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A review on waterlogging, salinization and drainage in Ethiopian irrigated agriculture

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Abstract

Ethiopia’s agricultural production has been challenged by severe waterlogging and salinity problems which has resulted in substantially lower yields than the potential. Waterlogging is the main drainage problem in the small scale irrigation schemes in the Vertisols dominated highland areas while salinity and salinization is a common phenomenon in the large and medium scale irrigation schemes located in the lowlands of the country’s major river basins with predominantly salt affected soils. The lack of functional drainage system and poor water management practices have also significantly contributed to the frequent occurrence of waterlogging and salt build-up in irrigation fields. This paper reviews important technical issues related to drainage problems in Ethiopia, notably waterlogging and salinization, and their consequences on the productivity of irrigated agriculture. It also briefly discusses the land reclamation techniques practiced by the farmers, the government and NGOs and their effectiveness in controlling waterlogging and salinity.

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Acknowledgements

The author extends great gratitude to the editor and two anonymous reviewers of the journal whose constructive and insightful comments and suggestions have led to considerable improvement to the early versions of the manuscript.

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  1. Department of Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering, School of Water Technology, Aksum University, P.O.Box 314, Shire-Endaselassie, Ethiopia

    Kbrom Ambachew Gebrehiwot

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Correspondence to Kbrom Ambachew Gebrehiwot.

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Gebrehiwot, K.A. A review on waterlogging, salinization and drainage in Ethiopian irrigated agriculture. Sustain. Water Resour. Manag. 4, 55–62 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40899-017-0121-8

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