DOUKKALA-ZEMAMRA IRRIGATION PROJECT

Evaluation covers the period 6/1/76 to 1/1/80 and is based on project files, personnel interviews, and site visits. The implementing agency, the Doukkalan Regional Development Organization (ORMVAD), was to construct a sprinkler irrigation system in four sectors (Z0, Z1, Z2 & Z3) of Zemamra subdivisions, each with a pumping station, underground pipes, hydrants and mobile irrigation equipment. Construction was delayed 10 months, principally because of the need to "Americanize" engineering components designed by a French firm hired by ORMVAD in conjunction with the IBRD loan which is financing equipment for the project. This experience teaches the need to insist in such cases on U.S. engineering and construction concepts from the beginning. To date, the project is 80% complete, although 73% of the project area is still under construction. Construction should be complete by 1981. Sector Z1 received first water on 10/77 and is the only sector which is operational. The other three sectors will not receive water until 10/80. As a result, planting of sugar beet in these other zones was postponed until the 1980-81 season, and quick-return garden vegetable crops were planted instead. Because the market for the latter is doubtful, however, ORMVAD will seek to restrain overplanting of these crops. In sector Z1, two years of traditional farming practices made wheat yields fall well below expectations. Cultivation practices improved, however, and brought higher yields, despite the decreased amount of surface planting. New crops replaced barley and outside hired labor increased from 140 to 500 man/days. For a variety of reasons, planting of cotton has been excluded from the project area. Because of farmer reluctance to incur mortgage debts, only two of seven targeted village centers have been constructed so far. The Project Coordination Committee called for in the Pro-Ag has not been established. The role it was to play is being covered, however, by ORMVAD and other regional and provincial committees.