Flood Recession Agriculture

Flood Recession Agriculture Prepared by: Dr Adane Abebe and Abebe Demissie

Outline of presentation Definition of flood recession agriculture Flood recession farming practice, in Ethiopia Flood recession farming potential, in Ethiopia

1 - Definition Flood recession agriculture is linked to areas that are prone to annual flooding, making use of the moisture left behind after the floods and sometimes even using the water of the rising floods as well. In Africa alone, flood recession agriculture may amount to over 20 M ha. Fig: Farming immediately after recession in illu district (Becho plain); (Abebe M, 2011)

Definition ….. Benefits from flood plain: Cultivation for crop production, Livestock grazing, Raw material supply for hand crafts making, Traditional medicines, Water supply for human and livestock consumption and other benefits.

Flood recession practice in Ethiopia Flood based agriculture within ethiopia could be different based on: The type of cultivated crops, the planting techniques, sources of income and diversification of income from flood (fishery, livestock production, farming, etc.), and the methods to deal with the involved risks, are not similar all over Ethiopia.

Flood recession agriculture around Lake Tana Flood plain where flood recession agriculture practices around Lake Tana are: Lake Tana shore Fogera plain east of Lake Tana, and Dembiya plain in the north where the Dirma and Megech rivers enter the lake.

Until early 1990’s the majority of crops in such areas were maize and sorghum. Now the larger proportion of the land, about 95% of the total flood plain agriculture, is covered by rice plantation. Now the crop production is more than two times: In the presence of waterlogged land in farm (rice crop) After recession of the flood (Maize, wheat, Sorghum etc)

Rice production under flooded conditions using small bunds in the Fogera plains near Lake Tana

Figure: Fogera plain in the middle of the rainy season

Though the productive potential of the area is recognized, flood recession farming along the direct lakeshore is discouraged, in order to preserve the habitat for migrating birds.

Flood recession agriculture at Baro-Akobo Flood recession farming on the riverbeds in Gambela. Adjacent to the river are marshes that can be partly cultivated later in the dry season (Dr Frank)

…. Baro-Akobo In addition to rain-fed farming in such areas crops are grown on elevated riverbanks just after the floods retreat. Riverbank farming is important due to: The deposited fertile soils with the floods are easily workable. The lands are close to water and fish resources, and River vegetation provides the picking of fruits in the dry season

.. Baro-Akobo Areas with backswamps are mainly used for dry season grazing, although they would be suitable for rice and godere production The main crops produced are maize and sorghum, other crops such as mango, papaya, semi-wild fruits and root crops, as well as legumes are also produced.

Omo River Valley Flood recession in this valley is mentioned to occur in narrow bands along the banks of the Lower Omo In this area, the total area under flood recession is set at 11037 ha, but this includes riverine woodlands, open bushland and bare soil as well

Omo Valley …. Maize, sorghum and finger millet are the main crops. They are planted on the banks of the Omo River as the annual flood retreats. A common croping practice is for sorghum to be planted in groups of ten seeds together to make sure that one in these groups will grow fully mature In certain areas inundation canals are developed that distribute the water over a more extensive area as the water level rises in the river.

Groups of sorghum that are planted on temporarily inundated land in the southern Omo River valley (Abebe M. 2011)

Upper Awash Catchment Flood recession is also practiced in the Upper Awash Catchment – particularly in the Becho Plains and around Lake Koka. Near Lake Koka; surrounding the reservoir farmers wait longer for the inundated area to dry before they start plowing and sowing. Nearby Koka, shallow groundwater wells is supplemented to the residual soil moisture to grow onions, tomatoes and maize, although the main crops are haricot bean and chickpea. The floodplain is used as a source of grazing and hence Livestock production is also important in the area

Upper Awash Catchment ..... Different stages of flood retreat near Lake Koka. The bottom right picture shows the start of plowing.

Water pump placed at 3m below surface at Koka plain (Abebe M., 2011)

Upper Awash Catchment ..... In the Becho plains-further upstream - there is no supplementary use of groundwater. But pumps are used to irrigate the adjacent lands from Rivers. Crops grow depends on residual moisture after the inundation period. The duration of the inundation determines the type of crops to be cultivated. Areas that are inundated for a shorter duration are used for Teff. Areas inundated for a longer period are used for lentil and grass pea.

Upper Awash Catchment ..... Ploughing is done prior to the floods to harvest sediment in the furrows and increase fertility and moisture deposition. Ploughing is done also as area fall dry to conserve moisture. The shortage of land does not allow the livestock to graze on the lands like on the plains near Lake Koka where not all inundated lands are used for cultivation.

Different stages of flood recession agriculture in the Becho plains (Abebe M. 2011)

Other River Basins Annual flooding occurs in areas around Kelafo, Mustahil and Ferfer woredas in the downstream reach of the Wabi Shebele River Study shows as Wabi Shebele inundates 600 km2 annually, of which 140 km2 is flooded throughout the year.

Other River Basins …. Though the Wabi Shebelle is one of the largest areas under annual flooding very little is known with regards the extent of flood recession farming. It is known however that further downstream in Somalia flood recession farming is well-known. This is similar to other River basins too! Denakil and Tekeze River Basins: in several reports on the river basins seasonal swamps or wetlands are identified, but no information on the use of these areas for flood recession farming is presented.

3- Flood Recession Farming potential in Ethiopia The actual area under flood recession agriculture in different River basins, particularly in the Wabi Shebelle area is unknown. Reasonable estimate for flood recession farming in Ethiopia reaches over 100,000 ha. So far flood recession agriculture has received almost no attention, but there is scope to improve the productivity of these systems and improve and broad-base the livelihoods of the people depending on them.

Opportunities that should be explored. There are several opportunities that should be explored. Better water management: use of dikes, inundation canals and drains to better guide and control water Shift to rice-based flood rise agriculture Use shallow groundwater Diversification – fishery, livestock