Irrigation garden assessments report .

AAHFIS

Matabeleland South Province

Gwanda district
July 2024
1.0 Project Background

The "Action Against Hunger and Food Insecurity" project, implemented by Dabane in
partnership with Help Germany, aims to bolster food and nutrition security and enhance the
resilience of households to drought and climate variability in targeted wards within Gwanda
District, including Wards 1, 4, 7, and 13. This initiative focuses on the establishment of two new
micro-irrigation schemes and the rehabilitation of three existing ones across the targeted wards.
Given the geological makeup of Gwanda, characterized by granite batholiths that limit
groundwater aquifers, the project will draw water from traditionally reliable sources such as
alluvial aquifers in sand river channels and high-yielding perennial boreholes. The crops to be
grown—choumolier, rape, tomatoes, and spinach—are chosen for their nutritional value and
market demand to improve both food security and economic stability for the community. The
project will incorporate photovoltaic-powered water abstraction systems and establish robust
management structures to ensure sustainable operation and equitable water distribution among
the beneficiaries. This strategic approach will not only address immediate food security concerns
but also foster long-term resilience against climatic change, setting a precedent for sustainable
agricultural practices in semi-arid regions.

Community Benefits:
The project employs CFA Labor (Cash for Assets) for garden construction, benefiting the local
workforce. Each person working during the 30-day CFA duration receives $60 USD (at a rate of
$2 per day).This financial support contributes to the livelihoods of community members.
Farmers benefit from increased crop yields, leading to higher income. This income, in turn,
supports families and local economies

Skill Transfer:
The employment of assistant builders allows for the transfer of valuable skills. As they work
alongside experienced engineers, and contractors they gain practical knowledge in irrigated
gardens construction including knowledge on soil and conservation works.

Health and Safety Measures:

While garden construction has minimal inherent risks, safety precautions are crucial.
Communities will receive training in health and safety practices to prevent accidents. First aid
kits will be available on-site to address any injuries promptly. All CFA workers and assistant
builders will be equipped with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). This ensures their safety
during construction activities. Temporary toilets will be constructed near the garden sites. These
facilities will include a handwashing station (tippy tap) to promote hygiene.

Report Objectives
This report discusses the findings of the field investigations carried out by the Dabane team
which culminated in the selection of 5 sites (2 new garden sites and 3 rehabilitation garden sites).
The objectives of the field work were to evaluate the preliminary list of sites for their feasibility
as potential irrigation scheme development sites and to consult with community members as to
the potential for garden expansion, water source reliability among others. A criteria for garden
site selection is discussed, and the decisions justified, then water source characterization for each

2|AAHFIS Irrigation garden assessments report

selected site is done followed by the detailed design report for the selected garden sites.

2.0 Methodology
The sequence of steps applied in the development of the designs is as shown in the schematic in
figure1below. Pre requisite to the approval of the selected garden sites, is the sufficient justification of the
water source’s characteristic or potential to sustainably sustain continuous irrigation of the proposed 1 ha
schemes. Hence the ‘rate determining’ step of the methodology in Figure 1 is the field investigation
which leads to the production of such an output as this feasibility assessment report, detailing site specific
characteristics, water source potential and an evaluation of potential impact on water source multi users.
Notice To
Proceed

Field Investigation & Data Collection

 Topographic Survey
 Confirmation of Proposed Source Facilities

Preparations of Proposed System Configuration/Size and Capacity of

Major Facilities
Hydraulic  Source Facilities
Network  Transmission and Facilities
Analysis  Storage Tanks
 Stand pipes

Preparation of Detailed Layout Plan and Profile of Required

Facilities and other related Appurtenances

Preparation of Design and Analysis for Specific Facilities

Structural Design & Calculation
Mechanical Design & Calculation
Electrical Design & Calculation

Preparation of Cost Estimate Preparation of Implementation Schedule

Bill of Quantities Procurement Schedule
Unit Cost Analysis Construction Schedule

Final Project Design and Submit

Design Report
Design Plans and Specifications
Program of Work/Cost Estimates
Hydraulic Analysis
Structural/Electromechanical Design and Calculations
Implementation Schedule

Figure 1: Assessment Methodology

Data Collection: Data Sources

The data used for the assessment was gathered from both primary and secondary sources as listed below.
Table 1: Data Sources
Item No. Data Type Source
1 Climate Data ClimeWat 2.0 for CropWat, Met Dept( West
Nicholson Weather Station)
2 Cropping Pattern Community, Agritex
3 Soil Data Zimbabwe Soil Map, Visual Observation, Agritex

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 Item No. Data Type Source
4 Elevations Levelling
5 Water Potential-Sand River Physical Probing
6 Water Potential -Boreholes Community Visioning- Focus Group Discussions,
RIDA, Yield Tests
7 Water Potential-Surface Dams Zinwa, Gwanda RDC, GIS
8 Demographics Baseline survey , Community Visioning- Focus Group
Discussions
9 Livestock Veterinary, Agritex and Baseline survey, Community
Visioning- Focus Group Discussions

Data Collection Tools :Detailed Assessment Criteria

The criteria utilized for the assessment during field investigations included gathering data using the
following criteria

Table 2: Social Survey Questionnaire

Objective: To Assess community preparedness to utilize, manage and sustain productive use
sites.
Item Question
1 Did the community indicate the need for an irrigation scheme/ multi water use system within
their community visioning process?
2 Is the site located near other community infrastructure such as School, Health Centre, Business
Centre to provide water for multiple use?
3 Number of Households to benefit, number of livestock.
4 Evidence of functioning water committees? Or other relevant committees?
5 Evidence of willingness to contribute monthly to the ongoing maintenance of the
structure/infrastructure?
6 Observation of existing borehole use/maintenance/capacity of Waterpoint Committee
7 Assessment of the capability of a/the person to operate and maintain the equipment/facilities
8 Evidence of community cohesion and leadership support for community development and
ability to sustain and protect the assets?
9 Evidence of functional community assets - maintenance plan, financing strategy, succession
plans, existing constitutions

Table 3: Agriculture and Livelihoods Assessment Criteria

Objective : To Assess suitability of site for irrigation
Item Criteria Description

1 Water Availability Sand river/No sand river

High Yielding Borehole/not high yielding
Surface Dam
Piped Water Scheme
2 Community Willingness Willing
Not willing
3 Availability of space for garden Available
expansion Not Available
4 Distance from sand river/water More than 50m away from River/water Source
Source - EIA Within 50m from river/water Source

