TRAINING ON IRRIGATION

MANAGEMENT
Management Training
Location:
Date:
 UNDERSTANDING IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT

Irrigation management has the following objectives

1. Ensures adequate and timely water availability for crop needs

2. Ensures optimum functioning of the system’s infrastructures

3. Fulfilling the water requirement of crops through the management of time and
water application without wasting any water, soil, plant nutrients, or energy

4. Creating a functional management structure (committee or water users

association)
WATER APPLICATION
WHEN TO Determine soil moisture content in the soil
• Check the soil: Stick your finger about an inch (3cm) into the soil. If it's dry, it's time
WATER to water.
• Improve water retention: Add compost or other organic matter to the soil before
planting to improve on the soil moisture content.
POTATOES • Leaf appearance
• Wilting: Wilting leaves indicate that the plant is not getting enough water.
• Yellowing: Yellowing leaves before harvest time indicate that the plant is getting
too much water.
• Watering frequency
• Adjust based on growth stage: Water potatoes 2–3 inches (5.5–7.5 cm) per
week during the full bloom to plant senescence stage.
• Consider the soil type: Sandy soils may need more frequent watering.
• Consider the soil's water-holding capacity: The amount of water needed at
each application depends on the soil's water-holding capacity.
• Other tips
• Water deeply so that all the soil is moist.
• Use an irrigation system to provide a steady supply of water.
• Fertilize with compost or an organic fertilizer every 1–2 months.
 Irrigation Water Scheduling
Name of Block
Irrigation Type: Adapted Springkler System
Week Moth 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4
Weeks Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12 Week 13
Name of Farmer Mng Eng Mng Eng Mng Eng Mng Eng Mng Eng Mng Eng Mng Eng Mng Eng Mng Eng Mng Eng Mng Eng Mng Eng Mng Eng
POTATOES CROP FARMING PROFILE
 To fertilize potatoes, use a balanced, granular fertilizer with a higher ratio of
phosphorus and potassium, typically with an NPK ratio of 5-10-10 or 8-24-24, and
HOW TO FERTILIZE apply it around the plants at planting time, then again when the plants are about 6
inches (15 cm) tall; be sure to stop fertilizing a couple of weeks before harvest and
POTATOES consider adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting for
organic fertilization.

• Key points about fertilizing potatoes:

• NPK ratio:
• Look for a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus and potassium content compared to nitrogen, as
this supports healthy tuber development.
• Application timing:
• Apply fertilizer at planting time and again when the plants are about 6 inches tall.
• Stop before harvest:
• Avoid fertilizing too close to harvest to prevent potential nutrient imbalances in the tubers.
• Organic option:

• Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting for a natural fertilizer
source.
Safety Applying • Mixing and application procedures:
Fertilizer and • Mix outdoors in a well-ventilated area: Avoid
mixing chemicals indoors or in enclosed
Pesticides Continue spaces.
• Use proper mixing equipment: Follow the
instructions for mixing the chemical with
water, using the correct dilution ratio.
• Avoid spray drift: Be mindful of wind direction
when applying, and take steps to minimize
spray drift onto non-target areas.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while
applying: Never consume food or beverages
while handling chemicals, as it can lead to
accidental ingestion.
 • Read the label carefully:
Key Safety
Measures When • Before using any fertilizer or pesticide, thoroughly
read and understand the instructions on the product
Applying label, including safety precautions and application
Fertilizer And rates.
Pesticides • Wear protective gear:
• Gloves: Always wear chemical-resistant gloves to
prevent skin contact.
• Eye protection: Goggles or a face shield are essential
to protect your eyes from splashes.
• Clothing: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-
toe shoes to minimize skin exposure.
• Respiratory protection: If necessary, use a respirator
to prevent inhaling chemical fumes.
 • Cleaning up:
Safety Applying • Wash thoroughly after application: Wash
exposed skin with soap and water immediately
Fertilizer and after handling chemicals.
Pesticides Continue • Clean equipment properly: Rinse all
application equipment thoroughly with water
after each use to prevent contamination.
• Storage and disposal:
• Store chemicals safely: Keep fertilizers and
pesticides in their original containers, tightly
sealed, in a cool, dry place, away from children
and pets.
• Dispose of properly: Follow local regulations
for disposing of empty containers and unused
chemicals.
Important considerations:
• Weather conditions:
• Avoid applying chemicals in extreme weather conditions like high
winds, rain, or extreme heat.
• Sensitive areas:
• Take extra precautions when applying near water bodies, beehives, or
other sensitive areas.
• First aid:
• Be aware of potential hazards and have access to first aid information
and supplies in case of accidental exposure.
IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
 LEBIALEM WATER USERS’ ASSOCIATION (LWUA)

