Designing Low-Cost Irrigation Systems for Drought Prone Areas in Mali: An Engineering Perspective

Irrigation systems are essential for agriculture in Mali's drought-prone areas, where water scarcity significantly impacts crop productivity. A multidisciplinary approach combining hydrology, agronomy, and engineering methodologies was employed to develop the irrigation system designs. An innovative mathematical model $Q = f(P, A)$ was developed to optimise water flow (where Q is flow rate, P is pressure, and A is area), ensuring sustainable irrigation practices with minimal energy input. The designed low-cost irrigation systems not only improve agricultural productivity but also reduce operational costs by up to 40% compared to traditional methods. Implementing these systems in Mali could lead to substantial improvements in food security and economic development, particularly in rural communities.