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 Item Criteria Description

5 Accessibility(proximity to Below 3km

homesteads) Above 3km
6 Security of Assets Community willing to secure and have a plan.
Community not willing to provide security

7 Conflict of water use among No potential for conflict

multiusers Potential for conflict
8 Soil Quality( texture, depth, ph) Good
Poor
9 Topography Uniform
Steep
10 Access to markets Distance to markets, road quality, transportation
availability
11 Check for vulnerability to crop Historical data on pests/diseases, proximity to wildlife
pests/diseases/wildlife. habitats, existing control measures

12 Prevalence of invasive species (e.g. Presence and density of invasive species, impact
lantana) and potential effect on assessment on crops
crops

13 Surface and subsurface stoning Stone density, depth of stoning, ease of removal

14 Drainage Natural drainage patterns, soil permeability, need for

artificial drainage
15 Texture of soil Soil composition, nutrient content, suitability for specific
crops

Table 4: NRM/Watershed Assessment Criteria

Objective: Assessment of existing infrastructure at site i.e. existing water source and water supply
system (mechanized/manual), reticulation system, headworks, and condition of ancillary works.
Item Goal
1 Determine site water requirements – domestic, irrigation + other based on-site assessment and number of HH
benefitting
2 Borehole capacity - Analysis of Capacity Test Results
3 Sand River channel assessments / Sand dam potential yield
4 Preliminary site design for water supply, irrigation, connections to existing infrastructure or new infrastructure
5 Check for infield conservation works required.

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3.0 Assessed sites

Figure 2: Gwanda District Map showing Wards with Sites Assessed in Green Color

Table 5: Summary of Data about Sites Assessed

Item Site Name Ward Intended Scheme Type

1 Silikwane 1 Rehabilitation
(Siyazama
Bekezela)
2 Elitsheni 2 7 Rehabilitation

3 Tadla 7 New Scheme

4 Manonkwe 4 Rehabilitation

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 Item Site Name Ward Intended Scheme Type

5 Nkumbu 13 New Scheme

Assessment Findings
Site 1: Siyazama-Bekezela (Silikwane)
Location: Gwanda District Ward 1
Coordinates -20.833043; 29.145946
Background
The Siyazama Bekezela Garden, established in 2013 by Dabane, is a notable agricultural
initiative resulting from the merger of two pre-existing gardens: Siyazama and Bekezela.
Initially, the garden relied on a mechanical Rowa-Joma pumping system with a sump, which was
fed by a pipeline connected to the offtake works of Silikwane Dam. This dam, constructed by
Dabane in the late 1990s, provided a reliable water source for the community.
For several years, the community efficiently managed the manual mechanical system, which
pumped water to surface concrete tanks. From these tanks, water was distributed via gravity to
individual gardens within the scheme. However, by 2016, the aging garden members sought an
upgrade and successfully applied for a solarized system from Dabane. This led to a partial
upgrade of their irrigation infrastructure, transitioning to a solar pumping system.
Currently, the solar pumping system is non-functional due to a faulty submersible pump, which
was intended to replace the original pump installed by Dabane. Although the solar panels remain
intact, the system requires repair and enhancement. The scheme, initially covering 0.75 hectares,
is slated for expansion to 1 hectare. As part of the AAHFIS project intervention, the old, leaking
ground surface tanks will be replaced, and a new infield irrigation pipework system, including
standpipes and hose networks, will be installed.
Originally comprising 20 members from both gardens, the AAHFIS project plans to extend
membership to 30, with the original members supporting this expansion. Despite some
infrastructure challenges, such as a dilapidated brushwood fence and the need for additional
security around the solar panel framework, the community remains committed to maintaining
and improving the garden. The BVIP toilet is still functional, but the old sump requires cleaning,
and the submersible pump needs replacement. Additional solar panels will be necessary to meet
the increased water demands of the expanded 1-hectare scheme.
The Silikwane surface dam, being perennial, ensures a year-round water supply for the garden
and various downstream brushwood gardens.

Households: A total of 30 households will gain access to a reliable water source for irrigation as
garden members, improving their daily lives and livelihoods. The garden will have impact on
upto 200HH in villages in the vicinity of the garden with Ward 1 and Ward 2 of Gwanda
District.
Livestock: The existing perennial surface dam serves livestock from nearby Ward 1 and Ward 2
villages. An estimated direct livestock beneficiaries include: 130 cattle, 75 goats, and 60
donkeys according to Ward 1 Councilor Mr Nkala.

Agriculture and Livelihoods Assessment

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Item Criteria Description

1 Water Availability Surface Dam

Piped Water Scheme

2 Community Willingness Willing,

3 Availability of space for garden Available

expansion to 1ha
Existing infrastructure 1.5m high fence(barbed wire plus wooden posts),
200m poly pipe delivery line, 13 solar panels, toilet

4 Distance from sand river/water More than 50m away from River/water Source
Source - EIA

5 Accessibility(proximity to Below 3km

homesteads)
6 Security of Assets Community willing to secure and have a plan.-
currently secures solar panels

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 Item Criteria Description

7 Conflict of water use among No potential for conflict- multiple water points
multiusers nearby
8 Soil Quality Good- garden has been functional for almost more
than 10 years with good yields
9 Topography Uniform <3% slope

Water Source Charecteristics

Siyazama Bekezela relies on water from Silikwane Dam. The main characteristics of Silikwane Dam are
as follows.
1. Physical Characteristics:
 Dam Dimensions:
o Height: est 10m ( height from the base to the crest.)
o Length: 100m length of the dam along the crest.
o Width: width at the base 15m(est.) and crest(abt. 5m)
o Storage Capacity: 1600 000 m3 (estimated using QGIS, SAGA Raster Volume
calculation tool)
 Reservoir Area:
o Surface Area: 0.31km2 (google earth pro, and maps.digitalearth.africa)

9|AAHFIS Irrigation garden assessments report

 o Depth: average depth 5m (estimation by community)
 Water Inflow and Outflow:
o Inflow Sources: sand river
o Outflow Mechanism: pipeline with tapes downstream of the dam wall
2. Hydrological Characteristics:
 Catchment Area:
o Size: 29.1km2
o Land Use: communal land, smallholder farming agriculture
 Rainfall Data:
o Precipitation: average rainfall of 477.8mm
o Runoff: An Estimate of the runoff coefficient based on land use and soil type and
catchment data is given in the table below
Probable Maximum Flood for Silikwana Dam

catchment area (km²) 29.

