DETERMINANTS OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ PARTICIPATION IN SMALL SCALE IRRIGATION: THE CASE OF DEDER DISTRICT OF EASTERN HARARGHE ZONE, ETHIOPIA MSc. THESIS BEDASSO URGESSA WAKENE NOVEMBER, 2018 HARAMAYA UNIVERSITY,

Abstract

Irrigation is one means by which agricultural production can be increased to meet the growing food demands. However, farmers’ participation in the rehabilitation and management of smallscale irrigation schemes in Ethiopia has largely been peripheral. Irrigation systems cannot meet their intended objectives without appropriate governing organizations to manage, maintain and operate the systems, and require the active involvement of the community for their sustainable operation. Therefore, this study identified and analyzed, the socio- economic, institutional and organizational factors affecting participation of smallholder farmers in small-scale irrigation and its effect on household income in Deder Wereda of East Hararghe Zone. Two stage sampling procedure was used for the selection of sample respondents. First, the total irrigation user kebeles of the district were identified and four kebeles were selected using simple random sampling. At the second stage, 150 sample respondents were selected using stratified sampling, probability proportion to size and simple random sampling method. A cross-sectional survey method was used and data was collected through semi-structured interview schedule, focus group discussions, key informant interview and direct personal observation. Descriptive statistics and Heckman’s two-stage estimation model were used for data analysis. The analysis revealed that sex of the household head, availability of family labor force, total livestock holding and access to extension service are significant factors affecting both participation in small-scale irrigation and irrigation income. Whereas, distance from household’s residence to the water source, size of cultivated land and perceived soil fertility status are significant factors affecting participation in small scale irrigation and. land under irrigation is significantly affect irrigation income. In addition, management bodies of irrigation water users associations in the study areas are criticized for their poor performance in scheme management and for not fulfilling their responsibilities in protecting the infrastructure from being damaged. Therefore, it is important to apply the right agricultural practices and management systems in order to increase agricultural productivity and production. Effectiveness in internal governance is needed for sustainable use of resources and to enhance participation in small-scale irrigation schemes thereby improve small holder farmers’ income