1. Introduction
Irrigation technologies, whether large or small in scale, play an important role in improving and unblocking irrigation potential in rural sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) [
1]. Irrigated agriculture at a small-scale level also referred to as farmer-led irrigation, has become an essential tactic for improving land and water productivity and providing opportunities for income generation, piecework, food security, and poverty reduction in many regions of the world [
2,
3]. Small-scale irrigation systems are increasingly strengthening the ability of rural farmers to respond to the development of irrigation opportunities in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Some of these community-based irrigation systems are designed and contend with pro-poor low-cost technologies that are easily implementable by farmers. Small-scale irrigation has been practiced in South Asia, where irrigation structures are constructed using local materials and applying traditional skills. This approach has been used by farmers in rural Nepalese villages for centuries, enabling them to irrigate their crops and sustain their livelihoods [
4,
5,
6,
7].
The agricultural season profile of Zambia is divided into wet-season and dry-season agriculture, largely consisting of small-scale farmers, who are responsible for most of the country's agricultural output. In Zambia today, small-scale farmers make up approximately 90% of Zambia's agricultural producers [
8]. These types of farmers are primarily subsistence producers of staple foods such as maize, beans, and cassava, with an occasional surplus for the household income need [
9]. However, they are often vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, which severely impact their productivity and income, leading to food insecurity and poverty most of the year [
10]. Furthermore, a historical drought in 2023/2024 farming season resulted in severe water stress for crops across most parts of Zambia. As a result, in 2024 some households were threatened with food insecurity.
It is for those reasons that small-scale irrigation activities are heightened across Zambia during the dry season occurring between April and December, especially in areas where rainfall cannot be relied upon [
11]. By having such systems in place, small-scale farmers can have access to a reliable source of water, enabling them to produce crops throughout the year and significantly reduce their dependency on rain-fed cycles. This, in turn, boosts their productivity and income, leading to a better standard of living and improved food security for their families.
In most parts of Zambia, however, small-scale farmers often face the challenge of having limited resources to invest in small-scale water harvesting structures, which are essential for crop production [
12,
13]. Although Simple weirs (SWs) are perceived as rudimentary, the majority of the local small-scale farmers make use of them for optimum economic benefits [
14]. This defuses the negating views. SWs have gained popularity in Luapula, Copperbelt, North-western, Central, Northern, and Muchinga, because of the struggles marginalized rural farmers go through to access water flow abundantly available for irrigation and the potential effect on enhancing small-scale irrigation. In most cases, SWs are constructed for immediate use during the period of transition from bucket irrigation to more improved river flow diversion structures such as masonry weirs.
SWs are typically constructed across a river to divert water flow for irrigation purposes during the dry season when water is scarce. The construction of SWs involves using locally available materials such as poles, thatch grass, brushwood, and soil from nearby riverbank. These materials are woven together to form a sturdy barrier that diverts water into channels that lead to agricultural fields downslope. SWs are cost-effective and easy to construct, making them an ideal choice for rural communities that lack access to modern irrigation systems. With the SWs system, farmers can grow a broad range of crops including green maize, watermelon, tomatoes, irrigated groundnuts, onions, and vegetables. Of late, this irrigation system has been attracted in other countries such as Uganda, Malawi, and Mozambique, apart from Zambia. As such, the promotion of SWs is becoming an essential part of sustainable development initiatives for small-scale farmers in the Southern Africa region [
15,
16].
Muchinga province is mostly (90%) rural and the majority (80%) depend on agriculture as their main source of livelihood [
17]. Undaunted by the lack of assistance, small-scale farmers concentrate on building SWs to increase agricultural food production and ensure agriculture is practiced all year. The simplicity and low cost of this technology make it a viable option for farmers who may have limited resources and access to external support. In Zambia, the most commonly used materials for constructing SWs are forest round poles, thatch grass, and tree bark fiber. These materials are carefully selected, based on their availability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Forest round poles are used as the main structural component for the weir. These poles are driven into the ground and arranged in a staggered manner to form a porous barrier. Thatch grass is then woven around the poles to create a more secure barrier. Finally, tree bark fiber is added to fill in any gaps in the weave, making the weir more watertight.