10
Channel length (km) 12.
30
elevation 1 (m) 959.
00
elevation 2 (m) 1,045.0
0
catchment height (m) 86.
00
time of concentration Tc (hours) 3.
10
mean annual rainfall (mm) (www.climatemps.com) 478.
00
return period 1 in 20
One day storm rainfall P (mm) (figure 6a) 140.
00
storm depth ratio R (figure 6b) 0.
80
extreme channel height slope (%) 8.
60
runoff coefficient Cr (figure 6c) 0.
30
probable maximum flood Qpf(20) (m³/s) 87.
80

 Water Level Fluctuations:

o Seasonal Variations: Community feedback shows that the dam is perennial and is the
main source of water to livestock and households and irrigation gardens throughout the
year
o Time series analysis of observed wet surface area variations obtained from
maps.digitalearth.africa for the period from June 2023 to June is shown below

10 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
 Silikwana Dam Observed Percentage Wet Area
6/2023 to 6/2024
80

60

40
Percentage

20

0
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
2 02 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202 202
2/ 0/ 8/ 6/ 3/ 1/ 8/ 6/ 4/ 1/ 9/ 7/ 4/ 2/ 9/ 7/ 6/ 3/ 1/ 9/ 7/
6 / 6 /2 7 / 7 /2 8 /1 8 /3 9 /1 1 0 / 0 /2 1 /1 1 /2 2 /1 1 / 1 /2 2 / 2 /2 3 /1 4 / 4 /2 5 / 5 /2
1 1 1 1
Date

Figure : Silikwana Dam Observed Percentage Wet Area for 6/2023 to 6/2024

The data on the wet surface area of the water source from June 2023 to June 2024 reveals significant
fluctuations, with a high of 81.69% and a low of 50.7%. The initial period shows a general decline,
followed by a notable increase in January 2024, likely due to short seasonal rains, and a subsequent
steady decrease through mid-2024. This variability and downward trend during dry periods suggest
inconsistency resulting from the ElNino induced Hydrological Drought. The water levels have potential
sustainability concern if no good rains are received in the 2024/2025 rainfall season. The past average wet
surface area of 49.69% shows that the surface dam is able to sustain the local communitywater needs
without suffering exhaustion.
Community Use:
 The community relies on the surface dam for irrigation in brushwood gardens, drinking, and
livestock watering, and recreation.

Water Demand Calculations

Domestic demand
Number of households depending on Silikwana dam for drinking water = 200 households.
Average Household size = 4.1
Average Human Water consumption (daily demand)
Consumption per capita 20 liters per day
Daily Water demand = 20*200*4.1=16400L or 16.4 m3

Livestock
Type Number
Goats 75
Cattle 130
Donke 60
y
Livestock Water Demand

For the purpose of estimating the water demand the following conversion factors apply
One livestock unit (LU) is defined as high-grade stock cattle over 2 years.

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  1LU water consumption rate is equivalent to 50L per day
 1 graded commercial cow equivalent to 1 livestock unit (LU)
 3 Indigenous cows equivalent to 1 LU
 15 sheep or goats equivalent to 1LU
 5 Donkeys equivalent to 1LU

Livestock Demand = (75/15+130/3+60/5)*50L= 3017L or 3.017m3

Brushwood gardens water demand

Estimated cropped garden area of 2ha for all combined gardens (area measuredusing google
earth pro).
Assume rate of consumption for intensive irrigation of 30 cubic metres per 1ha.

Brushwood gardens irrigation water requirements = 2*30 m3 =60 m3

Proposed 1ha scheme for Siyazama- bekezela scheme

Irrigation water requirements = 30 m3.

Total water demand

30m3 + 60 m3+ 3.017m3 + 16.4m3 = 109.4m3

Demand vs water source capacity

In one year of constant demand rate, total water required = 365*109.4= 39931m3
Water source capacity = 1600000m3.

Site 2: Elitsheni 2
Location: Gwanda District Ward 7
Coordinates -20.785754; 28.762179
Background
The Elitsheni 2 garden site, established by Dabane in 2015, is situated in Gwanda District,
Zimbabwe, and is part of a larger initiative aimed at enhancing local food security and
sustainable water management. This garden followed the construction of the Elitsheni 2 sand
dam in 2013 on the Mawanke River. Initially, two Rowa pumps were installed on the right and
left banks of the river to serve households in the vicinity by drawing water from the sand river.
In 2015, a 0.25-hectare garden was established, utilizing a mechanical irrigation system. A third Rowa
pump, installed inside the garden, supplied water to ground surface tanks, which then fed each other via
gravity, thereby assisting the community with their irrigation needs. The garden started with 15 members,
but currently, only 8 members remain, as some older members have dropped out due to old age or death.
Presently, the garden's infrastructure, although aged, remains largely intact. This includes an old field-
type fence with brushwood, a squathole toilet, and a partially functional Rowa pump. However, the
garden is not fully operational due to water rationing, exacerbated by the El Niño-induced drought, and a
faulty Rowa pump. Despite these challenges, the garden members have shown a strong willingness to

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extend the garden size and increase the membership to 30, reflecting their commitment to sustaining and
expanding this vital community resource.

Households: A total of 30 households will gain access to a reliable water source for irrigation as
garden members, improving their daily lives and livelihoods. The garden will have impact on
upto 54HH in villages in the vicinity of the garden with Ward 7.
Livestock: Currently, the two functional rowa pumps serve a total of 272 goats, 250 cattle and
111 donkies. The introduction of a water supply pipeline to the rehabilitated garden will no
induce conflict as the community maintains that their livestock water requirements are satisfied
all year round by the drinking troughs at each of the two functional rowa pumps.

