Characteristics of irrigation tube wells on major river flood plains in Bauchi State, Nigeria

  • Abdullahi Abubakar Sadiq Agricultural and Biological Engineering Programme, ATB University, PMB0248 Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria
  • Sunusi Abubakar Amin Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATB), PMB 0248 Bauchi, Nigeria Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering Programme
  • Desa Ahmad Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, DE, Malaysia Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering
  • Baba Gana Umara University of Maiduguri, Nigeria Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering
Keywords: Fadama, groundwater, Jama’are, NFDP, Savannah

Abstract

Water for traditional irrigation on flood-plains in Bauchi State is obtained from the Jama’are, Gongola and Komadugu river systems. The plains are replenished during rainy season and farmers often drill wells to irrigate their farm lands. Wells are drilled by jetting techniques and most of the farmers’ plots are less than 1 hectare. Well yield varies from 0.6 to 9.4 Ls-1 and water is drawn from a depth of 12 m. From the mean yield, the results indicate higher water abstraction from tube wells located at Jama’are flood plains. The study recommended appropriately locating wells and greater investment in extension services in order to facilitate the growth of farmer associations.

Author Biography

Abdullahi Abubakar Sadiq, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Programme, ATB University, PMB0248 Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria
Agricultural and Biological Engineering Programme SNR Lecturer
Published
16/10/2014
Section
Papers