Currently, there are four basic types of SWs widely used for diverting river flows: simple single-line type weirs, simple double-line type weirs, simple incline type weirs, and trigonal type weirs. In Muchinga province, the commonly constructed types of simple diversion weirs are simple single-line weirs and simple double-line weirs [
18]. This is because the region's rivers have small widths, making these types of weirs suitable for most of the catchment outlets.
Despite the potential benefits of the SW technology, there is still a need to adapt it to different circumstances such as the catchment size and shape, rainfall intensity, and soil characteristics of river foundations. This is because the technology was developed based on indigenous knowledge, which may not be applicable in all situations. While some farmers have reported significant increases in their incomes because of irrigated crop production using SWs, others have encountered numerous challenges that have led to structural failures in the purpose. Among the notable challenges is the relatively short life span likely caused by weak foundation soils, flash floods, and erosion. SWs are vulnerable to flood damage, usually common during the rainy season [
19,
20]. As a result, currently, SWs are not a long-term solution for small-scale irrigation development.
Muchinga province has SWs that vary in their durability condition, with some lasting for more than two years while others fail within a year of construction. This suggests that the success of these structures is not solely dependent on their design or construction but also on their good management and maintenance. Therefore, effective management of these structures can overcome the challenges that cause issues in the operation and maintenance of some SWs.
SWs are specifically suited to subsistence small-scale irrigation farming and similarly have an important role to play in the transition to farming for profit [
21]. It is for this reason that SWs have attracted the attention of Governmental Institutions (GIs) and Non-Governmental Institutions (NGIs) to promote and expand small-scale irrigation using SWs to farmers in new areas. This scenario has highlighted the need to study this relatively alternative irrigation practice because the technology is a novelty to many small-scale farmers. However, the effectiveness of such structures and the ability of rural farmers to construct durable weirs are still areas of concern. In addition, the use of low-cost solutions, which may appear attractive to micro-scale farmers, can be misleading and may be mistaken for subpar engineering.
SWs are one of the emerging and increasingly common technologies observed among small-scale farmers in northern Zambia. For a period of almost two decades now, SWs have been implemented in the remote areas of the northern provinces of Zambia. Some of the positive net benefit effects of SWs in such areas is the increase in year-round dry-season irrigation activities leading to an increase in crop production and saleable surplus and enhanced household income, especially among small-scale farmers. Despite SWs being one of the technologies that are paving the way for the advancement of small-scale irrigation in rural communities, farmers encounter several challenges in operation and maintenance [
22]. The primary factors that have been affecting the operation and maintenance (O&M) of SWs at a community level include those assumed related to catchment size, catchment management, rainfall, runoff variables, and farmers` perceptions.
This study focused on the operation and maintenance (O&M) challenges of existing weirs in practical field scenarios [
23]. The evaluation of these factors required consideration of a wide range of parameters associated with hydraulic facility structural failures [
24,
25]. However, this study only focussed on the factors that have a significant impact on durability, and the factors were selected based on two parameters; catchment variables and farmers` perception. The catchment landscape was chosen as it determines the amount of water that can be generated and stored in the weir and the size of the irrigation area that can be covered. The negating perception of the farmers has the potential to affect the operation, maintenance, and overall efficiency of the irrigation system. Therefore, the evaluation of these factors will provide valuable insights to farmers for the operation and maintenance of SWs [
26].
2. Materials and Methods
Approximately 617 households, benefiting around 1,121 small-scale farmers covering 17 hectares were brought under irrigation with 35 SWs constructed by farmers for dry season irrigation (April to December) in 2023 in 7 districts of Muchinga province.
2.1. Estimation of the Sample Size
The Krejcie and Morgan table was used to estimate the sample size for this research [
27,
28]. A total of 33 SWs were selected out of 35 SWs. For each of the targeted sites in 5 districts, 50 farmers per site were selected resulting in the selection of 250 farmers in total.
2.2. Data Collection Approach
This study gathered both quantitative and qualitative data on the challenges faced by farmers in operating and maintaining SWs in 5 out of 8 districts of Muchinga province in Zambia. To achieve this, a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies was used. The study involved a cross-section of participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Water Resources Catchment Officers, the Meteorological Office, and farmers themselves.
