Small-scale Irrigation Farming Research Articles

ASSESSMENT OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF GURARA DAM IRRIGATION SCHEME TO POVERTY REDUCTION AMONG FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

The study assessed the contribution of Gurara dam irrigation scheme to poverty reduction among farming households in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Data on respondents’ poverty status, and the constraints faced by farming households in utilizing the Gurara irrigation facilities was collected using structured questionnaire during the 2019 cropping season. A four-sampling stage technique was employed in this study to select randomly 340 farming households made up of 170 each of beneficiary and non-beneficiary. The analytical tools used to achieve the objectives were descriptive statistics, Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) index, and Tobit regression models. The poverty headcount, poverty gaps and severity indices of the Gurara dam beneficiary farming households were 0.24, 0.03 and 0.005, respectively. Decomposition of poverty status of the Gurara dam beneficiary and non-beneficiary farming households based on socio-economic characteristics, institutional and living conditions characteristics was estimated using mean per adult equivalent household expenditure. The Tobit regression model showed that the marginal effects of household size (0.176), cooperative membership (-0.168), farm income (-0.157), farm size (0.404) and credit utilized (-0.193) for farm production were statistically significant determinants of the poverty status of household farmers. The result of analysis of constraints encountered by Gurara dam farming households were ranked from most critical to the least critical; these include inadequate irrigable land and water; excessive cost of irrigation equipment, inadequate inputs, inadequate and untimely supply of inputs, inadequate extension visits and research. Farming households should be encouraged by government and Non-Government Organization (NGO) as well as their cooperative empowerment to engage in small scale irrigation farming to enable increase production of food and alleviate their poverty status.

Small-scale irrigation (SSI) farming as a climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practice and its influence on livelihood improvement in Offa District, Southern Ethiopia

Small-scale irrigated farming has been offered as a climate-smart agriculture (CSA) technology to boost production and diversify livelihood scenarios as an option to mitigate climate change. This study was to analyse factors that influence smallholder farmers' decisions to adopt small-scale irrigation (SSI) as CSA and to assess the influence of adoption on livelihood improvement. To obtain relevant data, the study employed a mixed research methodology that combines an explanatory research design with a qualitative approach. A total of 134 respondents were selected for the study's sample size. A mixed research methodology was used in this study to acquire pertinent data, which incorporated an explanatory research design and a qualitative approach. In the study area, 37.3% participated in small-scale irrigation, while 62.7% did not. The descriptive statistics result showed that, household socio-demographic factors; household socio-economic factors, and household institutional factors had significantly and statistically affect the adoption SSI. The Logit regression model results revealed that households; who owned more land holding size, access to credit services, get agricultural extension service, who near to the district market, who have middle age of HH, who Sex of HHH, who nearest farm sight, have TLU, have farming experience, have access to irrigation, and have good health status of the HHH were more likely to benefit from the use of small scale irrigation. The average annual gross income earned by participant and non-participant households from various crops in the three schemes was 370,190 and 83,983 ETB, respectively. As a result, participation in small-scale irrigation has a positive effect on the majority of household livelihood diversification, and expanding irrigation schemes improves rural farm households' livelihoods. As a result, policymakers and other stakeholders should prioritize small-scale irrigation technologies as CSA to improve rural household livelihoods.

Alterações de atributos químicos e físicos de vertissolo em área de produção de meloeiro

ABSTRACT Water quality and soil quality are of great importance for crop yield in the context of small-scale irrigated agriculture in the Northeast region of Brazil. In this respect, this study aimed to determine changes in soil fertility and resistance to root penetration caused by fertigated cropping, as compared to soil under native forest. In each area, a non-regular sampling grid was established, which consisted of 87 georeferenced points in the melon cultivated area and 8 points in the native forest area. At these points, samples were obtained at depths of 0-10, 10-20, 20-30 and 30-40 cm. The determinations performed included soil physical, chemical and mechanical attributes. Multivariate analysis techniques and geostatistical procedures were used to analyze and interpret the data. The cultivation of the Vertisol altered all the variables studied, compared to the area under native forest. Soil decompaction and increase in phosphorus content were positive effects, while organic matter decomposition and reductions in potassium, calcium, magnesium and cation exchange capacity were negative effects. Sodium content and porosity parameters were prominent factors in soil alterations.

