The Effects of Small Dams on Agriculture and Groundwater Development: A Case Study of the Tendahah Dam, Asir Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

During this research, it was verified that small dams play an important role in groundwater sustainability and agriculture. The main objective of this study was to assess the impacts of the Wadi Tendahah dam on groundwater and agriculture. Proper planning and management of small dams may improve sustainable agriculture in the Tendahah region. The study also found that the construction of the Tendahah Valley Dam on an impermeable rock layer had a major role in the lack of groundwater recharge, especially in the dry seasons, and this, in turn, affected agriculture in its study area. Given the positive and negative impacts of the Tendahah Valley Dam or similar, the appropriate place for the construction and maintenance of small dams should be chosen periodically.