Agriculture and Livelihoods Assessment

Item Criteria Description

1 Water Availability Sand river with sand dam. River name is Mawanke,
3 Rowa pumps, serves community all year round
Existing Infrastructure 1.8m high field fence (200m perimeter), toilet, one
waterpoint, 50m delivery poly pipe
2 Community Willingness Willing,

3 Availability of space for garden Available

expansion to 1ha

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 4 Distance from sand river/water Source More than 50m away from River/water Source
- EIA

5 Accessibility(proximity to homesteads) Below 3km

6 Security of Assets Community willing to secure and have a plan.-

currently secures solar panels
7 Conflict of water use among multiusers There is potential for conflict- multiple water use for
the surface dam( fishing, livestock water,
8 Soil Quality Good- garden has been functional for almost more
than 10 years with good yields
9 Topography Uniform <5% slope

Water Source Charecteristics

Elitsheni 2 Garden relies on water from Elitsheni 2 Sand Dam. The main characteristics of SElitsheni2
sand dam are as follows.
1. Physical Characteristics:
 Dam Dimensions:
o Primary spillway Height: 1m
o Primary spillway length: 15m

 Water Inflow and Outflow:

o Inflow Sources: Mawanke sand river

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 o Outflow Mechanism: pipeline using sand abstraction
2. Hydrological Characteristics:
 Catchment Area:
o Size: 28.75km2
o Land Use: communal land, smallholder farming agriculture
 Rainfall Data:
o Precipitation: average rainfall of 477.8mm
o Runoff: An Estimate of the runoff coefficient based on land use and soil type and
catchment data is given in the table below

Probable Maximum Flood for Elitsheni 2 Sand Dam

catchment area (km²) 28.75

Channel length (km) 12.30
elevation 1 (m) 959.00
elevation 2 (m) 1,045.00
catchment height (m) 86.00
time of concentration Tc (hours) 3.10
mean annual rainfall (mm) (www.climatemps.com) 478.00
return period 1 in 20
One day storm rainfall P (mm) (figure 6a) 140.00
storm depth ratio R (figure 6b) 0.80
extreme channel height slope (%) 8.60
runoff coefficient Cr (figure 6c) 0.30
probable maximum flood Qpf(20) (m³/s) 87.80

Water Level Fluctuations:

o Seasonal Variations: Community feedback shows that the sand dam is important and
impounds water for extended periods of time covering the dry season till the onset of the
rains the following season. The sand dam is the main source of water to livestock and
households and irrigation gardens throughout the year

Potential Storage Capacity

In general, a valley that carries sufficient sand load to justify constructing a sand dam will almost always
carry sufficient water to fill the sand dam. Hydrological calculations where carried out to determine the
annual volume of water available for storage and the expected maximum flood at the site.
An estimation of the water available for storage in a sand dam is made using a 5% runoff factor, the
catchment area and annual rainfall as shown in Equation 1
𝑽 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟓 ∗ 𝑨 ∗ 𝑹 ……………………………………. (1)
Where: V = yearly runoff volume available for storage [m 3]
A = catchment area [m2]
R = annual rainfall [m]
Volume of runoff (V) = 0.05x 29100000x0.478 = 695490m3

The expected maximum flood can be estimated from Table 3 by multiplying the catchment area in

15 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
km2 times the appropriate Q100 figure given in the table.

Table 3: 100 Year Return Period Discharge

Catchment Area Q100 (m3/s/km2)
2
(km )
<1 15
1-5 12 - 10
5 - 25 3-6
25 - 100 3-2
100 - 1000 1 – 0.4
> 1000 < 0.3
Using table 3 above, the 100 year return period discharge for Nsimbi Sand dam site catchment is between
10 to 12 m3/2/km2. Say, 11m3/s/km2.

The expected maximum flood for Elitsheni 2 is 29.1km2 x 2.5 m3/s/km2 = 72.75 m3/s

Storage Capacity of the Reservoir: The (total) storage volume of the dam can be estimated from the
geometry of the river bed (see Figure 2) using the following simplified formulae:

……………………………….(4)
Where: SV = Storage Volume [m3] (Note: This is total volume, not water volume)
H = wall height [m]
L = length of throwback or fetch [m].
L can be measured or calculated as: = [H x 100] / [slope of riverbed (%)]
H =1m, slope is 5% (see table 1, and figure 1), L is 5000m
W = average width of the reservoir [m] (spillway width 15m)
Therefore the Storage volume for both the water and Sediment for Elitsheni 2 sand dam is SV =
37500m3

Typical ratio of sand and water in SV

Sand volume =0.6SV =22500m3
Water Volume = 0.4SV=15000m3

The expected water yield from the dam can be estimated as:

……………………………………………. (5)
Where: Y = yield [m3]
Sy = Specific Yield (%)
[Sy=n×f ]a where n is for porosity and f is for drainable porosity fraction
(a: G. Fetter, "Applied Hydrogeology," 4th Edition, Prentice Hall, 2000.)
SV = Storage Volume [m3]

Table 4: Drainable Porosity Fraction (f)

Material Drainable Porosity Fraction
(f)
Sand 0.5 to 0.7
Gravel 0.5 to 0.7
Silt 0.2 to 0.3
Clay 0.01 to 0.05

16 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
 Sandstone 0.2 to 0.4
Fractured 0.01 to 0.2
Rock

Therefore for n = 0.4, sand particles we take f = 0.6. This gives us Sy = 0.24 (or 24%)

Hence the Expected minimum water yield from the Elitsheni 2 Sand Dam is Y = 9000m3
Check against Water volume of 0.4xSV = 4000m3 , maximum water yield is 15000m3

Water Demand Calculations

Domestic demand
Number of households depending on Elitsheni 2 sand dam for drinking water = 54 households.
Average Household size = 4.1
Average Human Water consumption (daily demand)
Consumption per capita 20 liters per day
Daily Water demand = 20*54*4.1=4428L or 4.428 m3

Livestock
Type Number
Goats 272
Cattle 250
Donke 111
y

Livestock Water Demand

For the purpose of estimating the water demand the following conversion factors apply
One livestock unit (LU) is defined as high-grade stock cattle over 2 years.
 1LU water consumption rate is equivalent to 50L per day
 1 graded commercial cow equivalent to 1 livestock unit (LU)
 3 Indigenous cows equivalent to 1 LU
 15 sheep or goats equivalent to 1LU
 5 Donkeys equivalent to 1LU

Livestock Demand = (272/15+ 250/3+111/5)*50L= 6183.33L or 6.183m3

Proposed 1ha scheme for Elitsheni 2 Rehab Scheme

Irrigation water requirements = 30 m3.

Total water demand

30m3 + 6.183 m3+ 4.428m3 = 40.611m3

Demand vs water source capacity

In one year of constant demand rate, total water required = 365*40.611= 14823m3
Water Maximum source capacity = 15000m3.
For the minimum water yield of 9000m3, the uassumed yearly demand will be greater than
source capacity. Hence the proposed scheme would lead to a strain on the water source yield if
its run all year round.

