| dc.description.abstract | In light of the escalating challenges posed by water scarcity, particularly in arid and semi-arid
regions, the imperative of understanding and effectively managing irrigation needs for the sake
of sustainable agriculture cannot be overstated. This study is centred on investigating the
adequacy of water supply for meeting irrigation needs within Sudan's Gezira Scheme, a crucial
agricultural region grappling with mounting agricultural demands, the impacts of climate
change, and urban expansion. Utilising the analytical capabilities of the Cropwat8.0 model,
this research meticulously evaluates the crop water requirements (CWR) and irrigation water
demands (IWR) for major crops—cotton, sorghum, sunflower, and tomato—across both
summer and winter seasons. The findings underscore significant irrigation needs, such as
1141.9 mm for cotton and 715.6 mm for sorghum during summer, and 854.9 mm for sunflower
and 1083.5 mm for tomato in winter. Assuming an irrigation system efficiency of 50%,
irrigation schedules are devised to meet these demands. Despite an annual water supply of
11.16 billion cubic meters within the Gezira Scheme, two scenarios highlight varying levels of
irrigation demands. In the current area of 169,563 hectares, actual irrigation requirements
amount to 2.28 billion m³, with a total net irrigation of 3.22 billion m³ and a total gross
irrigation demand of 6.43 billion m³. Expanding to encompass the entire area of 882,000
hectares, these figures notably escalate to actual irrigation requirements of 17.52 billion m³,
total net irrigation of 16.73 billion m³, and total gross irrigation demand of 33.46 billion m³.
The study underscores that while the current water supply adequately caters to the presently
cultivated area, it falls short of meeting the needs of the entire project area. Addressing this
disparity necessitates the enhancement of water management strategies, adoption of modern
irrigation techniques, and implementation of robust conservation measures. These endeavours
not only ensure the sustainability of the project but also pave the way for cultivating larger
project areas whilst optimising water usage. Ultimately, these strategies aspire to promote
sustainable agricultural practices and fortify food security in Sudan. They furnish invaluable
insights for stakeholders engaged in water resource management and agricultural
development, directing efforts towards a more resilient and prosperous agricultural landscape. | en_US |
