Water pumping for irrigation in Africa : an analysis of project problems and energy options

projects, six in sub-Saharan Africa and two in North Africa. Special evaluation, dated 9/84, is based on document review. Most of the projects have used diesel fuel or electricity for pumping groundwater (these are currently the most economical energy sources), and have failed to experiment with alternative energy sources, e.g., human and animal labor, biomass, and solar or wind energy, even when such experimentation was part of the project design. Project designers and implementing personnel should explain in greater detail the reasons for their energy source selection, and either the results of their experiments with alternative energy or their reasons for not experimenting with them. Also, as evaluation teams have not sufficiently documented problems with water pumping, it has been difficult for project designers to learn from past experience. The most serious pumping problems that the projects have encountered are: (1) fluctuating levels of water sources, and the lack of appropriate technology to deal with this; (2) deficient fuel system design, deficient well construction, and inappropriate pump and engine selection; (3) difficulties in conforming with foreign engineering designs and specifications when A.I.D. is entering an ongoing project (especially in Francophone Africa); (4) difficulties in procuring and storing water pumps and related inputs, including fuel and spare parts; and (5) lack of trained personnel, particularly diesel engine mechanics and competent administrators. A.I.D. irrigation projects in Africa should continue to use diesel-powered water pumps because, for the present, they are the most economical method, but should also experiment with alternative energy sources, because their prices will continue to fall while the prices of gasoline and diesel fuel will rise. When designing alternative energy experiments, care should be taken to ensure their practicality; results should be carefully documented, with reasons for their success or failure.