Due to resource and time limitations, the study focused on five districts in Muchinga province where SWs were widely constructed by the farmers to divert rivers for irrigation. 33 SW sites were visited in the five districts for approximately 14 days. During this time, conducted physical assessments of the weirs and engaged with local agricultural extension officers and elite farmers to collect quantitative data. For the qualitative assessment, approximately 250 small-scale farmers in village irrigation schemes were interviewed. To ensure the accuracy of the data, local agricultural extension officers assisted with the interviews. In addition, the survey was conducted to gain a better understanding of the operational and maintenance issues related to SWs in the five districts studied. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect information on the operation and maintenance of these weirs. The survey included questions related to farmers' involvement in site selection and planning, their participation in building the weirs, and whether they were instructed on how to operate and maintain them.
2.3. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions
Key informants were interviewed at each SW site visited in 5 districts, district agricultural officers, and local farmer`s associations. The interviews were conducted between December 26, 2023, and January 15, 2024. Additionally, focus group discussions with selected farmers were organized at randomly selected sites to explore issues related to the O&M of SWs. At all sites, most farmers were actively involved in SW irrigation. The interviews were conducted to gather the perspectives, observations, and suggestions of the farmers regarding the challenges of operating and maintaining SWs.
2.4. Evaluation Workshop Discussions
To gather more information and field experience feedback regarding SWs, a two-day annual evaluation workshop was held between 11-13 January 2024 to organize discussions and interactions among farmer leaders, agricultural government officials, and irrigation technical personnel from six different regions including Muchinga province where SWs were being implemented. The focus of the discussion was on the challenges faced during the operation and the socio-economic impacts of SW technology. The plan and activities for promoting the technology of SWs were also discussed.
2.5. Geographical Location of Study Areas
2.5.1. Description of Muchinga Province
Zambia is administratively divided into 10 provinces. Muchinga one of the provinces geographically located in the northeast of the country comprises 8 district areas. The landscape of Muchinga Province is generally high and flat, stretching from the Central Province to the northern part of Zambia,
Figure 1.
2.5.2. Climate and Hydrology
The climate of Muchinga province is characterized by a dry season that lasts from May to November. The rainy season normally between December and April reaches its peak in both duration and intensity between January and February. According to the meteorological data for the 2023/2024, period of this study, the mean annual rainfall was 125.9 mm, the mean annual maximum temperature was 24.9
oC, and the mean annual minimum temperature was about 14.24°C, [
29]
Figure 2. Muchinga province, located in the northern part of Zambia, is blessed with a diverse range of water bodies that provide an important lifeline for human communities in the region. The province boasts an extensive network of seasonal streams and perennial rivers such as Chambeshi, Lukulu, Luwalizi, Mwambwa, and Kalungu, which are vital for agriculture.
2.5.3. Description of Landforms for Muchinga Province
Muchinga province separates two major river drainages. The northern areas of Muchinga province consist of the Nyika Plateau, Makutu Plateau, and Mafinga mountains. While the eastern part of the province is drained by the Luangwa River (Luangwa valley), and eventually flows into the Zambezi River, and the western part of the province is drained by the Chambeshi/Luapula River network, subsequently flowing into the Congo River basin.
2.6. Catchment Surveys and Data Collection
Physical visits were conducted to the catchment sites, for survey, observations, and measurements. The information on the physical features (rivers, slopes, and areas) collected as a result of visits was combined with data from the analysis of satellite images collected by the Ministry of Agriculture in Zambia, land use planning unit. In addition to the above, the topographical maps (map scale, 1: 10,000) are appropriate for small-scale irrigation, and research plots) were used to identify the contours of the land and determine the elevation of various points in the catchment. This information was critical in helping to estimate the slope of the catchment, which is an important factor in understanding water flow and drainage patterns. Based on these tools, the size of the catchment was estimated by combining all the information gathered from the various sources mentioned.
