World Journal of Engineering Research and Technology

Francois Hakorimana*, Theoneste Twizeyimana and Adrien Mugabushaka

ABSTRACT

Rwanda, the country in quick progress of sustainable development and economy mostly based on agriculture, has to intensify the production system where hydrological and meteorological data for water resources management have to play their decisive role. This paper analyses the water balance impact to boost the agricultural production of Kibaya-Cyunuzi marshland. Specifically, this research aims to assess the movement, the storage and the disposition of water in Kibaya-Cyunuzi marshland, through the analysis of hydrological components, typical assessment of crop production and their impact relationship. To achieve this goal, integrated analysis was used. Kibaya-Cyunuzi marshland data was obtained from MINAGRI Reports 2010, RADA and RAB program developed, Cooperative of rice production (COPRIKI CYUNUZI) and KAZO meteo-station in Ngoma district where a satellite image was analyzed and statistical and hydrological analyses of the existing and acquired data was done by using the methods such as Thiessen polygons method, water balance equation, pan measurements and some programs such as MS Excel, Arc Map. After all analysis, the water portioning, quantitative, the annual average for hydrological components and water balance of Kibaya Cyunuzi marshland were displayed. The result showed that the change in storage is -2.85mm (-19,389.43m3) per year and 93.98mm (639,978.14.m3) in long rainy season, the negative 182.90mm (-1,245,560.85m3) in long dry season, 3.14mm(21,384.04m3) in short rainy season and 82.96mm(564,937.14m3) in short dry season. The deep and integrated analysis showed that water balance changes seasonally where the storage is below than zero in long dry season, higher in short dry(82.96mm) than in short rainy season(3.14mm). This water balance variation and the higher crop water requirement ranging from 34.77 to 463.65mmm have impacts on agricultural activities and require strong irrigation policies. The production rate is at 75% (rice) in rain-dry season, 10 %(maize), 8% (vegetables), 5 %(beans) and 2 %(soy). The knowledge of hydrology of the marshland play an important key role in agriculture(crop allocation and production management) and in master planning for Ngoma and Kirehe districts during flooding prevention, irrigation projects, decision and policy making for water resources management and other related marshland developing projects.

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