Evaluation of hydroulic performance of major canals in the rahad agricultural scheme-Sudan

Abstract EN

Diagnosis and evaluation of irrigation projects is complex and often neglected subject, in spite of its important role which plays if the declining output of the large scale irrigated projects in Sudan is to be improved.

A package of goal-oriented performance indicators (quality of irrigation services, water scheduling and area utilization) was used to quantify the hydraulic performance of the main canal water delivery system in Rahad irrigated scheme.

As a result, an overall evaluation index is formulated to reflect the irrigation system multiple objectives.

Stratified sampling procedure adopted to extensively monitor and quantify water flows at four control points and six Minor canals of Major (No.

2).

Secondary data was obtained from the various canal operating agencies.

The results generally reveal considerable seasonal variability in the performance of the indicators used and maloperation of canal structures.

They indicate that water delivery performance in the Minor canal is decreased towards the tail end.

Therefore, new operational methodologies are needed to solve these problems.