Flood Recession Agriculture: Case Studies

Abstract

Flood recession agriculture is a common practice in many regions of the world on river floodplains, lake margins, and other wetlands where water levels rise and fall predictably. As water levels recede, wetted and nutrient-rich soils are exploited for their high agricultural productivity, with crops harvested before rains return inundating the landscape once again generally on a seasonal basis. The importance of flood recession agriculture may be substantial in arid and semi-arid areas with intermittent rains. It is significant in supporting subsistence needs, but may be compromised by damming and other schemes that perturb natural catchment hydrology. Flood recession agriculture reflects a ‘knowledge’ economy, local practices and crop choices closely linked to the unique topography, hydrology and other characteristics of flood recession areas.