Catchment landscape characteristics' numerical values were selected based on catchment vegetation cover conditions, predominant land uses, soil and drainage conditions, and catchment topography. The numerical values are summed up (catchment characteristic values). The combination of the aspects of catchment characteristic values, catchment shape, and catchment area (ha) assisted in estimating the run-off (m
3/s) for a specific catchment area, presented in
Table 1.
2.7. Riverbed Soil Properties Along Simple Weir Traverse Lines
Profiles of river foundations were obtained by augering along the transverse line at each site and laboratory soil assessment to establish the inherent nature of the undelaying soil profiles at all the SW sites. Soil samples from each weir site were taken for testing to confirm the field assessments and to verify the physical properties of the soils.
5. Conclusions
A rapid assessment of 33 SWs, constructed by small-scale farmers in 5 districts, was conducted to establish the contributing causes affecting the durability. The study examined characteristics of catchments, climate variables, and the perceptions of farmers regarding SWs constructed by small-scale farmers in the province.
SWs in Muchinga province have been observed and also identified from the discussion with farmers. The major hindrances faced by farmers in managing SWs: (i) lack of conducting semi-detailed feasibility studies; (ii) inadequate assessment of the catchment where SWs are intended to be constructed;(iii) negating views of farmers on materials used for construction of SWs; (iv) lack of knowledge and experience in regular maintenance of SWs.
The results of the study demonstrated that catchment characteristics and climate variables play a significant role in the O&M of SWs. Another factor that has been highlighted to affect the management of SWs is the negative attitude of farmers towards maintaining these structures, especially during the off-irrigation season. By conducting this study, problems have been identified that play a crucial role in the sustainability and longevity of SWs [
36]. However, with appropriate due diligence before the implementation and development of SW construction, increasing the O&M can be achieved [
37].
The purpose of this study is to investigate and identify the causes that impact the O&M of SWs in Muchinga Province of Zambia. The findings show that most of the problems affecting the O&M of SWs are due to a lack of consideration of the catchment shape and an inadequate understanding of the riverbed's inherent soil profile. To address these challenges, it is recommended that farmers should have a good knowledge of the landscape where SWs are to be constructed. This will help farmers select the appropriate design for a particular landscape and prevailing climate. It is also suggested that farmers should seek expert advice on catchment shape, riverbed soil stability, and the type of SW before implementing any small hydraulic structure.
These findings suggest that catchment shape, slope, soil type, and drainage conditions are important factors to consider when designing and constructing stormwater systems to ensure their long-term durability. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, and environmental factors that affect the successful implementation of SWs for irrigation. By addressing these factors, farmers can maximize the benefits of the technology and promote sustainable small-scale irrigation practices.
Figure 1.
Map of Zambia showing the geographical location of Muchinga province. Source: ArcGIS 10.8.2., modified by Authors.
Figure 1.
Map of Zambia showing the geographical location of Muchinga province. Source: ArcGIS 10.8.2., modified by Authors.
Figure 2.
10-year average monthly rainfall and temperatures of Muchinga province.
Figure 2.
10-year average monthly rainfall and temperatures of Muchinga province.
Figure 3.
Single line type of simple weir. Image by Authors.
Figure 3.
Single line type of simple weir. Image by Authors.
Figure 4.
Double line type of simple weir. Image by Authors.
Figure 4.
Double line type of simple weir. Image by Authors.
Figure 5.
Participation profile of farmers in the maintenance of simple weirs in Muchinga province.
Figure 5.
Participation profile of farmers in the maintenance of simple weirs in Muchinga province.
Figure 6.
The average size of plots (ha) irrigated by small-scale farmers using low-cost irrigation Practices in Muchinga province.
Figure 6.
The average size of plots (ha) irrigated by small-scale farmers using low-cost irrigation Practices in Muchinga province.
Figure 7.
Farmers` perception affecting O&M of simple weirs.
Figure 7.
Farmers` perception affecting O&M of simple weirs.
Table 1.
Catchment parameters used for estimating run-off (m3/s).
Table 1.
Catchment parameters used for estimating run-off (m3/s).
