The Contribution of Small Scale Irrigation to Households’ Income and Food Security: The Case of Gambela Tere Irrigation Scheme, East Wellega Zone of Oromia

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2011-06

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the contributions of small scale irrigation to household food security and income and to describe factors affecting the small scale irrigation schemes. The study was conducted in Gobu Seyo district on GambelaTere small scale irrigation scheme. To achieve the objective the study both quantitative and qualitative methods were used that employed descriptive survey approach. Data were collected from 150 household heads (75 irrigation users and 75 none users) through questionnaire, which were drawn by simple random sampling technique. In addition, household field observation, Focus Group Discussions and key informant interviewswere used to collect data. To get the food security status of households, a modified form of a simple equation termed as Household Food Balance Model, originally adapted by Degefa (1996) from FAO was applied. The findings of the study highlights that there is a positive impact of irrigation because it brings increased agricultural production and productivity, which in a way improves food security situation income and asset building. Regarding food security, irrigation users are in a better position in food access, utilization and availability. Irrigation users are also in a better position in dietary frequency and diversity. About 76% irrigation users were food secured (get >2100 kcal) while only 49.5 % of none irrigation users were food secured. Irrigation, resulting in generating more income, the income of irrigation users is more than double of none irrigation users. The household asset of irrigation users has increased by 422%. Furthermore, some of the factors affecting small scale irrigation were found to be skill gap in utilization of irrigation agronomy, instability of market, shortage of labour and lose of water and poor maintenance of infrastructures. It has been, therefore, concluded that small scale irrigation development contributes for income and food security of beneficiary households. Thus, the concerned government organizations and none-governmental organizations should join hands to support the development of such small scale irrigation schemes. Linking the farmers with marketing system, training on irrigation agronomy, promotion of post harvest technology and making the users aware of effective and efficient utilization of water irrigation management has paramount contribution in food security in income improvement

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Food Security

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