Abstract:
irrigation dams from small-scale up to large-scale irrigation scheme so as to reduce the
frequent drought, food insecurity and poverty problems. Koga large-scale irrigation is part
of these initiatives for rural farmers and intended to achieve poverty reduction goals.
However, less attention is given for large-scale irrigation schemes for rural farmers in the
country. The main objective of this study was to examine the impact of Koga-large scale
irrigation scheme on poverty status of rural households of Mecha District. A two stage
random sampling technique was employed to select 180 sample households. Both primary
and secondary data were collected. Primary data were collected using semi-structured
questionnaire through interviewing. Descriptive statistics, Foster-Greer-Thorbecke index
formula, and econometric model were used to analyze the data. The average treatment
effect on the treated result indicated that the mean annual income and daily consumption
expenditure per adult equivalent of irrigation users were increased by 29.86% and
28.87%, respectively. The mean squared poverty gap of irrigation user households were
significantly reduced by 15% as compared to irrigation non-user households. The poverty
analysis result shows that irrigation users and non-users poverty incidence, depth and
severity index were 20%, 1.5% and 0.2% and 41%, 7% and 1.7%, respectively. The major
constraints identified were marketing problem, pest and disease, poor extension service,
water shortage and input constraints. The study depicted that large-scale irrigation dam
project would contribute reducing poverty status of rural households. Based on the key
research findings, this study provides recommendations on maintenance and expansion of
irrigated areas, construction of dams and pressurized irrigation system, proper pest and
disease management, market development and encouraging contract farming, improving
credit and extension service for making irrigated agriculture effective tool for poverty
reduction.
