The Role of Small-Scale Irrigation on the Income of Rural Households in South Wollo Zone, Amhara Regional State: The Case of Mekdela Woreda.

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate the role of small-scale irrigation on the income of rural households in Mekdela Woreda, South Wollo zone. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used for the selection of the sample Kebeles and sample respondents. Data were collected from 122 randomly selected household heads by using lottery method of which 61 users and 61 nonusers

from 3 Kebeles of the Woreda. Survey questionnaire, key informant interview and focus group discussions were used as primary data sources. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied for analyzing the data. Paired and independent t-test were used to compare income before and after irrigation, and users and non-users respectively. Correlation was used in order to see the relationship between continuous variables. Moreover, multiple linear regression model was used to identify factors that affect the income of rural households. The result of t-test revealed that the use of small-scale irrigation was found positively and significantly related with the income of households. In the multiple linear regression model, a total of sixteen explanatory variables were included. Among these, eight variables were found statistically significant. The mean income of user households increased after the intervention of irrigation and users are in a better position when compared to those that are non-users in terms of income obtained from on farm, non/off farm, livestock and livestock products. The study revealed that farm size, educational status, family labor force, access to irrigation, number of oxen, livestock ownership, access to training and access to credit of the households were found significant factors that affect the total income of households. Therefore, the finding of the study suggested that concerned bodies should give more focus on strengthening and development of small-scale irrigations to improve the income of households in the study area. Awareness should be created about the role of irrigation for farmers to use the available surface and underground water for agriculture and due attention should be given for training farmers to update the knowledge and skill of farmers.