Challenges Facing Leaders in Transforming Small-Scale Irrigation Farming in Usa River Ward, Arumeru District, Northern Tanzania

The low agricultural productivity of key crops and food insecurity continue to be a problem in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and Tanzania in particular. The growing population and climate change further increase the food shortage. Irrigation has been strategized to reduce poverty and food insecurity, and improve the livelihoods of communities in African countries, and in particular Tanzania. Transformational leadership for small-scale irrigation is urgently needed to attain the planned agenda for irrigation schemes. This study assessed the challenges of leadership in leading and transforming small-scale irrigation schemes. The questionnaires were distributed to leaders of the agriculture sector in four strata (agriculture extension officer (25), AMCOS leaders (6), agriculture engineers (2), irrigation committee (9)) with a total of 42 leaders as participants. A total of 118 farmers were interviewed from four irrigation canals (Ngollo (32), Ngarasero I (32), Ngarasero II (33), and Abisinia (21)) in the Usa River ward. The study found that the challenges of leaders in leading the transformation of small-scale farming for success were commitment of leaders, market chain, pest control mechanisms, irrigation extension service, planning, technological transformation and adoption, mobilization of farmers and professionals, monitoring and evaluation, knowledge of irrigation, and agro-input supply. This study shows that leaders’ transformation skills can play a great role in poverty reduction in small-scale irrigation in the Usa River ward. Therefore, leaders in the study area should play the role of transformational leadership effectively in managing small-scale irrigation by practicing a participatory approach to farmers problem-solving.

Effects of climate change on pastoral households in the Harshin District of the Somali Region, Ethiopia.

This study was conducted in the Harshin District of the Somali Region, Ethiopia, to understand the climate change trends, their consistency with pastoralists’ perceptions and their effects on pastoral households. The study used both qualitative and quantitative data collected from 143 households through household surveys. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were also employed to triangulate and substantiate the reports from household surveys. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and chi-square tests to test a degree of significance between the pastoral and agropastoral households for the impact of climate change. Mann–Kendall’s trend test and Sen’s slope estimator were employed to determine climate change trends of the study area. The result showed that pastoral households perceived an increasing trend in annual temperature and a decreasing trend in annual and seasonal rainfall. Mann–Kendall’s trend analysis confirmed pastoral communities’ perceptions of higher temperatures and rainfall variability, with the exception of a long-term decline in rainfall. The findings further indicated that six droughts (one severe and five moderate) were observed for the period 1983–2017. The result indicated that the significant increase in temperature along with high interannual and seasonal rainfall variability have been causing adverse impacts on crop and livestock production. Therefore, there is a need to provide drought-tolerant and early-maturing crops and improved livestock breeds for pastoral households. Water-related interventions such as small-scale irrigation farming and water harvesting during good rainy seasons is also paramount to enhance climate resilience of the local people.

Small Scale Irrigation Farming Adoption as a Climate-Smart Agriculture Practice and Its Impact on Household Income in Ethiopia: A Review

Small Scale Irrigation Farming Adoption as a Climate-Smart Agriculture Practice and Its Impact on Household Income in Ethiopia: A Review

Impact of irrigated and non-irrigated cropping systems on soil physicochemical properties in a small-scale irrigation farming system in Eastern Uganda

This study evaluated the impact of irrigation and cropping on soil physicochemical properties at Kyekide small scale irrigation farm in Jinja district, eastern Uganda. Treatments included Land-use systems under perennial and annual cropping with and without irrigation for over 20 years. The hypothesis was that there were insignificant differences in physicochemical properties of the soil under irrigated and non-irrigated cropping systems. Soil physical properties except hydraulic conductivity was not significantly different with irrigation and cropping. The pH of the soils ranged from moderately acidic to neutral pH (5.17-7.40), with irrigated soils tending to be more neutral than non-irrigated soils. SOM content was higher in the irrigated soils and perennial soils than in the non-irrigated and annual soils. The soils were moderately deficient in N and severely deficient in P (mean values =0.175% N and 1.183mg kg-1 P) compared with the critical of 0.2% and 15 mg kg-1, respectively. Irrigated soils had a significantly higher Na+ content than non-irrigated soils, with a mean value of 2.985cmol/kg. The K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ contents were higher in irrigated and perennial soils than non-irrigated and annual soils. The study suggested monitoring the soils under an irrigation scheme to prevent degradation due to increased salt accumulation or chemical fertility decline. Overall, monitoring of soil quality is vital in irrigation schemes to monitor the impacts of water on the environment.

