Assessment of Water Quality Parameters in Irrigation Channels Serving Fadama Farmers in Kebbi State

Fadama irrigation schemes in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria, support year-round vegetable and cereal production for thousands of smallholder farmers, yet the quality of irrigation water in these channels remains poorly documented. This study assesses selected physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters of water in irrigation channels across three fadama communities in Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, and Yauri Local Government Areas. Water samples were collected at six points within each channel network during both irrigation and non-irrigation seasons and analysed for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, nitrate, phosphate, iron, manganese, faecal coliforms, and selected heavy metals. Results revealed that electrical conductivity values in all three channels ranged from 890 to 2,340 microsiemens per centimetre, indicating moderate to high salinity that may affect salt-sensitive crops. Faecal coliform counts exceeded the WHO guideline of 1,000 CFU per 100 mL in two channels during the irrigation season, presenting potential food safety risks. Iron and manganese concentrations were elevated in Argungu channels, attributed to upstream mining activities. The findings identify multiple water quality stressors and underscore the need for improved watershed governance, on-farm water treatment, and periodic monitoring under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture's irrigation development programme. Keywords: irrigation water quality, fadama, Kebbi State, faecal coliforms, electrical conductivity