Wabi Shebelle Survey - Kugno Zones I & II
Hydro-Agricultural Development Project
Date: January 1973
Collaborating Organizations: Imperial Ethiopian Government (National Water Resources Commission), BCEOM, ORSTOM, EDF, IGN_BDPA
1. Project Overview
The document presents a comprehensive hydro-agricultural development plan for the Kugno zones (I & II) in the Wabi Shebelle river basin, focusing on irrigation infrastructure, economic analysis, and ecological considerations.
2. Key Details
Geographical and Population Information
- Location: Right bank of Wabi Shebelle river, 25-50km downstream from IMI
- Coordinates: 6°20'N, 42°25'E at ~360m elevation
- Area: 25km long × 4km wide (10,000ha total)
- Population: 7,000 residents + 7,500 semi-nomadic/nomadic individuals
- Climate: Dry tropical (334mm annual rainfall)
Soil Classification
| Class | Area (ha) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| A | 5,000 | Balanced texture (25-40% clay) |
| B | 2,500 | Sandy texture (25% clay) |
| C | 1,500 | Moderately clayey (>40% clay) |
| D | 1,000 | Hydromorphic C soils |
3. Zone Descriptions
Zone 1 (West Zone)
- Area: 4,555ha gross (3,735ha net)
- Soil: Primarily Class A (best for cultivation)
- Slope: 1m/km
- Pumping Capacity: 4.3 m³/s with 5.5m lift
- Canals: 11,000m primary, 11 secondary canals
Zone 2 (East Zone)
- Area: 2,842ha gross (2,330ha net)
- Soil: Mix of A, C, and D classes
- Slope: 1m/km with gypseous hills spur
- Pumping Capacity: 2.7 m³/s with 4.7m lift
- Canals: 10,250m primary, 10 secondary canals
4. Infrastructure Components
- Pumping Stations: Archimedes screw systems with sand settling basins
- Irrigation Network: Concrete-lined primary and secondary canals
- Drainage System: Primary drainage channels (13,000m for Zone 1, 13,200m for Zone 2)
- Villages: 3 planned villages for 12,000 inhabitants
- Roads: Main, secondary, and feeder roads with bridges
- Windscreens: For environmental protection
5. Economic Analysis
Cost Summary
Total Project Cost: 19,669,000 Ethiopian Dollars (E$)
| Year | Expenditure (E$) | Main Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4,073,000 | Zone 1 groundwork, half networks, half pumping station |
| 2 | 3,304,000 | Complete Zone 1 networks and pumping station |
| 3 | 3,989,000 | Zone 2 groundwork, half pumping station and networks |
| 4 | 3,277,000 | Village substructures, bridges, cultivation begins |
| 5 | 2,626,000 | Complete Zone 2 networks and landscaping |
| 6 | 2,400,000 | Village construction |
Personnel Requirements
Permanent Irrigation (Alternative A):
- Annual management cost: 1,163,000 E$
- Staff includes agricultural engineers, specialists, and maintenance personnel
Intermittent Irrigation (Alternative B):
- Annual management cost: 764,000 E$
- Reduced staff compared to Alternative A
Internal Rate of Return
- Alternative A (permanent irrigation): 12%
- Alternative B (intermittent irrigation): 7%
- Alternative A1 (with storage dam): 10%
Key Conclusion: The Kugno perimeters show satisfactory economic returns, especially for permanent irrigation (12% IRR). Intermittent irrigation is only viable for local consumption, not export crops. The project is planned to achieve full operation within 6 years of construction commencement.
6. Ecological Considerations
The plan includes measures to preserve natural environment:
- Maintenance/creation of forests and improved natural pastures
- Planting bushes on hills
- Windscreen construction
- Village planning that minimizes environmental impact