and household.

Purpose of the Technology: Mainly for conservation of land and soil along with provision of water to agricultural land.
Before the implementation of this technology, land was semi arid with few perennial crops.

Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: Initially established and then managed by the combined effort of the users. All activities done voluntarily using easily available tools of daily usage by members of the households who benefit and make use of the technology. The only costs made were for the purpose of making pipelines which was borne half by the government and half by the land-users themselves.
No maintenance activities have been carried out so far, yet monthly collection of Rs 20 is done from each house which is stored for future use.

Natural / human environment: Chyamrangbesi VDC is a valley with subtropical type of climate. Precipitation level ranges from 750mm to 1500mm for about four months during the monsoons. The winters are dry however and hence the growing period is from 79 to 179 days, making the area semi-arid depending on the agro-climate division. Since the area falls on hill slopes with 8.16% steep so the technology is applied with convex manner.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

Country:

Nepal

Region/ State/ Province:

Chyamrangbesi

Further specification of location:

Kavre

Specify the spread of the Technology:
  • evenly spread over an area
If the Technology is evenly spread over an area, specify area covered (in km2):

28.97

Comments:

Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 28.97 km2.
Same technology covers entire area with water source

2.6 Date of implementation

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:
  • less than 10 years ago (recently)

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:
  • through land users' innovation
Comments (type of project, etc.):

Initial work started in 2004, improvements in the technology each year

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

  • improve production
  • create beneficial economic impact

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Cropland

Cropland

  • Perennial (non-woody) cropping
Number of growing seasons per year:
  • 3
Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 150, Longest growing period from month to month: Karthik (October) - Chaitra (April) Second longest growing period in days: 120, Second longest growing period from month to month: Asadh(June) - Ashwin (September)

Waterways, waterbodies, wetlands

Waterways, waterbodies, wetlands

  • Drainage lines, waterways
Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): Land semi-arid and dry, hence only few selected crops could be grown due to lack of sufficient water.
Major land use problems (land users’ perception): Land could not be utilised properly due to lack of sufficient water for crops, dry condition.
Future (final) land use (after implementation of SLM Technology): Other: Ow: Waterways, drainage lines, ponds, dams

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?
  • Yes (Please fill out the questions below with regard to the land use before implementation of the Technology)
Cropland

Cropland

  • Annual cropping

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

  • irrigation management (incl. water supply, drainage)
  • water diversion and drainage

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

structural measures

structural measures

  • S3: Graded ditches, channels, waterways
  • S5: Dams, pans, ponds

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

soil erosion by water

soil erosion by water

  • Wt: loss of topsoil/ surface erosion
chemical soil deterioration

chemical soil deterioration

  • Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content (not caused by erosion)
biological degradation

biological degradation

  • Bc: reduction of vegetation cover
water degradation

water degradation

  • Ha: aridification
Comments:

Main causes of degradation: urbanisation and infrastructure development (Construction of roads, not properly engineered, difficult to travel by and highly risky.), Heavy / extreme rainfall (intensity/amounts) (In the 3 months of monsoon), inputs and infrastructure: (roads, markets, distribution of water points, other, …) (Roads construction and its use by large vehicles frequently)

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:
  • prevent land degradation

4. Technical specifications, implementation activities, inputs, and costs

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

The drawing shows the path followed by the pipe irrigation, the various feautres

Location: Chamryangbesi VDC

Technical knowledge required for field staff / advisors: high (Designed by engineers
Technical knowledge required for land users: moderate (Constructed by land users)

Main technical functions: improvement of ground cover, water harvesting / increase water supply, promotion of vegetation species and varieties (quality, eg palatable fodder)
Secondary technical functions: stabilisation of soil (eg by tree roots against land slides), water spreading, increase of biomass (quantity)

Diversion ditch/ drainage
Vertical interval between structures (m): n/a
Spacing between structures (m): n/a
Depth of ditches/pits/dams (m): 0.6
Width of ditches/pits/dams (m): 0.6
Length of ditches/pits/dams (m): 100

Waterway
Vertical interval between structures (m): n/a
Spacing between structures (m): n/a
Depth of ditches/pits/dams (m): 0.6
Width of ditches/pits/dams (m): 0.6
Length of ditches/pits/dams (m): 700