Description of Catchment Landscape |
Prevailing Catchment Characteristics |
Assigned Value |
Catchment slopes |
flat slopes (0-1%) |
5 |
moderate slopes (1-5%) |
10 |
rolling slopes (5-8%) |
15 |
hilly, steep slopes (8-12%) |
20 |
mountainous slopes (< 12%) |
25 |
Soil physical characteristics, drainage conditions |
deep permeable soils (>90cm) |
10 |
shallow, semi-pervious soil (<60-90cm) |
20 |
shallow soil with underlying hard rock (<30cm) |
30 |
waterlogged soils |
50 |
Catchment vegetation cover density, land uses |
heavy grass cover |
10 |
moderate grass cover |
15 |
agricultural use |
20 |
bare catchment landscape |
25 |
Table 2.
Demographic data for farmers randomly selected for interviews from 5 districts.
Table 2.
Demographic data for farmers randomly selected for interviews from 5 districts.
Demographic Data and Information |
District |
|
Isoka, n=50 |
Nakonde, n=50 |
Mpika, n=50 |
Kanchibiya, n=50 |
Lavushimanda, n=50 |
Average |
Marital status |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Single |
18 |
21 |
17 |
12 |
17 |
17.0 |
Divorced |
6 |
3 |
7 |
5 |
0 |
4.2 |
Widowed |
5 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
3.0 |
Married |
21 |
24 |
22 |
32 |
30 |
25.8 |
Gender |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Males |
32 |
29 |
35 |
30 |
23 |
29.8 |
Females |
18 |
21 |
15 |
20 |
27 |
20.2 |
Age group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
20-30 |
10 |
8 |
13 |
15 |
5 |
10.2 |
31-40 |
22 |
15 |
18 |
20 |
16 |
18.2 |
41-50 |
13 |
27 |
16 |
3 |
18 |
15.4 |
51-60 |
5 |
0 |
3 |
12 |
11 |
6.2 |
Table 3.
Types of irrigation technologies used by small-scale farmers in Muchinga province.
Table 3.
Types of irrigation technologies used by small-scale farmers in Muchinga province.
Common types of irrigation |
|
|
Districts |
|
|
|
Isoka |
Nakonde |
Mpika |
Kanchibiya |
Lavushimanda |
Bucket Method |
9 |
17 |
8 |
4 |
6 |
Simple weirs |
25 |
28 |
31 |
39 |
42 |
Masonry/concrete weirs |
10 |
3 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
Treadle pump |
1 |
0 |
2 |
5 |
0 |
Gasoline pumps |
5 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
Table 4.
Level of formal education.
Table 4.
Level of formal education.
Average education level |
|
|
Districts |
|
|
|
Isoka |
Nakonde |
Mpika |
Kanchibiya |
Lavushimanda |
Primary school |
21 |
35 |
36 |
41 |
27 |
Secondary school |
15 |
5 |
14 |
5 |
23 |
Tertailly education |
14 |
10 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
Table 5.
Estimated run-off(m3/s) based on 10-year rainfall events from the rectangular-shaped catchment.
Table 5.
Estimated run-off(m3/s) based on 10-year rainfall events from the rectangular-shaped catchment.
Catchment Area(ha) |
Catchment Characteristic values |
Catchment Shape |
|
35 |
40 |
45 |
50 |
55 |
60 |
65 |
70 |
75 |
Rectangular |
|
Average catchment run-off (mᶾ/s) |
|
2 |
0.20 |
0.30 |
0.40 |
0.60 |
0.75 |
0.80 |
0.95 |
1.10 |
1.50 |
2.5 |
0.19 |
0.27 |
0.30 |
0.35 |
0.45 |
0.55 |
1.05 |
1.50 |
1.80 |
3.1 |
0.30 |
0.43 |
0.60 |
0.70 |
0.95 |
1.10 |
1.05 |
1.50 |
1.80 |
5 |
0.50 |
0.60 |
0.90 |
1.10 |
1.40 |
1.60 |
1.90 |
2.10 |
2.40 |
10 |
0.90 |
1.10 |
1.40 |
1.80 |
2.10 |
2.50 |
3.00 |
3.50 |
4.00 |
15 |
1.40 |
1.80 |
2.10 |
2.50 |
3.00 |
3.60 |
4.30 |
5.00 |
5.80 |
20 |
1.80 |
2.30 |
2.80 |
3.40 |
4.00 |
4.80 |
5.50 |
6.40 |
7.30 |
30 |
2.30 |
2.90 |
3.60 |
4.50 |
5.50 |
6.60 |
7.90 |
9.10 |
10.50 |
40 |
2.60 |
3.50 |
4.40 |
5.60 |
6.90 |
8.30 |
9.80 |
11.40 |
13.10 |
Table 6.
