Abstract:
The agriculture in Malagarazi sub basin (East party of Burundi) is currently dependent on
rainfed system with limited use of irrigation. Highly variable and erratic rainfall and lack of
means to store water in Malagarazi sub basin has contributed to drought and chronic food
shortages. Declining productivity in rainfed agriculture and rapid increase of population, land
degradation, and land scarcity problem are the factors contributing to food problems in the
area. To reduce the current intensified food shortage and poverty in Malagarazi sub basin,
there is a need of strategies that can support the efforts of ensuring food security in the basin.
Irrigation development was found to be best strategic option to ensure food security.
The aim of this research is therefore, to investigate and identify potential irrigable area using
the existing resources such as land and water resources with respect as a criteria in the
environment of geographic information system (GIS). The total identified irrigable area for
Malagarazi sub basins is 7.34 km
2,
9.77km
2,
8.52km
2
and 5.24 km
2
respecti�ly for Rukoziri,
Muyovozi, Rumpungwe and Mukazye sub-basins. The overall identified potentiial irrigable
area in the basin is in the order of 11.46km
2.
The total available irrigation potential can not be
developed with the available water. Thus, storage is essential.
It can be concluded that the identified suitable area for irrigation in Malagarazi sub basin is
3,087ha. This potential irrigable area, combining with development technology, can help the
population of Malagarazi sub basin which is largely rural and dependent on agriculture for
their livelihoods. It will reduce the chronic malnutrition, poverty, hunger and increase
agricultural production.
