Irrigation is the art of applying controlled amounts of water to plants at the right time, in the

right place, and in the right way. It's a critical component of agricultural production, especially
in arid regions where rainfall is not enough to support crops. Zambia is a country rich in natural
resources, but it also faces many challenges when it comes to agricultural production. One of
those challenges is water scarcity, which makes irrigation a vital part of the agricultural
equation. In this regard, this assignment will discuss what irrigation is, identify irrigation
systems in Zambia, methods of irrigation used in Zambia. The scholar on the other hand will
also tackle the conditions to set a farm structure and also give drawings of a crush pen, poultry,
piggery, grain storage house and a rabbit hatch.

In simple terms, irrigation is the process of supplying water to land or crops, usually through a
system of channels or pipes. It's a way to make sure that plants and crops have enough water
to grow and thrive, especially in areas where rainfall is scarce or inconsistent. This is especially
important in agricultural areas, where irrigation can mean the difference between a successful
crop and a failed one (Sojka 2002). Irrigation can be done using different systems.

IRRIGATION SYSTEMS IN ZAMBIA

In addition, an irrigation system is a network of infrastructure that transports water from a

source to a field or farm. This can include components such as dams, canals, pumps, and pipes.
The system can be as simple as a small pump bringing water from a river to a small field, or as
complex as a large-scale project with multiple sources of water, multiple canals, and multiple
farms. The main purpose of an irrigation system is to provide a reliable supply of water to
farmers so that they can grow crops (Ragab 2022).

Having explained about the irrigation systems, let us now look at the irrigation systems
specifically found in Zambia. Zambia has a variety of irrigation systems, including small-scale
and large-scale systems. The most common small-scale systems are hand-dug wells and hand-
pumped wells. For large-scale systems, Zambia has several gravity-fed irrigation systems,
including the Chambeshi-Luapula Gravity Scheme, the Kafue-Lusitu-Chilonga Scheme, and the
Barotse Flood-plain Irrigation Scheme. These schemes use canals and other infrastructure to
bring water from rivers and lakes to farms, where it is used to irrigate crops. Zambia also has

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some smaller-scale fully automatic systems, such as the Lusitu-Mpima and Mwekera-Soyo
schemes, which use solar-powered pumps to bring water to crops. Finally, Zambia has a
growing number of small-scale drip irrigation systems, which are used to water crops in a highly
efficient manner. Drip irrigation systems are becoming increasingly popular in Zambia, as they
are more efficient and can help to reduce water usage (Kapungwe 2013).

Additionally, the other major irrigation system in Zambia is the Kafue basin irrigation and
drainage project. The Kafue basin irrigation system is one of the largest irrigation schemes in
Zambia, covering an area of over 340,000 hectares. The system was originally developed in the
1970s to increase agricultural production in the region. Today, the system provides irrigation
water to over 60,000 farmers, helping to improve food security and generate income. The
system is also used for livestock watering, industrial cooling, and power generation. The Kafue
basin irrigation system has had a significant impact on the lives of farmers in the region. It has
helped to increase crop yields and reduce hunger, while also providing a source of income. In
addition, the system has helped to improve the overall livelihoods of farmers by providing
access to water for domestic use and for livestock (Mwamba 2021). The system has also
created employment opportunities, as it requires skilled workers to operate and maintain the
system. However, the system also has its challenges. For example, the system has experienced
problems with waterlogging and salinity, as well as a lack of coordination between different
stakeholders. In addition, the system is not reaching its full potential, as it is underutilized due
to a lack of investment and inadequate infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the Kafue basin
irrigation system remains an important part of Zambia's agricultural sector.

Moreover, the other irrigation system in Zambia is the Kalulushi river basin project. The
Kalulushi river basin project is a multi-purpose water development project that is located in the
Copperbelt Province of Zambia. The project aims to increase irrigation production and provide
water for domestic and industrial use. The project includes the construction of dams, irrigation
canals, and other infrastructure to help increase crop yields and reduce poverty in the region.
The project is expected to benefit over 10,000 farmers and provide jobs for over 1,000 people.
In addition, the project will help to protect the environment by reducing soil erosion and water

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pollution. Overall, the Kalulushi river basin project is expected to have a positive impact
onfarmers in the area by increasing productivity and improving livelihoods. The project will also
provide much-needed water for domestic use and for industrial activities, such as mining and
manufacturing. However, the project has faced some challenges, including delays in
construction and a lack of financial resources. Despite these challenges, the project is expected
to have a significant impact on the local economy and improve the lives of people in the area
(Hamududu 2019).

