Abstract

O. D. Ojo*, M. Connaughton, A. A. Kintomo, L. O. Olajide-Taiwo and S. O. Afolayan

Dry season vegetable irrigation system plays a key role in the economics of Nigeria as a basic source of food, income, and employment generation especially in the off-season of rainfall agriculture. This diagnostic study was embarked upon to assess the different irrigation systems to better understand the characteristic problems and needs. This article reports on some general information on irrigation systems that are useful to project planners, agencies and policy makers. Results indicate that farmers are frequently faced with low stream flow, conveyance of water from source to farm site as well as sources of water drying up. Majority of the farmers whom are illiterates lacks basic knowledge of crop-water requirement, irrigation scheduling and skills in maintaining and operating irrigation systems. These affect the productivity of the systems, as the crops are either over- or under-irrigated, leading to wastages of the little available water. Recommendations are made that could enhance the farmers’ productivity and increase their farm hectares in order to meet the growing demand for vegetables especially during the off season.