As part of the implementation of sub-component 2.2 of the FSRP "Strengthening regional food security through integrated landscape management (GIP)", the Food System Resilience Program, in partnership with the Société d'Aménagement et d'Exploitation des Terres du Delta du Fleuve Sénégal et des Vallées du Sénégal et de la Falémé (SAED), is undertaking a vast project to develop 4,700 hectares of village irrigated areas (PIV) with masonry canals in the Senegal River valley.
Against a backdrop of climate change marked by recurrent flooding and often dilapidated irrigation infrastructure, this programme to develop 4,700 ha of PIV by the FSRP in Saint Louis and Matam aims to improve food security, through the increased development of rice growing and horticultural production thanks to sustainable and more efficient irrigation infrastructure.
The sustainability of these developments lies in the modernisation of irrigation and drainage systems. Until now, the PIVs were fed by earthen canals, which were often fragile and prone to flooding. The irrigation solution put forward by the FSRP is based on the construction of reinforced concrete masonry canals (invert, posts and stiffeners) for greater durability and efficiency.
Masonry channels, a solution for the durability of PIVs
The choice of masonry canals as the irrigation solution stems from the major problem of the need to maintain the structures in the valley's village irrigation schemes. The FSRP Sénégal has opted for an irrigation system that is both economical and sustainable.
These channels are made up of masonry blocks (walls) and structural reinforcement elements in reinforced concrete, such as: the base slab (raft); the top wall ties; the intermediate columns and the stiffeners installed at defined intervals. Not to mention the expansion joints to prevent the risk of the structure cracking in the event of differential settlement along the route of the canals.
At the PIV level, this solution enables beneficiaries to reduce irrigation time and water losses through infiltration, and to increase the flow rate to guarantee water requirements, thereby combating the water stress that can lead to low yields.
From an economic point of view, with masonry canals, upkeep and maintenance costs are lower due to the consistency of the initial investment, making it easier for beneficiaries to maintain the works. This innovation, which has a lifespan of at least fifteen (15) years, will also reduce pumping costs.
In addition to improving the irrigation networks, the FSRP plans to make the areas safer from flooding by reinforcing the dykes and installing appropriate protection. The renewal and modernisation of hydraulic equipment is also at the heart of the project, with the installation of new motor-driven pumps (GMP).
With these 4,700 hectares, the feasibility study for which is currently underway, the Senegal River Valley is poised to become a model of integrated water resource management, serving food security and rural development.
