The Effect of On-Farm Water Management on Expansion of Irrigated Land in Bajaur, Pakistan
The Effect of On-Farm Water Management on Expansion of Irrigated Land in Bajaur, Pakistan
Ikramullah and Inayatullah Jan*
ABSTRACT
On-farm water management (OFWM) is one of the major components of FATA Water Resources Development Project (FWRDP) working in different areas of the erstwhile FATA. This study examines the transformative effect of on-farm water management on expansion of irrigated land in the newly merged district Bajaur. This study is based on household data collected through a pre-tested questionnaire from 120 farming households. Paired t-test was used to assess the role of OFWM in expansion of irrigated area. The results of the study showed that OFWM has a significant positive effect on irrigated land expansion in the research area. The results show that the average irrigated land area increased significantly for major crops, viz., wheat (16.7 kanal), maize (14.5 kanal), and rice (1.71 kanal). The results of the paired t-test revealed a significant increase in the mean differences of wheat, maize, and rice, after the implementation of OFWM practices as shown by p<0.05 for these crops. Based on the findings, it is concluded that the OFWM component of the FWRDP has a greater role in expansion of irrigated land in the study area. The findings of the study have important implications for the development of future water resources management projects in the study area and other water-scarce regions.
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