Agricultural and Biological Research

Smallholder farmers participation in small-scale irrigation: The case of Emba Alaje district, Tigray regional state, Ethiopia

Moges Girmay Phogella* and Workie Sahlu Anbaw

Introduction: Small-scale irrigation has direct and indirect impacts in enhancing the livelihood of farm households through diversification of crops grown, increased agricultural production, increased household income, and increased employment opportunities.

Objective: This study was conducted to identify determinant factors of household’s participation in irrigation in the Emba Alaje district.

Methodology: In this study, multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 137 target respondents. The primary data were collected using an interview schedule and conducting focus group discussions and key informant interview. Various documents were reviewed to collect the secondary data.

Result: The probit model result indicates that participation in small-scale irrigation is positively and significantly influenced by livestock holding, total cultivated land size, and frequency of extension contact. Whereas, participation in small-scale irrigation is negatively influenced by age of the household head, distance to irrigation water and distance to farmer training center, participation in small-scale irrigation.

Conclusion: In the study area the participation in small-scale irrigation was significantly affected by different socio-economic, demographic and institutional factors.

Recommendation: To solve the problems and improve small-scale irrigation participation, the government, especially irrigation development office of the district should create awareness to farmers about utilization of irrigation scheme.