Land Consolidation in Irrigation Projects

A model for land consolidation and the layout of irrigation systems was developed in Morocco about 20 yr ago and has been used widely there ever since. Known as the "rational layout" scheme, this approach facilitates modern farming activities and rotational water distribution in areas with diversified agriculture and small land parcels. Rational layout represents a fusion of two other approaches to irrigation layout which were tested individually with less success: (1) An agriculturist's approach emphasizing modern farming principles, particularly collective plowing; and (2) an engineering approach which provides a permanent consolidated on-farm irrigation network, including irrigation ditches, drainage channels and farm roads. The rational layout scheme is unique in dealing with the various factors that must be considered in regrouping separate small plots into consolidated areas for irrigation. These include irregular plot size, surface or sprinkler irrigation systems, crop diversification, crop rotation, and agricultural mechanization. Areas using this system have shown increased irrigation efficiency, higher yields and cropping intensity, and increased use of modern agricultural practice.