Dam/ pan/ pond
Vertical interval between structures (m): n/a
Spacing between structures (m): 50
Depth of ditches/pits/dams (m): 0.45
Width of ditches/pits/dams (m): 0.6
Length of ditches/pits/dams (m): 50

Construction material (earth): soil excavated and used to make bunds of the water ways
Construction material (concrete): used to make small reservoirs in houses
Construction material (other): pipes : to transfer water from the source to houses

Slope (which determines the spacing indicated above): 15%
If the original slope has changed as a result of the Technology, the slope today is: 0%

Author:

Anish Adhikari

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

other/ national currency (specify):

rupees

If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:

98.47

4.3 Establishment activities

Activity Timing (season)
1. Farmers cut into land from the source in suitable directions to bring water to their houses Dry season
2. Fitting of pipes dry season
3. Construct small openings/reservoirs dry season

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour Farmers cut into land from the source in suitable directions to bring water to their houses mandays 45.0
Labour Fitting of pipes mandays 15.0
Labour Construct small openings/reservoirs mandays 15.0
Construction material Pipe + cement ha 1.0 50.0
Comments:

Duration of establishment phase: 2 month(s)

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Area to be covered by the pipeline and distance from the source are the most determinate factors.

5. Natural and human environment

5.1 Climate

Annual rainfall
  • < 250 mm
  • 251-500 mm
  • 501-750 mm
  • 751-1,000 mm
  • 1,001-1,500 mm
  • 1,501-2,000 mm
  • 2,001-3,000 mm
  • 3,001-4,000 mm
  • > 4,000 mm
Specifications/ comments on rainfall:

Monsoon rains, dry winter

Agro-climatic zone
  • semi-arid

Thermal climate class: subtropics

5.2 Topography

Slopes on average:
  • flat (0-2%)
  • gentle (3-5%)
  • moderate (6-10%)
  • rolling (11-15%)
  • hilly (16-30%)
  • steep (31-60%)
  • very steep (>60%)
Landforms:
  • plateau/plains
  • ridges
  • mountain slopes
  • hill slopes
  • footslopes
  • valley floors
Altitudinal zone:
  • 0-100 m a.s.l.
  • 101-500 m a.s.l.
  • 501-1,000 m a.s.l.
  • 1,001-1,500 m a.s.l.
  • 1,501-2,000 m a.s.l.
  • 2,001-2,500 m a.s.l.
  • 2,501-3,000 m a.s.l.
  • 3,001-4,000 m a.s.l.
  • > 4,000 m a.s.l.
Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:
  • convex situations

5.3 Soils

Soil depth on average:
  • very shallow (0-20 cm)
  • shallow (21-50 cm)
  • moderately deep (51-80 cm)
  • deep (81-120 cm)
  • very deep (> 120 cm)
Soil texture (topsoil):
  • coarse/ light (sandy)
  • medium (loamy, silty)
Topsoil organic matter:
  • medium (1-3%)
If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

Soil depth on average: Varies from shallow to deep
Soil texture: Soil texture varies from place to place
Soil fertility: Medium (ranked 1, varies according to water availability) and low (ranked 2)
Topsoil organic matter: Use of manure necessary for maintaining productivity
Soil drainage/infiltration: Good
Soil water storage capacity: Medium (No groundwater found)

5.4 Water availability and quality

Ground water table:

on surface

Availability of surface water:

excess

Water quality (untreated):

good drinking water

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

Ground water table: On surface (ranked 1, Groundwater use not much evident) and <5m (ranked 2)
Availability of surface water: Excess (ranked 1, Floods occurs in case of heavy seasonal rainfall; supply of water is good and sufficient) and good (ranked 2)
Water quality (untreated): Good drinking water (perennial surface water distributed through pipelines)

5.5 Biodiversity

Species diversity:
  • high

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Off-farm income:
  • less than 10% of all income
Relative level of wealth:
  • average
  • rich
Individuals or groups:
  • individual/ household
Gender:
  • women
  • men
Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Land users applying the Technology are mainly common / average land users
Population density: 100-200 persons/km2
Annual population growth: > 4%; 5%
40% of the land users are rich.
60% of the land users are average wealthy.

