Spate Irrigation Systems: Spate Hydrology

Spate Hydrology

The design, use and performance of spate irrigation systems are affected by the following hydrological factors:

The volume of runoff from the catchment
The timescale during which the flow occurs
The size and probability of floods
The climate in the irrigated area
The reliability of rainfall and floods.

What makes these systems unique is the poor predictability of the flows that have to be utilized and the large amounts of sediments they bring in. Managing a spate irrigation system is about managing variable flows and sedimentation, and even making them work in favor of agricultural productivity.

Lecture 1:
Spate Hydrology, Wadi Morphology and Sediments

Dr. John Ratsey

Spate Run-ff or flash floods can have devastating impact if not well managed, however population in the wadis can also reap multiple benefits of the flash floods if well managed. The presentation of John Ratsley provides methodologies on how to predict floods, how to construct structures in the wadi beds, how to tackle problems with sedimentation and debris.

Lecture 2:
Understanding Hydrological Processes in Ephemeral Rivers

Dr. Abebe Demissie

This presentation explores the runoff generation process, factors affecting flood hydrographs, and spate irrigation among other topics.

Lecture 3:
Sediment Transport in Spate Irrigation System

Dr. Phill Lawrence

Managing sediments is key in pate schemes. This lecture explores the different dimensions of sediment transports in spate irrigation.

Reference Materials


Ecology of Spate Irrigation	Managing sedimentation in spate irrigation schemes	Predicting Runoff and Sediment	Spate Irrigation Potential in Horn of Africa