Assessing the Geo-Hydrological Footprint of Mega Water Transfer Schemes on Agricultural Sustainability in Semi-Arid Agro-Ecosystems: ACase Study of Setif, Algeria

Abstract

This research evaluates the effectiveness of inter-basinal water transportation projects with a special focus on the High plains project in eastern Sétif under the impact of climate change on water availability. This study employs a methodology that incorporates the analysis of geographical information systems as well as hydrological data relating to the eastern and western hydraulic systems and conveys its on-site measurement of hydrodynamic properties of soil. The findings indicate that both the western and eastern systems regulate a water volume of 313 Mm³ per year of which roughly 239 Mm³ is used for irrigational means, thus alleviating the process of water deficiency in the region. The soil investigation showed that the soils have a low to intermediate infiltration rate (from 0.45 to 3.35 cm/h), porosity from 38 to 55%, and good water retention which ensures effective irrigation (5,636 m³/ha/year). The use of wind breaks has decreased wind velocity by 40% as well as the process of evapotranspiration.