To add on, there is also the Luangwa river basin and North western irrigation system. The
Luangwa river basin project and the north western irrigation system are two water
development projects that are designed to improve agricultural production and benefit farmers
in Zambia. The Luangwa river basin project is located in the Eastern Province of Zambia and
covers an area of over 4,000 square kilometers. The project involves the construction of dams,
canals, and other infrastructure to store and transport water for irrigation. The project is
expected to benefit over 500,000 farmers and increase food production by over 60%. In
addition, the project will help to improve the environment by reducing soil erosion and
increasing forest cover. The north western irrigation system is located in the north western
region of Zambia and is one of the largest irrigation systems in the country. The system covers
an area of over 1,000 square kilometers and involves the construction of dams, canals, and
other infrastructure to provide water for irrigation. The system is expected to benefit over
30,000 farmers and increase agricultural production by over 30%. In addition, the system will
help to improve the environment by reducing soil erosion and increasing forest cover. The
system is also expected to create jobs and improve the standard of living in the region (Fulai
2016).

METHODS OF IRRIGATION USED IN ZAMBIA

Methods of irrigation" refers to the various techniques and strategies that are used to deliver
water to crops for the purpose of promoting plant growth. These methods can include the use
of sprinklers, drip irrigation, furrow irrigation, and other techniques that are designed to apply
water in a controlled manner and in the right amount. The specific methods that are used may

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vary depending on factors such as the type of crops being grown, the climate and soil
conditions, and the available water resources. Regardless of the specific methods used, the
overall goal is to provide plants with the water they need to thrive (Ngoma etl. 2019). However,
the following are the methods used in Zambia.

Furrow irrigation is a commonly used method of irrigation in Zambia, particularly in areas

where the terrain is flat or gently sloping. In furrow irrigation, water is applied to the soil in
long, parallel strips known as furrows. This method helps to evenly distribute water across the
field and minimize water loss due to evaporation. It is a simple and effective method that is
well-suited to small-scale farms and drylands. In Zambia, some of the main crops that are
irrigated using the furrow method include maize, beans, and cotton (Ngoma etl. 2019).
Secondly, Flood irrigation, also known as inundation irrigation, is another common method of
irrigation used in Zambia, particularly in the northern and western regions of the country. This
method involves deliberately flooding fields with water from a river, lake, or reservoir to
moisten the soil and provide water for crops. In Zambia, flood irrigation is often used to irrigate
crops such as rice, sugarcane, and groundnuts. It is a simple and inexpensive method, but it can
have negative environmental impacts, such as increased soil salinity and the spread of
waterborne diseases.

Thirdly, drip irrigation is a more modern and efficient method of irrigation that is increasingly
being used in Zambia, particularly in the southern and central regions. In this method, water is
dripped slowly and directly onto the soil surface through a network of small tubes or pipes. This
helps to reduce water loss due to evaporation and runoff, making it a more sustainable and
cost-effective method than flood irrigation. It is especially suitable for high-value crops, such as
fruits, vegetables, and flowers. In Zambia, drip irrigation has been shown to improve yields and
increase farmer incomes. Going forward, the other method used in Zambia is the sprinkler
method. Sprinkler irrigation is another modern and efficient method of irrigation that is used in
Zambia. This method uses a network of sprinklers to spray water into the air, where it falls onto
the crops in a controlled pattern. Like drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation is more efficient than
flood irrigation, and it can also help to reduce the spread of diseases. In Zambia, sprinkler

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irrigation is often used to irrigate crops such as sugarcane, tobacco, and vegetables. It is an
especially useful method in areas where water is scarce, as it uses less water than other
methods (Hamududu 2019).

Furthermore, the other method is called center pivot irrigation. Center pivot irrigation is a type
of sprinkler irrigation that is specifically designed for large-scale farms. It involves a central
pivot point from which a rotating system of sprinklers delivers water in a circular pattern.
Center pivot irrigation is an effective method for irrigating large fields with uniformity and
efficiency. It is commonly used to irrigate crops such as maize, wheat, and soya beans in
Zambia. In some cases, center pivot irrigation systems are powered by solar energy, making
them even more sustainable. However, this method is expensive and requires a significant
amount of land to be effective. Despite the high cost, center pivot irrigation is considered to be
an important tool for improving food security and livelihoods in Zambia. In particular, it has the
potential to increase crop yields and reduce poverty in rural areas (Ngoma 2019). For example,
the Chisamba irrigation scheme in Central Province is a well-known example of a center pivot
irrigation project that has had a positive impact on the local community. The scheme has
increased food production and provided jobs for local residents, helping to improve their
standard of living.

