Junior Cycle Geography CYCLONE How the Scheme Worked?
The scheme modernised the irrigation system from overground channels into buried canals with brick lining and pipes. This meant that less water was lost to evaporation. The project will also save 5 billion m³ of water per year. At pumping stations, diesel pumps were replaced with new electric pumps.
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What advantages do you think modern irrigation canals have over open canals in a country like Egypt? (Think about the climate.)
Environmental Impact
The new irrigation system resulted in a 46% reduction in energy costs for pumping water.
Social Impact
In the past, farms owned and run by women had been denied access to water provided by irrigation in favour of male-owned farms. FIMP allowed women farmers to modernise and irrigate their farms and helped improve their agricultural skills. This enabled these women to provide food and income for their families.
Economic Impact
To date 10,000 people have been employed in the planning and construction of the system.
In 2020, large- and small- scale farmers recorded an 18% increase in family income as a result of higher yields and lower irrigation costs.
Question Time
1. What is overexploitation? 2. Explain what irrigation is and how it works. 3. List and explain one physical and one human reason for the need for irrigation in Egypt.
4. Describe one economic, one social and one environmental benefit that irrigation has brought to Egypt.