President
Secretariat
Vice
President

Bloc 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block 5 Block 6 Block 7

Financial Another
Secretary Staff
 WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE of xxx BLOCK
COMMITTEE EXECUTIVES

President

Caretaker
Team

Financial Technical
Secretary Treasurer Auditor
Secretary Advisers

FARMERS
FUNCTIONS OF IWMC MANAGEMENT EXCO
 FUNCTIONS of an IWMC
An Irrigation Water Management Committee Executive is primarily responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation,
and maintenance of water resources within a designated area, including tasks like institutional policy development, managing
infrastructure, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring equitable water distribution amongst the users.

Key functions of a Water Management Committee Executive include:

Policy Development and Implementation:
• Formulating water management policies and regulations aligned with local needs and environmental concerns.
• Establishing water usage guidelines and conservation strategies.
• Overseeing the implementation of water management policies and ensuring compliance.

Water Resource Management:

• Assessing water availability and demand within the area.
• Monitoring water quality and identifying potential contamination issues.
• Managing water storage facilities and distribution networks.
Infrastructure Management:
•Overseeing the construction, maintenance, and repair of water infrastructure like catchments, pipes, tanks, etc..
•Budgeting for infrastructure upgrades and replacements.
 FUNCTIONS OF WMC Continue

Stakeholder Engagement:
•Collaborating with local communities, government agencies, and other relevant stakeholders on water
management issues.
•Communicating water management plans and updates to the community.
•Addressing concerns and resolving disputes related to water access and usage.

Financial Management:
•Developing and managing the water management budget.
•Monitoring water fees and ensuring revenue collection.
•Allocating funds for maintenance, repairs, and new projects.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

•Regularly monitoring water quality and usage patterns.

•Assessing the effectiveness of water management strategies.
•Identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary adjustments.
FUNCTIONS OF THE PTRESIDENT OF THE IWMC

1. Chairing meetings: Presiding over meetings and ensuring that

information is shared with the community
2. Making decisions: Confirming and signing decisions made at meetings
3. Following up: Ensuring that decisions are implemented and that the
committee's plan of action is carried out
4. Representing the committee: Acting as a spokesperson for the
committee and representing it at other meetings
5. Coordinating activities: Ensuring that all of the committee's activities are
running smoothly
6. Communicating with other bodies: Contacting other committees,
technical services, and organizations to collaborate on projects
7. Managing finances: Authorizing expenses and leading the committee's
finance group
FUNCTIONS OF THE CRETARY OF IWMC
A secretary of an irrigation water management committee is responsible for
a variety of tasks, including:
1. Record keeping: Maintaining records of the committee's meetings,
decisions, and other actions
2. Communication: Communicating with committee members and
stakeholders
3. Agenda planning: Creating agendas for committee meetings
4. Meeting facilitation: Ensuring that committee meetings are productive
and efficient
5. Collaboration: Working with other committee members and
stakeholders to address issues
• An irrigation water management committee is responsible for the
operation and maintenance of water facilities, and supporting members to
improve on their activities and marketing of their farm produce.
FUNCTIONS OF THE TREASURER OF IWMC
1. Financial reporting: Prepare financial statements for the committee and community, including monthly,
quarterly, and annual reports
2. Budgeting: Ensure the committee's budget is met and that funds are available to implement activities
3. Fundraising: Oversee fundraising efforts and advise the committee on financial strategy
4. Risk management: Safeguard the committee's financial integrity and sustainability
5. Investment management: Manage investments, if any, and ensure they align with the committee's
financial goals
6. Financial record review: Review financial records for accuracy and maintain an audit trail
7. Cash management: Manage the committee's cash book and petty cash
8. Purchasing: Make purchases when necessary
9. Filing: File account documents, such as checks, invoices, and receipts
10. Financial transaction signing: Sign financial transactions, jointly with the president
IWM CONFLICT RESOLUTION
CONFLICTION RESOLUTION

