Water storage practices for small-scale irrigation systems in East Hararghe zone, Ethiopia

Mideksa Fufa Jilito,Desalegn Yadeta Wedajo,Tsegaye Woldetsadik Tuke,Bekele Wegi Feyisa

doi:10.2166/ws.2021.017

Abstract

AbstractAgricultural productions of smallholder farmers are vulnerable to rainfall shortage and variability in Ethiopia. Thus, this study was aimed to examine water storage strategies practiced by farmers for small-scale irrigation systems in East Hararghe zone, Ethiopia. Data were collected from 300 irrigation user households using an interview schedule. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate probit (MVP) model. The research findings revealed that about 62.67, 54.33, 20.33 and 17.67% of households have used borehole, shallow wells, hand-dug, and farm pond water storage practices for small-scale irrigation, respectively. The finding of the MVP model showed that the choice of using borehole water storage practices affected by education level and frequency of extension contacts. The choice of shallow wells to store water was influenced by livestock size, participation in non-farm activities, and the use of the improved seed. Furthermore, the choice of using hand-dug is affected by household size, farm size, access to training, external support, and weather information. Finally, the size of livestock ownership influenced the choice of ponds for small-scale irrigation. Therefore, various stakeholders should work to enhance the water storage capacity of the farmers by reducing the hindrances and strengthening enabling factors in the study areas.

Highlights

IntroductionAgriculture is integral to reduce poverty and ensure adequate food supplies for the growing population
This means that male farmer are engaged in water resources planning, management, and utilization more than female farmers, women play a significant role in managing water as they have substantial involvement and stakes in both domestic and agricultural water use
This study examined water storage strategies practiced by smallholder farmers for small-scale irrigation systems

Summary

Introduction

Agriculture is integral to reduce poverty and ensure adequate food supplies for the growing population Agricultural production of many developing countries highly depends on rain-fed and vulnerable to both intra-annual and inter-annual fluctuations in rainfall (Pachauri et al ). Rainfall shortage and variability result in the risk of intra-seasonal droughts. Drought aggravates a high level of food insecurity and poverty (Cochrane ). F. Jilito et al | Water storage practices for small-scale irrigation systems

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