Aquatic Weeds in Sudan's Gravity Irrigation Systems: Problems, Resolutions and Financial and Policy Implications

Abstract

"A major water management problem encountered by the Sudan Ministry of Irrigation is that of aquatic weeds. The authors interviewed senior hydraulic engineers and collected secondary data in Ministry of Irrigation (MOI) records to investigate the issue. The presence of aquatic weeds was reported in the Gezira Canals in 1929, only four years after the irrigation system started to operate. The infestation gradually increased, and with the present intensification policy, weeds now constitute a major constraint to the irrigation system. The problem is particularly acute in the minor canals, Abu XXs3 and drains."