Mapping stream flow changes and its implications on irrigation infrastructure in agrarian communities of Nigeria

Goyol, S; Pathirage, C; Kulatunga, U

Abstract

Climate change, a global environmental challenge driving natural hazards, is a threat to socio-economic development. Changes in average weather conditions, alongside unpredictable temperature and rainfall patterns are altering the climate system resulting to floods and droughts on two different ends of an extreme. Persistent alteration of the climate system is already affecting water levels as evident in stream flow changes and the drying water bodies. These changes are increasingly affecting the availability of water for irrigation purposes and having impacts on irrigation infrastructure. This can have future implications on agricultural production, food security and poverty levels if left unchecked. This study aims to assess stream flow changes and its impacts on irrigation infrastructures by mapping how different types of irrigation infrastructures respond to changes in stream flow. A multiple case study approach of three (3) agrarian communities first identified the types of irrigation infrastructure in each case study. Secondly, an assessment of the stream flow during both the dry and rainy season was achieved to obtain the pattern of stream discharge. Then, using maps of case study communities, irrigation infrastructures sensitive to stream flow changes due to extremes is presented. Findings reveal that erratic and heavier rains are increasing stream flows in rainy seasons affecting irrigation infrastructures in flood prone areas, while drier periods and water shortages are causing decreased stream flows in the dry seasons thereby affecting the yield of irrigation infrastructures due to lower water levels. Findings will provide decision makers with information to plan ahead of future climate changes/ stream flow changes and its effects irrigation agriculture.

Citation

Goyol, S., Pathirage, C., & Kulatunga, U. (2017, September). Mapping stream flow changes and its implications on irrigation infrastructure in agrarian communities of Nigeria. Poster presented at 13th International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPGRC), University of Salford, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: 13th International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPGRC)
• Conference Location: University of Salford, UK
• Start Date: Sep 14, 2017
• End Date: Sep 15, 2017
• Publication Date: Sep 15, 2017
• Deposit Date: Oct 11, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 11, 2017
• Publisher URL: http://usir.salford.ac.uk/43913/
• Related Public URLs: http://conference.org.uk/international-research-week/post-graduates/
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference