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Water allocation using system dynamic modelling in the aquaculture integrated with small-scale irrigation systems in Malawi

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Title Water allocation using system dynamic modelling in the aquaculture integrated with small-scale irrigation systems in Malawi
 
Creator Chunga, B.A.
Marx, W.
Xueliang Cai
Clercq, W. de
Watson, A.
Malota, M.
 
Subject water allocation
modelling
aquaculture
small-scale irrigation
decision support systems
fish ponds
maize
crop production
soil water balance
water depth
water-use efficiency
biomass production
crop yield
water resources
rainfall
rural areas
farmers
climate change
geophysics
 
Description The agricultural sector is faced with numerous challenges including climate change and water scarcity in many developing countries. In order to address scarcity and improve water use efficiency for rural farmers, fish farming is being integrated with small-scale irrigation. However, there are challenges in how to allocate water between the two farming enterprises. This study explored the capabilities of system dynamics to allocate water between a fish pond and a crop field in Chingale, Malawi using a system dynamic software, Vensim™ PLE. For soil water and pond water, a simple water balance structure was built and connected to the crop growth structure. Simulations run for 125 days corresponding to the maize growth period. Model results are similar to the actual yield (about 3.5 ton/ha for hybrid) and biomass production (about 7 ton/ha) in the area. Results also show it was possible to maintain pond water depth at recommended depths for raising fish: fish stocking (1 m), operation of the pond (1.5–2.0 m) and harvesting of the fish (less than 1.2 m) throughout the maize growing period. While the study did not comprehensively build and simulate fish growth, the use of such simple tools would benefit rural farmers with few resources. Based on the promising capabilities and the results of the tool it is recommended that further comprehensive analysis to fully incorporate all key sub-components affecting crop and fish growth be carried out.
 
Date 2023-02
2023-03-17T02:58:26Z
2023-03-17T02:58:26Z
 
Type Journal Article
 
Identifier Chunga, B. A.; Marx, W.; Cai, Xueliang; de Clercq, W.; Watson, A.; Malota, M. 2023. Water allocation using system dynamic modelling in the aquaculture integrated with small-scale irrigation systems in Malawi. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, 129:103355. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pce.2022.103355]
1474-7065
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/129679
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H051813.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pce.2022.103355
H051813
 
Language en
 
Rights Copyrighted; all rights reserved
Limited Access
 
Format 129:103355
 
Publisher Elsevier
 
Source Physics and Chemistry of the Earth