Hand dug wells for irrigation

Providing irrigation facility for the rural poor farmers is very crucial for the purpose of increasing agricultural production.  When we think of developing irrigation, what first comes to our mind is availability of potential rivers in the community.  Still, the available potential rivers can only create irrigation access for few numbers of the rural farmers, those who live in the periphery of the rivers. In most places, the rivers also go through the gorges creating difficulty of diverting for irrigation purposes.

Taking these factors into account, World Vision is currently introducing tapping underground water in a cost effective way for irrigation. This was possible through construction of hand dug wells in farm fields of the rural households.  At the beginning of 2014, World Vision, in collaboration with Sokoru Woreda/District Irrigation Desk of the Oromiya Region and the beneficiary farmers, constructed the hand dug well in the backyard of targeted households. 

These households were provided with rope washer, Sand, gravel and cement. The targeted households were also participated by supplying stone, excavating well and canals. The community is happy of getting this new technology.  Mr. Temam Aba Gisa, 54, is married and a father of seven in Mekanisa Kebele of Sokoru District. He said, “The construction of hand dug well in my compound made my backyard greener throughout the year. Now, I can produce vegetables and other crops in my backyard without waiting the rainy season. We draw water from the underground source easily and in fun with the help of the rope pump.” Mr. Temam continued, “The well is also giving us additional benefits like clean water just in the outdoor for household consumption. Having seen the benefit of the rope pump, my neighbors and highly motivated to follow my footsteps.”

The community is happy of getting introduced with this new technology, hoping that it would substantially contribute for increased agricultural production.