Estimated run-off (m3/s)based on 10-year rainfall events from the square-shaped catchment.
Table 6.
Estimated run-off (m3/s)based on 10-year rainfall events from the square-shaped catchment.
Catchment Area(ha) |
Catchment Characteristic Values |
Catchment Shape |
|
35 |
40 |
45 |
50 |
55 |
60 |
65 |
70 |
75 |
Square |
|
Average catchment run-off (mᶾ/s) |
|
|
10 |
0.70 |
0.90 |
1.10 |
1.40 |
1.70 |
2.00 |
2.40 |
2.80 |
3.20 |
|
20
|
1.40
|
1.80
|
2.20
|
2.70
|
3.20
|
3.80
|
4.40
|
5.10
|
5.80
|
Table 7.
Estimated run-off (m3/s) based on 10-year rainfall events from the elongated-shaped catchment.
Table 7.
Estimated run-off (m3/s) based on 10-year rainfall events from the elongated-shaped catchment.
Catchment Area(ha) |
Catchment Characteristic Value |
Catchment Shape |
|
35 |
40 |
45 |
50 |
55 |
60 |
65 |
70 |
75 |
Narrow and elongated |
|
Average Catchment run-off (mᶾ/s) |
|
5 |
0.30 |
0.40 |
0.60 |
0.70 |
0.70 |
1.00 |
1.20 |
1.40 |
1.70 |
10 |
0.60 |
0.70 |
0.90 |
1.10 |
1.10 |
1.60 |
1.90 |
2.20 |
2.60 |
15
|
0.90
|
1.10
|
1.40
|
1.60
|
1.60
|
2.30
|
2.70
|
3.20
|
3.70
|
Table 8.
USDA soil classification and composition found on the riverbed with simple weirs for sites, Lavushimanda district.
Table 8.
USDA soil classification and composition found on the riverbed with simple weirs for sites, Lavushimanda district.
District and Site Identification Number |
Sample Location Depth(cm) |
Organic Matter (%) |
Sandy SoilParticles (%) |
Silt Soil Particles (%) |
Clay Soil Particles (%) |
Lavushimanda 1 |
0-25 |
3.60 |
10.16 |
20.74 |
65.50 |
25-50 |
1.76 |
12.34 |
18.90 |
67.00 |
50-75 |
1.00 |
17.32 |
9.68 |
72.00 |
Lavushimanda 2 |
0-25 |
3.25 |
20.55 |
26 |
50.20 |
25-50 |
1.20 |
6.10 |
26.90 |
65.80 |
50-75 |
0.40 |
22.32 |
9.14 |
68.14 |
Lavushimanda 3 |
0-25 |
4.20 |
14.50 |
20.40 |
60.90 |
25-50 |
1.50 |
5.20 |
17.85 |
75.45 |
50-75 |
0.10 |
29.66 |
9.74 |
60.50 |
Lavushimanda 4 |
0-25 |
5.50 |
11.16 |
17.74 |
65.60 |
25-50 |
2.10 |
8.76 |
20.24 |
68.90 |
50-75 |
1.40 |
13.36 |
9.74 |
75.50 |
Table 9.
USDA soil classification and composition found on the riverbed with simple weirs for sites, Nakonde district.
Table 9.
USDA soil classification and composition found on the riverbed with simple weirs for sites, Nakonde district.