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It is recommended to operate the scheme for 3 months during the dry season to limit the
excessive withdrawal of water from the sand dam

Site 3: Tadla
Location: Gwanda District Ward 7
Coordinates -20.724622; 28.689125

Background

The Tadla site, situated along the Dwayi River near Maphane Primary School, benefits from a
sand river with a sand dam. Although the river itself lacks a traditional Rowa pump, it features a
sand abstraction system that currently supplies water to the primary school. However, the school
has reported that the water is not palatable due to underlying debris. Maphane Primary School
currently pumps water to a 5000L Jojo tank once every two weeks for various uses such as
drinking, cleaning, and toilets. Recently, the community received a new pipeline from WHH,
drawing water from a nearby natural spring to supply the school, business center, and house-
holds. Dabane Waterworks is actively monitoring water levels at the site using ten piezometers
as part of the Nexus Gains Project. Additionally, there is an existing pipeline that transports wa-
ter from the sand dam to the designated garden area. The site is located in Mapane 1 village and
has a reach to households in Mapane 2 village.

Despite the absence of extensive infrastructure, the community has expressed strong willingness
to support and secure the development of the site. The available space allows for the expansion
of the garden to one hectare, more than 50 meters away from the river, meeting environmental
impact assessment (EIA) criteria. The site's proximity to homesteads, within 3 kilometers, en-
sures accessibility for community members. Furthermore, the community has a plan in place to
secure assets, evidenced by their current efforts to protect solar panels.

18 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
The Tadla garden will rely on the Tadla sand dam, constructed in 2015, which currently has no
community tapping point within its 200-meter basin. At the 200-meter mark from the dam wall,
a barrier wall built beneath the bridge helps to anchor the bridge and dams water upstream, sus-
taining baseflow towards the sand dam. Additionally, a Rowa pump installed by Dabane, about
400 meters upstream of the sand dam wall, has been functional for community benefit. The Inter-
national Water Management Institute, in collaboration with Dabane, is currently studying varia-
tions in water levels in the throwback of the Tadla sand dam along the Dwayi River, with a total
of ten piezometers being installed and monitored.

The site does not face potential conflicts over water use among multiple users, ensuring smooth
operation and cooperation. The soil quality is favorable for gardening, and the area is classified
as a greenfield site. However, the topography presents an uneven slope, requiring careful plan-
ning and management in the garden's development. The anticipated capacity of the sand dam to
sustain the 1-hectare garden is at least three months within the dry season. The community has
expressed great excitement about the developments brought by the AAHFIS project. Overall, the
Tadla site holds significant promise for sustainable agricultural development, supported by com-
munity involvement and strategic water management initiatives.

Agriculture and Livelihoods Assessment

Households: There are 145 HH in Mapane 1 village and 143 HH in Mapane 2 village who will
be the immediate market for the produce from the new garden. A total of 30 households will gain
access to a reliable water source for irrigation as garden members, improving their daily lives
and livelihoods. The garden will have impact on at least 288 HH in villages in the vicinity of the
garden with Ward 7.
Livestock: There is a functional rowa pump that has drinking trough 400m upstream of the sand
dam. The cattle in the Mapane villages drinking from natural springs that feed Mtsheleli river
nearby all year round and some are taken to Mawanke surface dam. These combined water
sources dam serve a total of 343 goats, 920 cattle and 485 donkeys from both Mapane 1 and 2
villages. The introduction of a water supply pipeline to the new garden will not induce conflict as
the community maintains that their livestock water requirements are satisfied all year round by
the drinking troughs at each of the functional rowa pumps and nearby surface water sources.

Summary of Tadla Assessment

Item Criteria Description

1 Water Availability Sand river with sand dam. River name is Dwayi, near
Maphane Pry, No Rowa pump, but has a sand abstraction
system supplying Maphane Primary school( the school
reports that the water is not palatable due to underlying
overlain debris), Dabane is currently carrying out water
level measurements under the Nexus Gains Project using
8 piezometers. Pipeline taking water from sand dam to
the garden site.
Existing Infrastructure No infrastructure

19 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
 2 Community Willingness Willing
3 Availability of space for garden Available space
expansion to 1ha
4 Distance from sand river/water More than 50m away from River/water Source
Source - EIA
5 Accessibility(proximity to Below 3km
homesteads)
6 Security of Assets Community willing to secure and have a plan.- currently
secures solar panels
7 Conflict of water use among There is no potential for conflict
multiusers
8 Soil Quality Good- garden site is a green field
9 Topography Uneven slope

Water Source Charecteristics

Tadla Garden relies on water from Tadla Sand Dam. The main characteristics of Tadla sand dam are as
follows.

20 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
1. Physical Characteristics:
 Dam Dimensions:
o Primary Spillway Height: 1.15m
o Primary spillway Length: 9.5m

 Water Inflow and Outflow:
o Inflow Sources: Dwayi sand river
o Outflow Mechanism: pipeline using sand abstaction
2. Hydrological Characteristics:
 Catchment Area:
o Size: 28.71km2
o Land Use: communal land, smallholder farming agriculture
 Rainfall Data:
o Precipitation: average rainfall of 477.8mm
o Runoff: An Estimate of the runoff coefficient based on land use and soil type and
catchment data is given in the table below

Probable Maximum Flood for Tadla Sand Damon Dwayi

River

catchment area (km²) 28.7

1
Channel length (km) 7.0
0
elevation 1 (m) 1,053.0
0
elevation 2 (m) 1,130.0
0
catchment height (m) 77.0
0
time of concentration Tc (hours) 1.6
8
mean annual rainfall (mm) (www.climatemps.com) 478.0
0
return period 1 in 20
One day storm rainfall P (mm) 140.0
0
storm depth ratio R 0.6
3
extreme channel height slope (%) 7.7
0
runoff coefficient Cr 0.2
5
probable maximum flood Qpf(20) (m³/s) 104.4
7

21 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
Water Level Fluctuations:
o Seasonal Variations: Community feedback shows that the sand dam is important and
impounds water for extended periods of time covering the dry season till the onset of the
rains the following season. The sand dam is the main source of water to livestock and
households and irrigation gardens throughout the year

Potential Storage Capacity

In general, a valley that carries sufficient sand load to justify constructing a sand dam will almost always
carry sufficient water to fill the sand dam. Hydrological calculations where carried out to determine the
annual volume of water available for storage and the expected maximum flood at the site.
An estimation of the water available for storage in a sand dam is made using a 5% runoff factor, the
catchment area and annual rainfall as shown in Equation 1
𝑽 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟓 ∗ 𝑨 ∗ 𝑹 ……………………………………. (1)
Where: V = yearly runoff volume available for storage [m 3]
A = catchment area [m2]
R = annual rainfall [m]
Volume of runoff (V) = 0.05x 28710000x0.478 = 686169m3

The expected maximum flood can be estimated from Table 3 by multiplying the catchment area in
km2 times the appropriate Q100 figure given in the table.

