Water management technology

Special PES covers the period 9/77-12/80 and is based on site visits and discussions with farmers and project staff. Project purpose and outputs have not been achieved due to the 1977-79 drought and especially because the Jordan Valley Authority (JVA), the Ministry of Agriculture, and the University of Jordan Faculty of Agriculture failed to devlop a working agreement on how to jointly research or provide extension regarding new irrigation techniques, crops, or cropping patterns. Only four of the targetted 40 JVA technicians were trained, and they are now working outside the Valley. Although 2,000 of the anticipated 3,000 farmers were trained to operate sprinkler irrigation systems, only 150 sprinkler systems were purchased; the King Talal Reservoir -- the source of irrigation water -- was filled 2 years late; and there were delays in granting of land titles. All capital projects were completed on time, but little research equipment was purchased. Nonetheless, positive but unanticipated results were achieved. Use of drip irrigation--which was commercially promoted and produced greater short-run benefits than sprinklers--has become widespread throughout the Valley. Moreover, both water use efficiency and crop yields (specifically, the three- to four-fold increase in tomato yield) improved within and outside the project area. These improvements in turn spurred farmers to accept more effective use of fertilizer (mulch) and water, thereby reducing labor needs. The project thus demonstrated the need for participation by all principal parties during project development, and showed that research and demonstration activities, even if deviating from the project, can have a positive impact.