Financial viability of centre pivot sprinkler irrigation systems in a semi-arid climate

This study was carried out to evaluate the financial performance of centre pivot sprinkler irrigation systems in a semi-arid region. The analysis focused on financial performance indicators, including internal rates of return, benefit-cost ratio, and total yearly benefits. Specifically, the goal was to select the most appropriate irrigation system and determine the optimal crop productivity under semi-arid conditions. Field surveys were conducted during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 harvest seasons across two sites. The fieldwork focuses on two types of irrigation systems, namely: Almutawar and Zimmatic central pivots. The internal rates of return for Almutawar and Zimmatic systems corresponded to two harvesting seasons: for the 2022/2023 season, 12.9% and 11.7%; for the 2023/2024 season, it was 11.6% and 11.5%. The benefit-cost ratio: for the 2022/2023 season it was 1.13% and 1.12%; for the 2023/2024 season it was 1.13% and 1.12%. The total annual benefit: in the season of 2022/2023 was USD159,081.47 and USD158,888.20; in the 2023/2024 were USD158,845.39 and USD159,116.69, respectively. The results obtained from this study showed that the assessment of the financial performance of these two central pivot systems was viable and cost-effective. Moreover, the Zimmatic system outperformed the Almutawar system. These financial performance ratings can help agricultural investors make informed decisions.