GROUND WATER DEVELOPMEN T FOR IRRIGATION IN NIGER REPUBLIC: IMPLICATIONS FOR A SUSTAINABLE INCREASE IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN A SEMI-ARID ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

ABSTRACT The environmental hazards of drought and desertification constitute serious problems in arid and semi-arid regions of the world where water supply is inadequate. Irrigation is seen as one of the most effective strategies for combating these problems. Irrigation is also considered necessary to Increase utization and productivity of agricultural resources in such areas. It is expected that such increases would not only increase agricultural output, but also farm incomes. In Niger Republic, an irrigation project based on ground water develop men t has been established in the Tarka Valley, This study evaluated the effects of the new technologies of tube well and pump, being introduced by the Project, on resource use, crop yield and farm incomes. The results Indicated that the technologies possess the potential for achieving the desired objective s, but toy could create further deterioration of the environment unless a number of sustainability issues are urgently· addressed. It was concluded that scientific research has a major role to play in addressing such Issues.