REASONS WHY IRRIGATION IS CARRIED OUT IN EAST AFRICA
Existence of gently sloping land which favours irrigation by gravity flow of water e.g. at Mwea-Tebere.
The existence of modern technology ensures the use of irrigation e.g. overhead sprinkling at Kilombero.
The existence of extensive free land due to the sparse population in dry areas has also led to the use of irrigation.
Presence of rivers that provide permanent sources of water for irrigation e.g. river Malaba for Doho irrigation scheme.
Availability of adequate capital to buy the machines e.g. water pumps and to extend social infrastructures e.g. railway lines e.t.c.
In many parts of East Africa, rainfall is inadequate hence the need for adding water artificially e.g. in Kasese.
There is a need to increase food production through irrigation to sustain the ever-increasing population.
Some crops need too much water which can be easily provided through irrigation e.g. rice, sugarcane, yams e.t.c.
Irrigation is carried out to maintain moisture in the soil in order to help in the maintenance of soil fertility.
Some areas receive very hot temperatures, and they lose a lot of water through evaporation in the dry season hence the need for irrigation e.g. Kasese and Mobuku valleys.
The government policy of opening up remote areas and improvement of agricultural productivity has also led to irrigation.
