Ingeniería de Sistemas de Riego y Drenaje

Small-scale Irrigation: The Driver for Promoting Agricultural Production and Food Security (The Case of Tigray Regional State, Northern Ethiopia)

Abstract

Nahusenay Teamer Gebrehiwot1*, Kassa Amare Mesfin2 and Jan Nyssen3

Small-scale irrigation practices determine the level of food production and, to a great extent, the state of the food security. Considering its importance to the overall growth of the agriculture sector, the Government of Ethiopia gives special emphasis to enhance agricultural production through the promotion of small-scale irrigation schemes. This paper looks at the role of small-scale irrigation in promoting agricultural production and food security. It pays particular attention to the results of small-scale irrigation practices, issues that enhance or impede small-scale irrigation capacities and explore complementary strategies that enhance the development of small-scale irrigation. We use descriptive and regression analysis to examine the relationship between small-scale irrigation and agricultural production. Relying on a survey result and observations, we conclude that, small-scale irrigation schemes could significantly improve agricultural production and the status of food security.