Planning irrigation cropping systems

Abstract

Farmers of the Sagana irrigation project, Kenya, have identified fluctuating and low prices for their agricultural produce as their main constraint. This paper reports results from a study carried out to identify an alternative cropping system that could be used to optimize their returns by harvesting their crops when the market price is highest. The study shows that there is a complex interaction of factors affecting the selection of a cropping system: climatic, water requirements, marketing and farmer preferences. It also illustrates how proper planning of the cropping calendar can reduce irrigation water requirements and maximize project benefits.