Small Scale Irrigation Farming Adoption as a Climate-Smart Agriculture Practice and Its Impact on Household Income in Ethiopia. A Review Paper

Small-scale irrigated farming has been offered as a climate-smart agriculture technology to boost production and diversify livelihood scenarios as an option to mitigate climate change and variability. Small-scale irrigation as a climate-smart agriculture strategy is one of the most important adaptation options for increasing agricultural production in rural areas, stabilizing agricultural production and productivity, and mitigating the negative effects of variable or insufficient rainfall. The reviewed literature showed that the adoption of small-scale irrigation farming as a climate-smart agriculture practice has a significant positive influence on farming income. Small-scale irrigation practice increases the adaptive capacity of households by enhancing farm income. Small-scale irrigation users are better off in crop production that enhances household income and enables buffer against climate variability compared with non-users. Small-scale irrigation is an important strategy in reducing risks associated with both rainfall variability production of different crops twice or three times within a year and increasing income of rural farm-households. Farmers' age, distance to market, and formal employment all negatively influence small-scale irrigation adoption. Off-farm employment, irrigation equipment, access to reliable water supplies, and awareness of water conservation practices all positively promote Small-scale irrigation adoption. As a result, governments and other key stakeholders should consider strengthening small-scale irrigated farming in rural families as climate smart agriculture. Keywords: CSA, Small-scale irrigation adoption, household income, livelihood. DOI: 10.7176/JESD/12-17-02 Publication date: September 30 th 2021

Nexus Between Smallholder Irrigation Farming and Farmers’ Livelihood Outcomes in Ghana’s Guinea Savannah

The aim of the study was to relate small-scale irrigation farming and farmers’ livelihood outcomes using the poorest District in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The livelihood implications of rural farmers remain inconclusive across the literature. Mixed methods and primary data consisting of key informant interviews, household questionnaires and personal observation were used for the study. Data were obtained from 120 farmers drawn from 173 farming households living in four (4) small-scale irrigation dams’ communities. The results revealed a significant source of supplementary income and household food is provided by smallholder irrigation farming. The results further revealed that farmers employ a plethora of technologies including the use of mulch to stem soil moisture loss, livestock manure and chemical fertilizers to remedy soil productivity decline as well as hand-dug wells to supplement the reduction in irrigation water. However, the results revealed that irrigable land is not accessible to non-land owning ethnic groups. Access to irrigable land should be the number one consideration in siting irrigation facilities in Ghana.

Effects of Climate Change on Pastoral Households in Harshin District of Somali Region, Ethiopia

This study was conducted in Harshin district of Somali region, Ethiopia to understand the climate change trends, their consistency with pastoralists' perceptions, and their effects on pastoral households. The study used both qualitative and quantitative data collected from 143 households through household survey. Also, FGDs and KII were employed to triangulate and substantiate the reports from household survey. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Chi-square tests to test a degree of significance between the pastoral and agro pastoral household to the impact of climate change. Mann–Kendall’s trend test and Sen’s slope estimator was employed to determine climate change trends of the study area. This study showed that pastoral households perceived an increasing trend in annual temperature and a decreasing trend in annual and seasonal rainfall. Mann- Kendall's trend analysis confirmed pastoral communities' perceptions of higher temperatures and rainfall variability, with the exception of a long-term decline in rainfall. The findings further indicated that six droughts (one severe and five moderate droughts) were observed for the period 1983 to 2017. The result indicated that the significant increment of temperature along with high inter annual and seasonal rainfall variability have been causing adverse impacts on crop and livestock production. Therefore, there is a need to provide drought tolerant and early maturing crops and improved livestock breeds for pastoral households. Water related intervention such as small-scale irrigation farming and water harvesting during good rainy seasons is also paramount to enhance climate resilience of the local people.

The impact of irrigated agriculture on child nutrition outcomes in southern Ghana

In this study, we investigated whether irrigated agriculture results in improved child nutrition outcomes among farm households in southern Ghana. Using panel data collected between 2014 and 2015, this study seeks to add to the growing body of literature on the determinants of irrigated agriculture adoption, its effects on child nutrition, and the potential pathways through which irrigation can affect child nutrition outcomes. The results from the inverse probability weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) estimator suggest that children living in irrigating households have, on average, 0.23 standard deviations of weight-for-age and 0.27 standard deviations of weight-for-height higher than their counterparts; with males and under-five children gaining substantial improvements. Disaggregating irrigation by types, the results indicate that households planting on riverbeds or riverbanks had improved child nutrition. In contrast, children living with households lifting water from water sources had higher height-for-age and weight-for-age. Further analysis of the underlying pathways suggests that an increase in health care financing and improvement in environmental quality rather than decreases in illness incidence may be the crucial channels. Altogether, the findings show the importance of investments in agricultural development, particularly in small-scale irrigated agriculture technologies, to reduce childhood undernutrition.

