Bio-diversity

CONTEXT Komila residents settles on the land which was owned by a German settle Mr. Miiler who left the land after Second World War and from 1950 the land belong to the locals The German settler had infrastructure for irrigation originating from Cholo River which is called sokonoi irrigational canal. This canal passes through Nduoni, Kanango, Kwamare, Tella, Uparo and Yamu Villages in Kirua vunjo ward. All this villages are on dry area and depends on river cholo water for domestic and agriculture purpose. Increased demand for water for irrigation has lead to water shortage. Also water is lost on the way to the farms since the infrastructure are very old and about 40% of water is lost before reaching the farms. This is a problem because water is diverted from the river and it does not make a proper use neither for domestic, agriculture or ecological purpose due to water leakage on the way. Many farms here are currently depending on rain for farming but the rains are not enough to take the crops to the harvesting stage which lead to poor crop harvesting and which resulting into poverty and hunger in some parts of these villagers. PROJECT PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: Conservation of water sources for sustainable irrigation and improvement of livelihoods in South- West Kirua vunjo ward. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: 1. Rehabilitation and improvement of irrigation canal water conveying system into Komila-Sokonoi canal and training on irrigation to support crops to reach maturity stage. 2. To planting indigenous trees along Cholo river for conservation of water catchments. 3. To improve livelihoods in the area by introducing crops this takes short time to mature such as millet. PROJECT MAIN ACTIVITIES The envisaged activities to be undertaken by the project will involve the following: - (i) Conducting awareness campaign to plant trees on water source and along river banks to support water source protection. Trees will be planted to demarcate cholo river catchment and planting of 1000 water loving trees along demarcated areas. Planting of 1000 trees species surrounding community settlements. Planting of natural fence at Bomani spring source. (ii) Rehabilitation and Improvement of Komila-Sokonoi irrigational canal by lining 1970 meters at headwork reaches, construction of water control gate, expansion and cementing of two reservoirs and construction of modern division boxes. (iii) To strengthen leadership and canal organization structure to allow proper maintenance and supervision during operation and maintenance. (iv) Rehabilitation and construction of road crossings where water cross the road ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROJECT Once the rehabilitation has been completed there will be no water lose which will increase the amount of water for agriculture and ecological purpose. Availability of water for irrigation will reduce extensive irrigation and encourage intensive irrigation which contributes in the conservation of soil and natural vegetation. IMPLEMENTAION AND FOLLOW UP MECHANISM: All activities will be executed by involving beneficiaries of Komila-Sokonoi irrigational canal, UWAKOSO and other stakeholders. The main collaborators are; villagers, Government Authority and the District council who have agreed to assist in administration of the project in enforcing laws such as demarcating areas which are reserved areas along the rivers. Komila - Sokonoi irrigation Group have a committee headed by the Chairperson, Secretary, treasurer and irrigational expert members who will supervise the project. The committee will also monitor the water management and distribution after the rehabilitation of the canal. The committee is also responsible for supervision of Operation and maintenance of the canal. STRENGTH OF THE ORGANIZATION IN THE IMPLEMENTAION OF THE PROJECT: Already the canal has been visited by Pangani basin water authorities. The canal is not new thus farmers are used to operation and maintenance activities. The water association has attended trainings on agriculture and water conservation provided by Pangani basin office. EVALUATION INDICATORS: Project performance indicators, which will measure the success of the project, are:- 2000 indigenous trees of different species will be planted in Cholo water sources, and well managed lining 1972 metres of Komila-Sokonoi canal, construction of water control gate, expansion and cementing of two reservoirs and construction of modern division boxes Introduction of millet in farms which are located in very dry area which cannot harvest maize by depending on rain only. 2 Training on efficient water management in irrigation. 2 Training on efficient water management in irrigation. Construction of 4 division boxes

Tanzania