Strategic planning model for the construction and remediation of irrigation networks: A case study for Egypt

Gabr, Mohamed Elsayed; Rageh, Osami Saied

doi:10.21608/dusj.2023.291016

Strategic planning model for the construction and remediation of irrigation networks: A case study for Egypt

Document Type : Original research papers

Authors

¹ Engineering Department, Higher Institute for Engineering and Technology, New Damietta 34517, Egypt.

² Dean of the Higher Institute for Engineering and Technology, New Damietta Professor of Harbor Engineering – Irrigation and Hydraulics Department – Faculty of Engineering – Mansoura University

10.21608/dusj.2023.291016

Abstract

Irrigation canal network problems are resulting from insufficient design, execution, and poor operation and maintenance. In this study, an attempt was made to evaluate the main problems of irrigation networks in Egypt and remediation measures for rehabilitation and optimal irrigation for 3.78 million ha. Recent studies, on the other hand, have shown that most of the existing networks, which have been constructed with colossal costs, suffer from various technical and social problems during the construction and operation processes. To achieve this purpose, (i) strategic planning methods and guidelines have been used to analyze and assess the irrigation networks; and (ii) field studies, visits, and organization of main and sub-main committees with stakeholder participation have been carried out, and (iii) review of literary works and holding of workshops have been applied. Based on the outcomes during the workshops and the main committee, all problems of irrigation systems were categorized into six main topics developing irrigation network systems; environmental assessment; improvement of design quality; improvement of supervision and execution; improvement of operation and maintenance; and monitoring of the system. For each topic, the existing problems in the networks were presented separately in the form of a problem diagram and then a target diagram was developed to optimize and modify the networks. An attempt was made to consider the different core criteria and set time priorities (short, medium, and long term) to determine the performance of the proposed executive and research strategies.

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