Determining Factors of Household Decision to Participate on Small Scale Irrigation Practices in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia

Africa has been promoting small-scale irrigated agriculture as a means of ensuring food security as well as improving the standard of living of rural poor. The main aim of this study was to analyze the determining factors of household decision to participate on Small-Scale Irrigation Practices in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia. The study employed both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data was collected from randomly selected 150 households through interview schedules. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and econometric methods of analysis. Descriptive result indicated that only 28.67% of households participate on small scale irrigation practices and it is still low as compared to large population size of Wolaita Zone. Collapsed canal banks, unstable embankments, leaking lining in elevated embankments, and cattle climbing in and out of the canal are identified as canal related problems whereas lack of appropriate water laws, absence of irrigation association bylaws, conflicts, and sense of ownership are also management problems. Binary logistic result also revealed that location of the household from upstream side of the river, higher household income, being young-aged household head, owning large number of livestock, better accessing market, being male headed household, and attending in higher education improve the household decision to participate on small scale irrigation practices. The authors strongly recommended government, non-governmental organizations, and other concerned stalk holders to give emphasis on intensifying the use of modern agricultural technologies, strengthening the existing irrigation potentials, providing periodic awareness training, and providing different water holding structures to non-users. Keywords: smallholder farmers, small scale irrigation, participation, binary logistic model; DOI: 10.7176/JPID/57-02 Publication date: December 31 st 2020

Pathways how irrigation water affects crop revenue of smallholder farmers in northwest Ethiopia: A mixed approach

The relationship between irrigation water availability and crop revenue is multifaceted. However, most of the previous studies focused only on the direct effect of irrigation water on crop revenue or considered that the indirect effect passes only through the farmers’ improved farm inputs usage. Nevertheless, unlike previous studies, this study argues that a one-sided argument that irrigation water directly causes high crop revenue or indirectly affects crop revenue only via the farmers’ improved farm inputs usage is incomplete, as irrigation water not only directly contributes to crop revenue but also indirectly conduces to crop revenue via both the type of crops produced and the farmers’ improved farm inputs usage. Considering the previous studies’ limitations, this study investigates pathways how small-scale irrigation water affects crop revenue and identifies challenges of small-scale irrigation farming in Fogera district, Ethiopia. Results endorsed that irrigation water has both direct and indirect effects on crop revenue. The indirect effect is 67 percent of the total effect and it is mediated by both the type of crops produced and farmers’ improved farm inputs usage. The result also indicated that irrigation user farmers have a higher income, more livestock assets and resources and better food, housing, and cloths than the non-users. Moreover, challenges related to agricultural output and input market were identified as the most severe problem followed by crop disease. The findings of our study suggest that to utilize the benefits of irrigation water properly, it is crucial to encourage farmers to use more improved farm inputs and to shift from staple to cash crop production. Moreover, farmers are frequently exposed to cheating by illegal brokers in the output market, therefore it is also important to increase farmers’ accessibility to output and input markets, the quality of improved farm inputs, and the bargaining power of farmers with market information.

Can shallow groundwater sustain small-scale irrigated agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa? Evidence from N-W Ethiopia