Conflict resolution within an irrigation water management committee

involves utilizing structured processes to address disagreements or
disputes among stakeholders regarding water allocation, usage, and
management practices, aiming to reach a mutually agreeable solution
through open communication, collaborative decision-making, and
sometimes mediation, with the ultimate goal of ensuring equitable
water distribution and minimizing conflicts amongst system users.
 Elements of conflict resolution in IWMC
Some of the key elements in conflict resolution are
• Identifying the root cause of conflict:
This involves understanding the underlying issues causing tension, whether it's unequal water
distribution, concerns about water quality, lack of transparency in decision-making, or competing
water needs between different user groups.
• Open communication and active listening:
Facilitating a space where all stakeholders can express their concerns and perspectives openly,
ensuring everyone feels heard and respected.
• Collaborative problem-solving:
Encouraging brainstorming sessions to identify potential solutions that address the needs of all
parties involved, aiming for a "win-win" outcome.
• Facilitation and mediation:

Utilizing a neutral third party to guide the discussion, facilitate compromise, and help parties reach
a consensus when direct negotiations are difficult.
 Strategies for conflict resolution management committee:

• Data-driven decision making: Relying on reliable data and scientific analysis to support water
management decisions, enhancing transparency and credibility.
• Community engagement: Involving local authorities and the entire beneficiaries in the decision-
making process through general assemble, surveys, and consultations to ensure each member’s
concerns are addressed.
• Capacity building: Providing training and workshops for committee members on conflict resolution
techniques, negotiation skills, and water management practices.
• Transparency and accountability: Maintaining open communication channels, clearly outlining
decision-making processes, justification of expenses, reporting on financial transactions, and holding
committee members accountable for their actions.
All these elements will help resolve many conflicts. The IWMC should try as such as possible to
implement these elements.
 Potential conflicts within a water management committee:
Water allocation disputes: Conflicts arising from disagreements over
how water should be distributed among different user groups like
agriculture, industry, and domestic users.
• Environmental concerns: Conflicts related to water quality, pollution,
and potential ecological impacts of water management practices.
• Inter-irrigation system conflicts: Disagreements between different
geographical regions regarding water sharing, especially when dealing
with shared water sources.
GENDER ISSUES IN IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT
 GENDER ISSUES IN IRRIGATION SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

In irrigation system management, gender issues primarily arise

from unequal access to water, decision-making power, and control over
resources, often leading to women being disproportionately impacted
by water scarcity and limitations in their ability to fully benefit from
irrigation systems due to societal norms and power dynamics within
households and communities; this includes challenges like limited
access to credit, technology, and training opportunities to manage
irrigation systems effectively.
Key gender issues
• Unequal access to water:
Women often have less control over water allocation and distribution, particularly in
situations where water is scarce, leading to challenges in meeting their crop needs.
• Decision-making power:
Despite often being responsible for day-to-day irrigation tasks, women are frequently
excluded from decision-making processes regarding water management, including
participation in water user associations (WUAs).
• Labor constraints:
Societal norms may limit women's mobility, making it difficult for them to access irrigation
infrastructure, transport water, and manage equipment, particularly when requiring
physical labor.
• Lack of awareness and training:
Women may not have adequate access to training on new irrigation technologies or water
conservation practices, further hindering their ability to effectively manage irrigation
systems.
Specific examples of gender issues in irrigation
• Limited access to credit:
Women may face difficulties obtaining loans to invest in irrigated farming due to lack of collaterals
or lack of financial independence as some have their finances control by the husband. The spouses
of female farmers need to encourage and support their female farmers to overcome this challenge.
• Gender-biased technology design:
The type of installed technology may not meet the needs of some female farmers such as the type
sprinkler system or accessories like the sprinkler head. Such challenges could be overcomed by local
design and production
• Impact on women's livelihoods:

Water allocation my be bias to women due to their inability to confront male users. This may affect
their productivity thereby affecting their income generation which results to their unsatisfactory
livelihoods. The IWMC should be able to listen to female farmers carefully and respond to their
desires.
 Addressing gender issues in irrigation
• Promote women's participation in WUA decision-making:
Actively encourage women to join and take leadership roles in water user associations or WMC.
• Tailored training programs:
Participants in training programs should always include women or specific women training on irrigation
management are organized. Such trainings should include water conservation techniques and new
technologies.
• Awareness campaigns:
The IWMC, with external support where necessary, should raise awareness about the importance of
gender equality in water management and address societal norms that hinder women's participation.

By actively addressing gender issues in irrigation management, it is possible to

improve water access, empower women farmers, and enhance agricultural
productivity and food security.