The effect of irrigation on dambo hydrology: a case study
1991
Faulkner, R.D. | Lambert, R.A.
Dambos are small valley wetlands commonly found on the plateau regions of eastern and southern Africa. They are used for cattle grazing, cultivation and as a source for domestic water supply. In Zimbabwe, up to 20,000 hectares of dambo land are being cultivated. This has developed through the initiative of local people largely without any external assistance and sometimes with active official discouragement, justified by concern over soil degradation and water resource depletion. A hydrological model of a dambo is described and empirical results presented which suggest that, with certain limitations, irrigated dambo cultivation has a relatively small impact on water resources. Recommended limitations are outlined. The indication is that dambos offer significant potential for an expansion in irrigated cultivation. This has important implications for policy makers in agriculture and irrigation, and for all those concerned with food security and nutrition.
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