We present an evidence-based approach to identify how best to support development of groundwater for small-scale irrigation in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We argue that it is important to focus this effort on shallow groundwater resources. We demonstrate and test this proposal at a case study site: Dangila woreda in the north-western highlands of Ethiopia. This site was selected to allow exploration of a shallow weathered volcanic regolith type aquifer formation which is found to the South of Lake Tana and also exists more extensively across Ethiopia. We believe lessons from this case study are transferable and there is a case for arguing that shallow groundwater represents a neglected opportunity for promoting sustainable small-scale irrigated agriculture in SSA.In comparison with other global regions, the groundwater resources of SSA are among the least understood; borehole records and hydrogeological studies are lacking. Assessments of groundwater resources do exist, but they rely on remotely sensed data combined with modelling at national or regional scale, and they focus on deeper aquifers. There is a need for these broad evaluations to be supplemented by localised and detailed assessments. The case study here presents such an assessment in order to support analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with developing small-scale irrigation utilising shallow groundwater.A multimethod groundwater recharge assessment was conducted utilising formal and community-based monitoring, field investigation and existing published data. Water table recovery tests at existing hand dug wells confirm that well yields of 1 l/s are achievable at the end of the wet season when water would be available to support an additional irrigated crop. Hydraulic conductivity estimates ranged from 0.2 to 6.4 m/d in the dry season and from 2.8 to 22.3 m/day in the wet season. Specific yield estimations have a wider range though the mean value of 0.09 is as would be expected.Records of groundwater levels and rainfall monitored by the local community for the period April 2014 to April 2018 show that all the wells maintained useable water levels beyond the end of the rainy season. An assessment of the hydrology of the Kilti catchment provided insights into groundwater availability within the wider area. The catchment receives about 1600 mm/year of rainfall, of which about 350 mm/year enters the groundwater as recharge, discharging to the river as baseflow with a similar amount of rapid runoff contributing to a total river flow of about 400 mm/year. The lowest value of baseflow is 82% of the mean baseflow, which suggests a degree of buffering and indicates that groundwater is available even in a very dry year.We conclude that arguments previously put forward against the promotion of shallow groundwater use for agriculture in SSA appear exaggerated. Our analysis challenges the view that shallow aquifers are unproductive and that irrigation will have unacceptable impacts on wetlands and other groundwater-dependent ecosystems. We believe lessons from this case study are transferable, and there is a case for arguing that shallow groundwater represents a neglected opportunity for promoting sustainable small-scale irrigated agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. It appears that factors other than the physical availability of groundwater control the ‘triggering’ of development. Interventions to promote development of groundwater resources should recognise the importance of shallow aquifers.

Small-Scale Irrigation Farming Interventions in Turkana County, Kenya

Kenya relies heavily on rain-fed agriculture for food production. About 80% of Kenya’s population live in rural areas and depend directly or indirectly on agriculture for their livelihoods. Agriculture continues to be the leading sector in the Kenyan economy in terms of its contribution to real GDP. Over-dependence on rain-fed agriculture is one of the major problems in Kenya's agricultural sector. Turkana County is a region of soils of high agricultural potential but aridity hinders its exploitation. It is characterized by scarce, erratic rainfall patterns. In the Kenya Vision 2030, under the economic pillar, increasing the land under irrigation is one of the key areas under agriculture sector. It aims at improving food security and household income which could contribute to nutrition security consequently to a healthy population that is competitive globally and has high quality of life. Small-scale irrigation has been practiced in Turkana for several years; however, there is scanty information about the effect of this irrigation on the nutrition status of the pre-school children. The current study investigated the small-scale irrigation farming interventions in Turkana County. The objectives of the study were to; determine socio-economic characteristics of households in Turkana County and evaluate food crop production via irrigation. Research design used was cross-sectional survey design. Purposive and cluster sampling were used. The study sample size was 420 comprising of 210 households practicing irrigation and 210 not practicing. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, Focused group discussions and observations. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The following computer software was used in data analysis; statistical software for social sciences. Qualitative data was analyzed into frequency distribution and Spearman’s rank correlations. Foods mainly produced via irrigation were legumes and nuts (68.1%), grains, roots and tubers (66.7%). It is recommended that creating enabling institutional and economic environments is a major prerequisite to successful irrigation farming interventions. There is also need to enhance production of fruits and vegetables in the current study area.

Adoption of Small-Scale Irrigation Farming as a Climate-Smart Agriculture Practice and Its Influence on Household Income in the Chinyanja Triangle, Southern Africa

This article is concerned with the adoption of small-scale irrigation farming as a climate-smart agriculture practice and its influence on household income in the Chinyanja Triangle. Chinyanja Triangle is a region that is increasingly experiencing mid-season dry spells and an increase in occurrence of drought, which is attributed largely to climate variability and change. This poses high agricultural production risks, which aggravate poverty and food insecurity. For this region, adoption of small-scale irrigation farming as a climate-smart agriculture practice is very important. Through a binary logistic and ordinary least squares regression, this article determines factors that influence the adoption of small-scale irrigation farming as a climate-smart agriculture practice and its influence on income among smallholder farmers. The results show that off-farm employment, access to irrigation equipment, access to reliable water sources and awareness of water conservation practices, such as rainwater harvesting, have a significant influence on the adoption of small-scale irrigation farming. On the other hand, the farmer’s age, distance travelled to the nearest market and nature of employment negatively influence the adoption of small-scale irrigation farming decisions. Ordinary least squares regression results showed that the adoption of small-scale irrigation farming as a climate-smart agriculture practice has a significant positive influence on agricultural income. We therefore conclude that to empower smallholder farmers to respond quickly to climate variability and change, practices that will enhance the adoption of small-scale irrigation farming in the Chinyanja Triangle are critical, as this will significantly affect agricultural income. In terms of policy, we recommend that the governments of Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, which cover the Chinyanja Triangle, formulate policies that will enhance the adoption of sustainable small scale-irrigation farming as a climate-smart agriculture practice. This will go a long way in mitigating the adverse effects that accompany climate variability and change in the region.

