Análise da disponibilidade de água para implementação de Projectos de Irrigação: caso Bacia do Rio Limpopo - Moçambique)

Abstract

The growing concern with the availability of water around the world requires a rational use in the use of this resource in all human activities. Of only 2.5% of fresh water on the globe, most of it is unfit for consumption, and is found in places with difficult access, such as glaciers and groundwater. The present study was conducted in the Limpopo River basin, with the aim of analyzing the availability of water for the implementation of irrigation projects. To meet this objective, a survey of existing irrigation systems was carried out and 3 (three) crops were selected, rice (variety ITA 312) and matuba, for the hot season, and tomato (variety HTX 14), for the cool season. The average water volume was estimated during the agricultural seasons from 2004/05 to 2008/09. Domestic water demand was estimated based on 2007 population census data and daily water consumption per person. For livestock watering was calculated using typical per capita consumption data for each type of animal in the area being assessed. The results indicate that the available water in the Limpopo River basin, is currently estimated at an average volume of 713.79Mm3/year, and only 22% (158.17Mm3/year), is intended for irrigation of approximately 14385ha, of which 81271ha are in the water. to have investors available for the implementation of new projects.