District and Site Identification Number |
Sample Location Depth(cm) |
Organic Matter (%) |
sand Soil Particles (%) |
Silt Soil Particles (%) |
Cay Soil Particles (%) |
Nakonde 1 |
0-25 |
2.20 |
61.16 |
20.40 |
16.24 |
25-50 |
1.76 |
76.76 |
16.60 |
4.88 |
50-75 |
0.10 |
68.32 |
22.74 |
8.84 |
Nakonde 2 |
0-25 |
3.60 |
70.1 |
16.65 |
9.65 |
25-50 |
0.76 |
76.76 |
12.52 |
9.96 |
50-75 |
1.00 |
76.32 |
12.50 |
10.18 |
Nakonde 3 |
0-25 |
1.50 |
61.16 |
15.60 |
21.74 |
25-50 |
0.60 |
66.76 |
10.55 |
22.09 |
50-75 |
0.10 |
76.32 |
15.20 |
8.38 |
Nakonde 4 |
0-25 |
2.10 |
61.16 |
14.50 |
22.24 |
25-50 |
0.15 |
76.76 |
16.80 |
6.29 |
50-75 |
0.00 |
72.32 |
12.52 |
15.16 |
Nakonde 5 |
0-25 |
4.50 |
71.10 |
13.25 |
11.15 |
25-50 |
2.10 |
56.65 |
15.90 |
25.35 |
50-75 |
0.10 |
76.32 |
12.55 |
11.03 |
Nakonde 6 |
0-25 |
0.50 |
72.60 |
12.80 |
14.10 |
25-50 |
0.30 |
78.05 |
15.60 |
6.05 |
50-75 |
0.10 |
76.25 |
18.20 |
5.45 |
Table 10.
USDA soil classification and composition found on the riverbed with simple weirs for sites, Mpika district.
Table 10.
USDA soil classification and composition found on the riverbed with simple weirs for sites, Mpika district.
District and Site Identification Number |
Sample Location Depth(cm) |
Organic Matter (%) |
Sand Soil Particles (%) |
Silt Soil Particles (%) |
Clay Soil Particles (%) |
Mpika 1 |
0-25 |
4.20 |
21.16 |
4.45 |
70.19 |
25-50 |
3.50 |
16.76 |
19.16 |
60.58 |
50-75 |
2.00 |
15.30 |
7.60 |
75.10 |
Mpika 2 |
0-25 |
5.00 |
27.30 |
2.50 |
65.20 |
25-50 |
3.10 |
22.60 |
4.30 |
70.00 |
50-75 |
1.50 |
20.30 |
9.83 |
68.37 |
Mpika 3 |
0-25 |
0.50 |
27.30 |
1.32 |
70.88 |
25-50 |
0.20 |
25.60 |
3.70 |
70.50 |
50-75 |
0.10 |
25.30 |
9.20 |
65.40 |
Mpika 4 |
0-25 |
3.27 |
25.50 |
2.65 |
68.58 |
25-50 |
3.00 |
24.60 |
2.32 |
70.08 |
50-75 |
2.40 |
18.50 |
13.30 |
65.80 |
Mpika 5 |
0-25 |
3.65 |
29.27 |
8.48 |
58.6 |
25-50 |
2.74 |
25.25 |
1.03 |
70.98 |
50-75 |
3.25 |
27.93 |
8.04 |
60.78 |
Mpika 6 |
0-25 |
2.76 |
15.32 |
9.24 |
72.68 |
25-50 |
4.43 |
15.73 |
7.34 |
72.50 |
50-75 |
3.5 |
27.93 |
7.79 |
60.78 |
Mpika 7 |
0-25 |
2.6 |
25.32 |
3.10 |
68.98 |
25-50 |
4.43 |
26.73 |
8.49 |
60.35 |
50-75 |
4.2 |
27.93 |
2.62 |
65.25 |
Mpika 8 |
0-25 |
3.4 |
27.93 |
4.17 |
64.50 |
25-50 |
1.75 |
35.32 |
2.03 |
60.90 |
50-75 |
1.45 |
16.70 |
9.5 |
72.35 |
Table 11.
USDA soil classification and composition found on the riverbed with simple weirs for sites in, Kanchibiya district.
Table 11.
USDA soil classification and composition found on the riverbed with simple weirs for sites in, Kanchibiya district.
