Drip irrigation is a specialized type of micro-irrigation which allows for water and nutrients to reach the roots of plant slowly and continuously. For local farmers in particular, this means a steady reliable source of water is always on hand for their crops, whilst evaporation is also minimized.
In Niger, for example, we have secured 20 hectares of land with which 1,000 small holder farmers will be able to earn a living from selling crops. The land will be fenced off to protect produce from animals, and also fitted with irrigation technology. Alongside these resources, farmers will be trained with the skills they need to use and maintain this technology to ensure long-term sustainability.
The benefits of drip irrigation are so vast that crop yields are normally double that of those yielded using tradition methods. Drip irrigation requires less labour, water and fertilizers and overall, these systems will increase the productivity of crops, whilst reducing seasonal production costs for small holder farmers.
Here at Islamic Relief, we’re working worldwide in over 40 countries across the globe to ensure that not only do communities have a safe and reliable source of water for today, but for life too.
When we build a water system, we ensure communities have a sustainable source of clean water for years to come. We recognise the risk of drought, displacement and disease and with over thirty years of expertise we know that simply drilling wells and installing water pumps cannot solve the water crisis.
We bypass short-term interventions and high running costs to instead provide long-term sustainable solutions; installing irrigation systems, building water tanks, training communities, distributing hygiene kits and rehabilitating viable water systems.
Help us to provide men, women and children clean and safe water, an essential we all take for granted.