Abstract:
The effects of global climate changes are escalating the negative environmental impacts associated with the
changes and the worst hit in terms of water scarcity are the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of sub-Saharan
Africa such as Kenya, who continuously face adversities resulting from the intensification of climate conditions,
that has resulted for the extremities of more rainfall and more dryness in the region. The water scarcity
characterized in the region and the need to ensure that more conservative and sustainable ways of the
application of water are employed cannot be overemphasized. This paper reviews the Best Management
Practices (BMPs) of irrigation systems which have yielded better results in terms of water management and
irrigation systems usage. The methodology employed reviewed the use of irrigation systems as reported in
various literatures from two key aspects; the management factors of irrigation systems and the technical
irrigation design factors. The BMPs scenario considered include tillage (conservation and no-tillage), irrigation
systems (surface, sprinkler and drip). The BMPs are not established rules that override manufacturer’s
guidelines for irrigation practices, but are recommendations for practices that have yielded increased
agricultural productivity, crop production and minimized any soil or environmental impacts related to the
design and operation of irrigation systems. No-tillage practice was found to be the method with the least
negative environmental impact on soils ahead of the conventional ridging practice. Findings also reveal that
management roles dependent on technical factors played by the farmers are among the best BMPs. The
Irrigation Requirement, systems maintenance and Irrigation Scheduling (IS) are the most important BMPs to
consider consequently drip irrigation is the most efficient system to use followed by sprinkler then surface
irrigation systems.