ON ANCIENT AGRICULTURE IN ARID REGIONS OF CENTRAL ASIA: THE CASE OF THE UVS NUUR BASIN

The Uvs Nuur Basin is one of the largest arid basins in southern Siberia and Central Asia. Local economy is based on pastoralism. Small-scale irrigation farming is practiced in river valleys. Satellite images of the basin reveal traces of ancient farming, which was much more extensive than that practiced at present. In the central part of the basin, in the Tes-Khem valley, dense irrigation networks are observed, along with numerous associated and hitherto unknown ancient settlements. Presumable remains of an ancient city surrounded by a network of irrigation canals were discovered on the west coast of Lake Uvs Nuur. Field studies confi rmed the results of image analysis. Parts of ancient irrigation systems, ruins of the city and separate settlements were documented on the ground. For the fi rst time, paleobotanical studies of buried soils and peatlands on ancient fi elds in the central Uvs Nuur Basin revealed seeds of Triticum sp. Remains of trees and grasses found in the same associations suggest that parts of the basin that are now desertedwere covered by forest-steppe landscapes, and the climate was milder at the time when agriculture was practiced. Tentative results of radiocarbon dating suggest that the city existed during the High Middle Ages. Our results point to a higher role of agriculture at that time as compared to the present.

Neurobehavioural symptoms and acute pesticide poisoning: a cross-sectional study among male pesticide applicators selected from three commercial farming systems in Ethiopia

ObjectiveTo estimate prevalence of acute pesticide poisoning (APP) and its association with neurobehavioural symptoms in Ethiopian pesticide applicators.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional survey among 256 pesticide applicators from small-scale irrigated farms,...

Small Scale Irrigation Development

The country Ethiopia is situated in East Africa and hence agriculture is the base for peopleA¢Â€Â™s basic fulfillment and the country is abundant by water resource. Even if we have ample amount of water still now rain-fed agriculture is more practiced than irrigation water application. Irrigation can be defined as the application of water to the soil for increasing the moisture content which is important for plant root-growth and development to prevent stress that may cause reduce the amount of yield as well as the quality of the crops. There is positive relation between irrigation service and poverty alleviation. The availability of water for irrigation in community helps to improve food security. It increases the potential for producing more food consistency in drought prone and food insecure areas. Small scale irrigation farming has played a vital role in enabling food production by lowering the risk of crop failure and sustaining households and food security status. Extension works should be done to aware the importance of irrigation system and the involvement of the local farmers could be include when the system is going to be efficient. Government and other related policy formulation organizations should focused on decentralized system among the users. Irrigation is more effective if all users and non-users participate actually during the planning, implementing, maintaining, monitoring and evaluating works. The participation of the stakeholders is pillar during the management and sustainability of the irrigation structures

Invest in small-scale irrigated agriculture: A national assessment on potential to expand small-scale irrigation in Nigeria

Nigeria is faced with the daunting challenge to improve performance of its agriculture sector. Currently, crop production in Nigeria is predominantly rainfed; irrigation is perceived as an important means to boost agricultural productivity in the country. We estimated the potential of expanding small-scale irrigation in Nigeria, considering both biophysical and economic constraints. Under baseline conditions, the land area in Nigeria with investment potential for small-scale irrigation is estimated to be 1 million ha in dry-season and 0.65 million ha in rainy season, respectively. Further sensitivity analyses show that the estimated potentially irrigable area depends on input parameters such as irrigation cost, fertilizer application rate and farmers’ risk aversion coefficient. These results reveal not only substantial potential of investing in small-scale irrigation in Nigeria, but also financial risks in the investment and importance of linking irrigation investment decisions to agricultural policies beyond irrigation to create coordinated strategy for agricultural development.