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

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.