District and Site Identification Number |
Sample Location Depth(cm) |
Organic Matter (%) |
Sand Soil Particles (%) |
Silt Soil particles (%) |
Clay Soil Particles (%) |
Kanchibiya 1 |
0-25 |
3.25 |
27.93 |
35.04 |
33.78 |
25-50 |
2.76 |
35.32 |
35.23 |
26.69 |
50-75 |
2.43 |
66.73 |
12.54 |
18.30 |
Kanchibiya 2 |
0-25 |
3.25 |
27.93 |
35.04 |
33.78 |
25-50 |
2.76 |
35.32 |
35.23 |
26.69 |
50-75 |
2.43 |
66.73 |
12.54 |
18.30 |
Kanchibiya 3 |
0-25 |
3.25 |
27.93 |
35.04 |
33.78 |
25-50 |
2.76 |
35.32 |
35.23 |
26.69 |
50-75 |
2.43 |
66.73 |
12.54 |
18.30 |
Kanchibiya 4 |
0-25 |
3.25 |
27.93 |
35.04 |
33.78 |
25-50 |
2.76 |
35.32 |
35.23 |
26.69 |
50-75 |
2.43 |
66.73 |
12.54 |
18.30 |
Kanchibiya 5 |
0-25 |
3.25 |
27.93 |
35.04 |
33.78 |
25-50 |
2.76 |
35.32 |
35.23 |
26.69 |
50-75 |
2.43 |
66.73 |
12.54 |
18.30 |
Kanchibiya 6 |
0-25 |
3.25 |
27.93 |
35.04 |
33.78 |
25-50 |
2.76 |
35.32 |
35.23 |
26.69 |
50-75 |
2.43 |
66.73 |
12.54 |
18.30 |
Kanchibiya 7 |
0-25 |
3.25 |
27.93 |
35.04 |
33.78 |
25-50 |
2.76 |
35.32 |
35.23 |
26.69 |
50-75 |
2.43 |
66.73 |
12.54 |
18.30 |
Table 12.
USDA soil classification and composition found on the riverbeds with simple weirs for sited, Isoka district.
Table 12.
USDA soil classification and composition found on the riverbeds with simple weirs for sited, Isoka district.
District and Site Identification Number |
Sample Location Depth (cm) |
Organic Matter (%) |
Sand Soil Particles (%) |
Silt Soil Particles (%) |
Clay Soil Particles (%) |
Isoka 1 |
0-25 |
3.00 |
71.60 |
20.40 |
5.00 |
25-50 |
2.76 |
75.60 |
16.90 |
4.74 |
50-75 |
2.10 |
76.32 |
12.50 |
9.08 |
Isoka 2 |
0-25 |
4.20 |
61.60 |
15.80 |
18.40 |
25-50 |
1.80 |
56.76 |
25.80 |
15.64 |
50-75 |
0.50 |
67.32 |
26.50 |
5.68 |
Isoka 3 |
0-25 |
1.20 |
70.50 |
15.50 |
12.80 |
25-50 |
0.70 |
65.15 |
16.90 |
17.25 |
50-75 |
0.20 |
66.25 |
24.50 |
9.05 |
Isoka 4 |
0-25 |
2.20 |
75.10 |
12.45 |
10.25 |
25-50 |
0.76 |
58.75 |
35.20 |
5.29 |
50-75 |
0.70 |
75.20 |
13.55 |
10.55 |
Isoka 5 |
0-25 |
5.50 |
76.20 |
14.52 |
3.78 |
25-50 |
3.50 |
65.80 |
18.50 |
12.20 |
50-75 |
2.10 |
76.32 |
15.85 |
5.73 |
Isoka 6 |
0-25 |
6.20 |
60.80 |
18.50 |
14.50 |
25-50 |
4.70 |
72.70 |
12.20 |
10.40 |
50-75 |
1.40 |
76.32 |
15.25 |
7.03 |
Isoka 7 |
0-25 |
0.20 |
61.00 |
13.50 |
25.30 |
25-50 |
0.10 |
78.50 |
14.75 |
6.65 |
50-75 |
0.00 |
76.32 |
18.50 |
5.18 |