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

  • < 0.5 ha
  • 0.5-1 ha
  • 1-2 ha
  • 2-5 ha
  • 5-15 ha
  • 15-50 ha
  • 50-100 ha
  • 100-500 ha
  • 500-1,000 ha
  • 1,000-10,000 ha
  • > 10,000 ha
Is this considered small-, medium- or large-scale (referring to local context)?
  • medium-scale

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:
  • individual, not titled
Land use rights:
  • individual
Water use rights:
  • open access (unorganized)
  • communal (organized)

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

health:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
education:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
technical assistance:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
employment (e.g. off-farm):
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
markets:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
energy:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
roads and transport:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
drinking water and sanitation:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
financial services:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good

6. Impacts and concluding statements

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

crop production

decreased
increased

fodder production

decreased
increased

fodder quality

decreased
increased

animal production

decreased
increased

wood production

decreased
increased

risk of production failure

increased
decreased

production area

decreased
increased

energy generation

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Water Mill ('Pani Ghatta')

Water availability and quality

drinking water availability

decreased
increased

drinking water quality

decreased
increased

water availability for livestock

decreased
increased

water quality for livestock

decreased
increased
Income and costs

farm income

decreased
increased

Socio-cultural impacts

food security/ self-sufficiency

reduced
improved

health situation

worsened
improved

cultural opportunities

reduced
improved

recreational opportunities

reduced
improved

community institutions

weakened
strengthened

national institutions

weakened
strengthened

SLM/ land degradation knowledge

reduced
improved

conflict mitigation

worsened
improved

situation of socially and economically disadvantaged groups

worsened
improved

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

water quantity

decreased
increased

water quality

decreased
increased

harvesting/ collection of water

reduced
improved

surface runoff

increased
decreased

excess water drainage

reduced
improved

groundwater table/ aquifer

lowered
recharge

evaporation

increased
decreased
Soil

soil moisture

decreased
increased

soil cover

reduced
improved

soil loss

increased
decreased

soil crusting/ sealing

increased
reduced

soil compaction

increased
reduced

nutrient cycling/ recharge

decreased
increased

salinity

increased
decreased

soil organic matter/ below ground C

decreased
increased
Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

biomass/ above ground C

decreased
increased

plant diversity

decreased
increased

animal diversity

decreased
increased

beneficial species

decreased
increased

habitat diversity

decreased
increased

pest/ disease control

decreased
increased
Climate and disaster risk reduction

emission of carbon and greenhouse gases

increased
decreased

fire risk

increased
decreased

wind velocity

increased
decreased

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

water availability

decreased
increased

reliable and stable stream flows in dry season

reduced
increased

downstream flooding

increased
reduced

downstream siltation

increased
decreased

groundwater/ river pollution

increased
reduced

buffering/ filtering capacity

reduced
improved

wind transported sediments

increased
reduced

damage on neighbours' fields

increased
reduced

damage on public/ private infrastructure

increased
reduced

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change
Season increase or decrease How does the Technology cope with it?
annual temperature increase well

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
local rainstorm not well
local windstorm not known
Climatological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
drought well
Hydrological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
general (river) flood not well

Other climate-related consequences

Other climate-related consequences
How does the Technology cope with it?
reduced growing period not known
Comments:

In cases of excess water availability, pipelines have been made to divert water to mills , that uses water to rotate blades and grind crops.

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?
Short-term returns:

neutral/ balanced

Long-term returns:

positive

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?
Short-term returns:

positive

Long-term returns:

positive

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

Comments:

There is a strong trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology. Every year the irrigation line is being increased to encompass more houses of the VDC

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Water is equally available to all the households, with minor level decrease in the dry season.
The crop, fodder production has increased
Reduced top soil loss due to erosion
Maintenance requirement minimum

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view How can they be overcome?
More houses could be Incorporated in the technology Involvement of more local inhabitants so more households could benefit from the technology
Lack of Monitoring by Experts Monitoring of SLM Experts could help improve the existing system to make it more sustainable and efficient.

7. References and links

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

  • field visits, field surveys
  • interviews with land users
When were the data compiled (in the field)?

02/12/2012

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