Table 3: 100 Year Return Period Discharge

Catchment Area Q100 (m3/s/km2)
2
(km )
<1 15
1-5 12 - 10
5 - 25 3-6
25 - 100 3-2
100 - 1000 1 – 0.4
> 1000 < 0.3
Using table 3 above, the 100 year return period discharge for Nsimbi Sand dam site catchment is between
10 to 12 m3/2/km2. Say, 11m3/s/km2.

The expected maximum flood for Tadla Site is 28.71km2 x 2.5 m3/s/km2 = 71.78 m3/s

Storage Capacity of the Reservoir: The (total) storage volume of the dam can be estimated from the
geometry of the river bed (see Figure 2) using the following simplified formulae:

……………………………….(4)
Where: SV = Storage Volume [m3] (Note: This is total volume, not water volume)
H = wall height [m]
L = length of throwback or fetch [m].
L can be measured or calculated as: = [H x 100] / [slope of riverbed (%)]
H =1.15m, slope is 5% (see table 1, and figure 1), L is 7000m
W = average width of the reservoir [m] (spillway width 9.5m)
Therefore the Storage volume for both the water and Sediment for Elitsheni 2 sand dam is SV =
38237.5m3

22 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
Typical ratio of sand and water in SV
Sand volume =0.6SV =22942.5m3
Water Volume = 0.4SV=15295m3

The expected water yield from the dam can be estimated as:

……………………………………………. (5)
Where: Y = yield [m3]
Sy = Specific Yield (%)
[Sy=n×f ]a where n is for porosity and f is for drainable porosity fraction
(a: G. Fetter, "Applied Hydrogeology," 4th Edition, Prentice Hall, 2000.)
SV = Storage Volume [m3]
Table 4: Drainable Porosity Fraction (f)
Material Drainable Porosity Fraction
(f)
Sand 0.5 to 0.7
Gravel 0.5 to 0.7
Silt 0.2 to 0.3
Clay 0.01 to 0.05
Sandstone 0.2 to 0.4
Fractured 0.01 to 0.2
Rock

Therefore for n = 0.4, sand particles we take f = 0.6. This gives us Sy = 0.24 (or 24%)

Hence the Expected minimum water yield from Tadla Sand Dam is Y = 9177m3
Check against Water volume of 0.4xSV = maximum water yield is 15295m3

Water Demand Calculations

Domestic demand
Number of households depending on Tadla dam for drinking water = Mapane Primary School enrolment
Mapane Primary school enrolment : 57 boys, 159 girls, 1 male teacher and 8 female teachers..
Average Human Water consumption (daily demand)
Consumption per capita 20 liters per day
Daily Water demand = 20*225=4500L or 4.5 m3

Livestock

Type Number
Mapane 1 village Mapane 2 village
Goats 143 200
Cattle 450 470
Donke 153 332
y

Livestock Water Demand

23 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
For the purpose of estimating the water demand the following conversion factors apply
One livestock unit (LU) is defined as high-grade stock cattle over 2 years.
 1LU water consumption rate is equivalent to 50L per day
 1 graded commercial cow equivalent to 1 livestock unit (LU)
 3 Indigenous cows equivalent to 1 LU
 15 sheep or goats equivalent to 1LU
 5 Donkeys equivalent to 1LU

Livestock Demand = (343/15+ 920/3+485/5)*50L= 21326L or 21.33m3

Proposed 1ha scheme for Tadla Site

Irrigation water requirements = 30 m3.

Total water demand

30m3 + 21.33 m3+ 4.5m3 = 55.83m3

Totral demand excluding livestock demand (since livestock demand is supplied to by other
sources discussed above)
30 + 4.5 =34.5m3

Demand vs water source capacity

In one year of constant demand rate, total water required = 365*34.5= 12592.5m3
Water Maximum source capacity = 15295m3.
For the minimum water yield of 9177m3, the assumed yearly demand will be greater than source
capacity. Hence the proposed scheme would lead to a strain on the water source yield if its run
all year round.
It is recommended to operate the scheme for 3 months during the dry season to limit the
excessive withdrawal of water from the sand dam

Site 4: Nkumbu
Location: Gwanda District Ward 13
Coordinates -21.160574; 29.028778

24 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
Background

Nkumbu Site is characterized by several key attributes relevant to its potential for development,
particularly in terms of water resource management and agricultural expansion. The site benefits
from the Pende River, a sand river with a sand dam that aids in water retention and availability
throughout the year. Additionally, the site has a fully functional Rowa pump equipped with a
drinking trough to cater to livestock water needs, located 200 meters upstream of the sand dam
wall. A sand abstraction survey revealed that the water level within the sediment averages 1.1
meters even in drought conditions, attesting to the effectiveness of the sand dam in impounding
more baseflow and improving water availability.

The local community has expressed a strong willingness to participate in development projects,
which is crucial for ensuring the success and sustainability of any initiatives undertaken. There is
ample space available for expanding garden areas up to 1 hectare, supporting plans for agricul -
tural development and community gardens. The potential development areas are situated more
than 50 meters away from the Pende River, in line with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
recommendations, minimizing the risk of negative impacts on the river ecosystem.

The site is located within 3 kilometers of local homesteads, making it easily accessible for the
community. This proximity ensures that residents can efficiently utilize and maintain the site.
The community has demonstrated a commitment to securing assets, including the existing solar
panels, and has a plan in place to ensure the security of new developments, which is essential for
protecting investments and maintaining infrastructure. There is no potential for conflict over wa-
ter use among different users in the community, creating a harmonious water usage context con-
ducive to cooperative development efforts.

25 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
The soil quality at Nkumbu Site is good, making it suitable for gardening and agricultural activi-
ties. The garden site is a green field, indicating it is undeveloped and potentially fertile. The site
features an uneven slope, which may present some challenges for construction and irrigation, but
can be managed with appropriate engineering solutions.

