Effect of Farmer Experience on Selection of Irrigation Methods at Sirte, Libya

Abstract

Water is the most important basic need for all aspects of human
and ecosystem survival. This study aims to show the preferred method of
irrigation among the farmers at Jarif–Sirte site, Libya. It was carried out
over a three week period, between 17th June and 9th July 2010.The
methods of irrigation were divided into modern methods (sprinkler and
drip systems) and traditional (surface systems-basin and furrow). Water
productivity (WP) and profitability were the most important points that
were covered. Two main methods for gathering data were used; the first
one was a questionnaire and the second was a focus group, also known as
group discussion. The results indicated that adopting modern irrigation
systems, especially drip irrigation, can improve WP and profitability
dramatically, whereas, water use can be reduced by at least one third with
similar productivity for the other systems. Several factors which influence
adoption of advanced technologies have been noted in this study.
Whereas the educated farmers tend to adopting modern irrigation methods
instead of traditional methods. Moreover, economic factors are the main
barrier to adoption as well as the fact that there will be no obligation to
pay the high cost of the electricity and water bills associated with the
traditional methods. The study recommend that famers should switch to
modern systems. Future studies should be carried out on the site for
further information