Introduction and Background information

Agriculture in Zanzibar is therefore weak and suffers from low and unstable production. The arable lands of Zanzibar are estimated at 130.000 ha, of which 5,100 ha has been previously identified as potential area for irrigation. In order to improve such unstable and low production, the government of Zanzibar (GOZ) is establish the department of irrigation to propose an irrigated agriculture development and prepared the Zanzibar Irrigation Development Program in August 1997 (ZIDP), following the successful launch of the National Irrigation Development Plan for the Mainland. The ZIDP concluded that the highest priority should be given to surface fed gravity smallholder irrigation schemes in Pemba. In Unguja, this method could be used for schemes with high value crops and a few areas where rice is irrigated under gravity.

On this basis, the GOZ commenced the irrigation development. However, because of slow progress with irrigation development, the need for consistence with the Agricultural Sector Policy issued in February 2000, and the requirement to contribute to food security, the GOZ requested the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), Mainland, to include Zanzibar in the study area of the National Irrigation Master Plan (NIMP) for the Mainland, which was being under taken by JICA.

ZANZIBAR IRRIGATION MASTER PLAN

Zanzibar Irrigation Master Plan agreed between the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resource Zanzibar, The United Republic of Tanzania and JICA on May 9, 2002.

The purposes of the Zanzibar Irrigation Master Plan are:

• To make sustainable irrigation development through effective use of national resources for supporting the Agriculture Sector Policy goal.
• To promote sustainable development of the agricultural sector economic, social and environmental benefits of it’s peoples.
• To enhance the development of irrigation in a cost-effective, efficient and sustainable manner.

THE OBJECTIVE OF THE IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT

The main objective of the Irrigation department is to improve food productivity through the development of irrigation infrastructures which will contribute to food security and reduction of poverty.

The core functions of Irrigation Department

• To construct irrigation infrastructures in irrigation schemes.
• To develop and promote irrigation production technologies.
• To build capacity for the staff, Water Users and Farmers.

PROJECT AREA

Developed area of Irrigation

New area to be developed

IRRIGATION PROJECT

The previous project

• Rehabilitation of Irrigation infrastructure at Kibokwa and Bubwisudi by KOICA
• Grass-root fund Project at Kibokwa.
• Grass-root fund Project at Makombeni.
• Rehabilitation of Irrigation infrastructure at Saninga-JP5 by the Zanzibar Government and UNDP.
• Development of Irrigation Infrastructure at Dobi, Kinyakuzi, Machigini and Jendele by TASAF.
• Development of Irrigation Infrastructure at Cheju by PADEP.

New project

• Exim Bank from - Korea International Cooperative Agency( KOICA)
• Follow up Project at Kibokwa and Bumbisudi by KOICA

Section under the Department of Irrigation

• Irrigation Infrastructure section
• Pumps, well and mechanics section
• Planning section
• Human resource and administration section

Office Location: Mbweni Zanzibar behind to Tractor Repair Workshop (TRW).

Date of Creation:  2003, Under the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Zanzibar.