Additional water management information includes the strategic distribution of garden well
points along the length of the sand dam basin, starting from a point 150 meters upstream of the
wall, to ensure optimal water access for irrigation purposes. The effectiveness of the sand dam in
improving and extending water availability is evident from the survey results, with a water level
of 1.1 meters within the sediment during drought conditions underscoring the sand dam's role in
enhancing baseflow.

Agriculture and Livelihoods Assessment

Households: There are 89 HH in Nsimbi village who will be the immediate market for the
produce from the new garden. A total of 30 households will gain access to a reliable water source
for irrigation as garden members, improving their daily lives and livelihoods. The garden will
have impact on at least 89 HH in villages in the vicinity of the garden within Ward 13.
Livestock: There is a functional rowa pump that has drinking trough 200m upstream of the sand
dam. Nsimbi village has 160 goats, 150 cattle and 90 donkeys. The introduction of a water
supply pipeline to the new garden will not induce conflict as the community maintains that their
livestock water requirements are satisfied all year round by the drinking troughs at the functional
rowa pump and nearby surface water sources.

Summary of Tadla Assessment

Item Criteria Description

1 Water Availability Sand river with sand dam. River name is Pende River

Existing Infrastructure No infrastructure

2 Community Willingness Willing

3 Availability of space for garden Space Available

expansion to 1ha
4 Distance from sand river/water More than 50m away from River/water Source
Source - EIA
5 Accessibility(proximity to Below 3km
homesteads)
6 Security of Assets Community willing to secure and have a plan.- currently
secures solar panels
7 Conflict of water use among There is no potential for conflict
multiusers

26 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
 8 Soil Quality Good- garden site is a green field

9 Topography Uneven slope

Water Source Charecteristics

Nkumbu Garden relies on water from Nkumbu Sand Dam. The main characteristics of Nkumbu sand dam
are as follows.

1. Physical Characteristics:
 Dam Dimensions:
o Primary Spillway Height: 1.8m
o Primary spillway Length: 16m
 Water Inflow and Outflow:
o Inflow Sources: Pende sand river
o Outflow Mechanism: pipeline using sand abstraction
2. Hydrological Characteristics:
 Catchment Area:
o Size: 29.03km2
o Land Use: communal land, smallholder farming agriculture
 Rainfall Data:
o Precipitation: average rainfall of 477.8mm

27 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
 o Runoff: An Estimate of the runoff coefficient based on land use and soil type and
catchment data is given in the table below

Probable Maximum Flood for Nkumbu Sand Dam on

Pende River

catchment area (km²) 29.

03
Channel length (km) 7.
00
elevation 1 (m) 917.
00
elevation 2 (m) 924.
00
catchment height (m) 7.
00
time of concentration Tc (hours) 4.
24
mean annual rainfall (mm) (www.climatemps.com) 478.
00
return period 1 in 20
One day storm rainfall P (mm) 140.
00
storm depth ratio R 0.
63
extreme channel height slope (%) 0.
70
runoff coefficient Cr 0.
25
probable maximum flood Qpf(20) (m³/s) 41.
96

Water Level Fluctuations:

o Seasonal Variations: Community feedback shows that the sand dam is important and
impounds water for extended periods of time covering the dry season till the onset of the
rains the following season. The sand dam is the main source of water to livestock and
households and irrigation gardens throughout the year

Potential Storage Capacity

In general, a valley that carries sufficient sand load to justify constructing a sand dam will almost always
carry sufficient water to fill the sand dam. Hydrological calculations where carried out to determine the
annual volume of water available for storage and the expected maximum flood at the site.
An estimation of the water available for storage in a sand dam is made using a 5% runoff factor, the
catchment area and annual rainfall as shown in Equation 1
𝑽 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟓 ∗ 𝑨 ∗ 𝑹 ……………………………………. (1)
Where: V = yearly runoff volume available for storage [m 3]
A = catchment area [m2]
R = annual rainfall [m]
Volume of runoff (V) = 0.05x 29030000x0.478 = 693,817m3

28 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
The expected maximum flood can be estimated from Table 3 by multiplying the catchment area in
km2 times the appropriate Q100 figure given in the table.

Table 3: 100 Year Return Period Discharge

Catchment Area Q100 (m3/s/km2)
2
(km )
<1 15
1-5 12 - 10
5 - 25 3-6
25 - 100 3-2
100 - 1000 1 – 0.4
> 1000 < 0.3
Using table 3 above, the 100 year return period discharge for Nsimbi Sand dam site catchment is between
10 to 12 m3/2/km2. Say, 11m3/s/km2.

The expected maximum flood for Nkumbu Site is 29.03km2 x 2.5 m3/s/km2 = 74.32 m3/s

Storage Capacity of the Reservoir: The (total) storage volume of the dam can be estimated from the
geometry of the river bed (see Figure 2) using the following simplified formulae:

……………………………….(4)
Where: SV = Storage Volume [m3] (Note: This is total volume, not water volume)
H = wall height [m]
L = length of throwback or fetch [m].
L can be measured or calculated as: = [H x 100] / [slope of riverbed (%)]
H =1.8m, L is 4000m
W = average width of the reservoir [m] (spillway width 16m)
Therefore the Storage volume for both the water and Sediment for Nkumbu sand dam is SV = 57600m3

Typical ratio of sand and water in SV

Sand volume =0.6SV =34560m3
Water Volume = 0.4SV=23040m3

The expected water yield from the dam can be estimated as:

……………………………………………. (5)
Where: Y = yield [m3]
Sy = Specific Yield (%)
[Sy=n×f ]a where n is for porosity and f is for drainable porosity fraction
(a: G. Fetter, "Applied Hydrogeology," 4th Edition, Prentice Hall, 2000.)
SV = Storage Volume [m3]
Table 4: Drainable Porosity Fraction (f)
Material Drainable Porosity Fraction
(f)
Sand 0.5 to 0.7
Gravel 0.5 to 0.7
Silt 0.2 to 0.3
Clay 0.01 to 0.05

29 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
 Sandstone 0.2 to 0.4
Fractured 0.01 to 0.2
Rock

Therefore for n = 0.4, sand particles we take f = 0.6. This gives us Sy = 0.24 (or 24%)

Hence the Expected minimum water yield from Nkumbu Sand Dam is Y = 13824m3
Check against Water volume of 0.4xSV = maximum water yield is 23040m3

Water Demand Calculations

Domestic demand
Number of households depending on Nkumbu sand dam for drinking water = 89HH or the total
population of 445 individuals as per 2022 census results.