CONDITIONS TO SET A FARM STRUCTURE

The following are the conditions according to Farooq (2019).

WIND DIRECTION: Wind direction is an important factor to consider when setting up a farm
structure, as it can have a significant impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the farm. For
example, if the prevailing wind direction is from the west, it is important to design the farm in
such a way that the wind is not blowing directly into the farm. This is because the wind can
carry dust, pests, and diseases into the farm, which can reduce crop yields.

ACCESSIBILITY: Accessibility is another important factor to consider when setting up a farm

structure, as it can have a significant impact on the efficiency of the farm. For example, if the
farm is located in a remote or difficult to access area, it will be important to design the

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structure to make it as easy as possible to transport goods and materials in and out of the farm.
This might include building roads or improving existing roads, as well as considering the logistics
of getting the farm's products to market. In addition, accessibility can also impact the
availability of labor, which is an important consideration for many farms.

TOPOGRAPHY: Topography, or the physical features of the land, is another important

consideration when setting up a farm structure. This includes factors such as the slope of the
land, the presence of hills or valleys, and the type of soil. Topography can have a significant
impact on the efficiency of the farm, as it can affect everything from the ease of drainage to the
accessibility of the land. For example, if the land is hilly, it may be necessary to build terraces to
prevent erosion and increase productivity. Alternatively, if the land is flat, it may be easier to
design and build structures such as storage facilities.

SECURITY: Security is a critical consideration when setting up a farm structure, as it can help to
protect the farm and its assets from theft, vandalism, and other security risks. There are several
ways to improve the security of a farm, including fencing, security lighting, surveillance systems,
and the use of guard animals. Fencing is one of the most common security measures, and it can
help to deter trespassers and wildlife, as well as mark the boundaries of the property. Security
lighting is also important, as it can help to deter intruders and provide a safe environment for
workers.

SOIL TYPE: Soil type is an important consideration when setting up a farm structure, as different
soil types have different characteristics that can affect the farm's productivity and the type of
crops that can be grown. For example, sandy soils are well-drained but have low water-holding
capacity, while clay soils are more difficult to work with but have higher water-holding capacity.
Other soil types include loam, silt, and peat. Soil type is important because it affects factors
such as drainage, nutrient retention, and water infiltration. In addition, soil type can affect the
ability of plants to absorb nutrients and can impact the growth rate of crops.

Going forward, the following are structures of a crush pen, poultry, piggery, grain storage house
and a rabbit hatch.

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Figure 1.1 Crush pen

Figure 1.2. Piggery

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REFERENCES

Farooq, M.S., Riaz, S., Abid, A., Abid, K. and Naeem, M.A., 2019. A Survey on the Role of IoT in
Agriculture for the Implementation of Smart Farming. Ieee Access, 7, pp.156237-156271.

Fulayi, M., 2016. Assessment of surface water availability in Solwezi River Basin, NothWestern
Province, Zambia (Doctoral dissertation, University of Zambia).

Hamududu, B.H. and Ngoma, H., 2019. Impacts of climate change on water availability in
Zambia: Implications for irrigation development.

Kapungwe, E.M., 2013. Traditional Irrigation Practices, High Crop Diversification and Multiple
Agricultural Cycles in Wastewater Irrigation Farming in Peru Urban Areas, Zambia. Journal of
Geography and Geology, 5(4), pp.106-130.

Mwamba, B., 2021. Water resources management in Zambia: a case of cumulative impacts
associated with copper mining in the Upper Kafue Catchment, Copperbelt Province, Zambia.

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Ngoma, H., Hamududu, B., Hangoma, P., Samboko, P., Hichaambwa, M. and Kabaghe, C., 2019.
Irrigation development for climate resilience in Zambia: the known knowns and known
unknowns.

Ragab, M.A., Badreldeen, M.M.M., Sedhom, A. and Mamdouh, W.M., 2022. IOT based smart
irrigation system. International Journal of Industry and Sustainable Development, 3(1), pp.76-
86.

Sojka, R.E., Bjorneberg, D.L. and Entry, J.A., 2002. Irrigation: An historical perspective.
Encyclopedia of soil science, 1(1070), pp.745-749.