The Contribution of Irrigation Development on Household Poverty Reduction in Ethiopia: A Case Study of Adiha Irrigation Scheme, Kola- Tembien Woreda, Central Zone Of Tigray, Ethiopia
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Date
2010-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
To tackle the problem of dependency on nature dictated agriculture and improve
the food security situation of the population, the government of Ethiopia gave due
emphasis to irrigation development. Accordingly, a number of irrigation schemes
were constructed. This study was conducted with the general purpose of
assessing the contribution of irrigation development on household food security in
Kola Tembien Woreda, Adiha Tabia. Primary data was collected through
household survey, key informants interviews, focus group discussion and
personal observation. Relevant secondary data was also reviewed. Both
quantitative (descriptive statistics) and qualitative data analysis methods were
employed. While comparing the irrigation users and rain f ed households, the
majority of the irrigation users were found to have been able to f eed themselves
(38% 12 months, 24.3% more than 10 months) from their own production while
the non-irrigators only feed themselves from six to nine months. The trend of
owning assets is in a better position for irrigators (21 out of 37 irrigators) than for
non-irrigators (16 out of 69). In terms of modem input utilization, the irrigators
have utilized a relatively higher amount than the non irrigators. When comparing
the labour utilization, 63% of the irrigation users and 23% of the non-irrigation
users employed hired labour in their field. This signifies irrigation demands more
labour and as a result it creates job opportunities for the surrounding population.
The major challenges that inhibit the optimal utilization of the irrigation scheme
are lack of market, poor infrastructure, failure or cultural resistance to adopt
modem technologies, inefficient water utilization, inadequate government support
and very high fertilizer price.
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Household Poverty Reduction