Average Human Water consumption (daily demand)

Consumption per capita 20 liters per day
Daily Water demand = 20*445=8900L or 8.9 m3

Livestock

Type Number
Goats 160
Cattle 150
Donke 90
y

Livestock Water Demand

For the purpose of estimating the water demand the following conversion factors apply
One livestock unit (LU) is defined as high-grade stock cattle over 2 years.
 1LU water consumption rate is equivalent to 50L per day
 1 graded commercial cow equivalent to 1 livestock unit (LU)
 3 Indigenous cows equivalent to 1 LU
 15 sheep or goats equivalent to 1LU
 5 Donkeys equivalent to 1LU

Livestock Demand = (160/15+ 150/3+90/5)*50L= 3933.33L or 3.93m3

Proposed 1ha scheme for Nkumbu Site

Irrigation water requirements = 30 m3.

Total water demand

30m3 + 8.9 m3+ 3.93m3 = 42.83m3

Demand vs water source capacity

In one year of constant demand rate, total water required = 365*42.83= 15632.95m3

30 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
Water Maximum source capacity = 23040m3.
For the minimum water yield of 13824m3, the assumed yearly demand will be greater than
source capacity. Hence the proposed scheme would lead to a strain on the water source yield if
its run all year round.
It is recommended to operate the scheme for 6 months during the dry season to limit the
excessive withdrawal of water from the sand dam

Site 5: Manonkwe
Location: Gwanda District Ward 4
Coordinates -20.758870; 29.074661

Summary Assessment Findings for Manonkwe

Item Criteria Description

1 Water Availability High yielding Borehole

Existing Infrastructure Defunct borehole, storeroom

31 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
 2 Community Willingness Willing

3 Availability of space for garden Space Available

expansion to 1ha
4 Distance from sand river/water More than 50m away from River/water Source
Source - EIA
5 Accessibility(proximity to Below 3km
homesteads)
6 Security of Assets Community willing to secure and have a plan.- cur-
rently secures solar panels
7 Conflict of water use among There is no potential for conflict
multiusers
8 Soil Quality Good

9 Topography Uneven slope

Number of households

201 Households in Manonkwe village

Livestock count: 200 goats, 500 cattle and 160 donkeys

Background

A four-person team from Dabane conducted a borehole assessment survey on July 3, 2024, at
Manonkwe village, Ward 4, Gwanda District. The survey focused on an existing 1-hectare
garden slated for rehabilitation. The garden previously accommodated about 30 members and is
set to increase in size to accommodate 15 more members, subject to water availability. The main
objective of the borehole assessment was to establish the history of the garden and its water
source (borehole) and to assess the potential impact of rehabilitating the borehole and
resuscitating the garden on the community and other water users.

History of the Garden

The community members interviewed included two kraal heads, a former garden member, and a
community member. The information they provided was consolidated to produce this report.
According to the interviewees, the garden was established sometime before Zimbabwe attained
independence and was sited on the banks of Manonkwe River, which feeds Ngwenyama Dam
upstream. The garden's available space has always been substantial, amounting to close to 0.9
hectares. The initial primary water source was a collection of scoop holes in the sand river. The

32 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
exact old boundaries of the original garden have since been forgotten due to the removal or
washing away of the brushwood fence by decay and runoff. However, the Dabane team
evaluated that the previous garden boundary was about 125 meters by 65 meters (giving a total
area of 0.81 hectares). The number of garden members was about 30, with representatives from
each household taking the place once a previous family member died or moved away. They used
to produce vegetables, tomatoes, and occasionally maize under manual irrigation.

In 1987, an international NGO called SADEO sponsored the community by drilling two
boreholes: one for the garden, as a support for their initiative, and one for the community to
benefit domestic uses and livestock. The garden thrived over the years until they encountered
challenges with the bush pump and failed to rehabilitate the borehole in 2015. During the prime
years, the garden members managed to buy and install an operational grinding mill, which
suffered greatly due to the poor performance of the garden when the borehole became non-
functional. Currently, an old toilet constructed for the garden remains, although it is now
dilapidated, as well as components of the old grinding mill and parts of the old bush pump.

History of the Borehole

The borehole was drilled in 1987 by the international NGO SADEO. Two boreholes were
drilled: one for the community and another for the garden. The community borehole was drilled
to a depth of 38 meters, while the garden borehole was drilled to a depth of 54 meters. The total
number of households served by these two boreholes was about 300, under four kraal heads.
Approximately 54 households were closer to the garden’s borehole than to the community
borehole. The community insists that their livestock water needs are sufficiently covered by
surface dams in their vicinity, such as Ngwenyama Dam. However, images taken of the
dilapidated borehole show that there used to be a drinking trough provision for the collapsed
community borehole (see image gallery below). Attesting to the reliability of the borehole water
source, the community explained that they were able to irrigate all year round. The borehole
sustained continuous pumping all day for five irrigation days every week.

The community has demonstrated a willingness to rehabilitate their borehole by mobilizing

themselves and organizing for the pump minders to contact RIDA government extension workers
to assist them in fishing out pipes that collapsed into the borehole and removing any foreign
objects that could potentially clog the borehole.

Recommendations

Dabane plans to carry out borehole flushing to remove any clogging materials and replace the
borehole casings. A contractor will be hired to perform both flushing and capacity tests to
ascertain the borehole's capacity/yield.

Conclusion

The findings of this survey indicate that the community is willing to revive their garden and has
welcomed the addition of more garden members to improve the nutritional needs of more
households in the village. If the capacity tests confirm the community's claims that the borehole

33 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
is perennial and high-yielding, a yield between 1 liter per second and 3 liters per second will be
able to sustain a 1-hectare irrigation scheme. However, a yield between 0.5 and 1 liter per second
will discourage multiple water uses and potentially deter further irrigation developments of the
1-hectare scheme under photovoltaic pumping.

Image Gallery

Figure 1: Borehole Inside Manonkwe Garden(plate showing date of establishment: 1-10-1997 ) (Credit: N Ncube
3/7/24)

Figure 2: Parts of the bush pump that remain (Credit: N Ncube 3/7/24)

Figure 3: Old drinking trough for community borehole (Credit: N Ncube 3/7/24)

34 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t
Figure 4: A concrete tank constructed to assist with garden irrigation (Credit: N Ncube 3/7/24)

35 | A A H F I S I r r i g a t i o n g a r d e n a s s e s s m e n t s r e p o r t