Madagascar: Small scale irrigation 1

Project name	Introduction , development and dissemination of low cost technologies for small scale irrigation
Type of project	2nd phase technical assistance
Unit	Small Scale Irrigation
Country of implementation	Madagascar
Partner	FAO
Budget	€ 11900
Funding	FAO
Time span	July to October 2006

The project

After a first phase of technical assistance in 2005 on the introduction, development an dissemination of low cost technologies for small scale irrigation in the frame of technical co-operation programs implemented by FAO ( PSSA – Special program for food security, TCP/MAG/3003 – Watershed and Irrigated perimeters project, TCP/MAG/2905 -

Support to the population victim of the dryness in south of Madagascar ) a second phase oriented on :

Monitoring and consolidation of small scale irrigation technologies of pilot sites installed in 2005 off season and new sites in 2006
Reinforcement of capacity building of NGOs, professional association and private sector able to bring a service related to development of low cost technologies for irrigation
Evaluation and capitalisation of experiences

The results

The results of the first phase were :

Introduction, production and development of low cost technologies : treadle pump, manual auger, rota sludge, low cost pumpset, spray irrigation, low pressure pipe irrigation (Californian), drip irrigation
Training of workshops and national consultants
Installation and monitoring of pilot sites
Technical and economic evaluation of technologies introduced
Proposal of a strategy of dissemination and marketing

The second phase was focused on the capitalisation of experience and knowledge with as result a publication on the experiences on small scale irrigation technologies in Madagascar.

The content of the publication is divided in two parts:

- Technical documentation explaining for each technology the operation, the specifications, the advantages and the limitations, the cost, a standard project and product sheet
- Methodological documentation explaining the strategies developed and the teaching lessons: diagnosis and selection of places of intervention, adaptation of technologies, importation of equipment, local production, marketing and promotion, how to access to irrigation technologies, monitoring, cost and time for a project, social and economic impacts

Training materials (powerpoint), didactic documents, construction drawings, field tips, pictures are annexed to the publication.

The perspectives

Small scale irrigation technologies are adopted and developed in Madagascar through large rural projects funded by international donors to improve the food security especially in the south of Madagascar.