Abstract:
Ethiopia’s agriculture is largely dominated by small-scale rain-fed production, which is
vulnerable to irregular rainfall patterns. Small-scale irrigation is considered a key solution to
mitigate these challenges, helping to reduce rural poverty and food insecurity while enhancing
agriculture’s contribution to the national economy. This study examined the impact of small-scale
irrigation on household food security in Tuliguled District, Fafan Zone, Somali Regional State,
Ethiopia. Using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method, data were collected from 224
households, including 109 irrigation users and 115 non-users. Both primary and secondary data
sources were employed. Quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, binary
logistic regression, and propensity score matching. The analysis showed that 45% of irrigation
users accessed water from groundwater, while 33% relied on pumped river water. The average
treatment effect on the treated (ATT) revealed that households participating in irrigation consumed
1,256.86 Kcal/AE/Day more than non-participants. Descriptive statistics indicated that 75% of
participants were food secure, compared to 48% of non-participants. Sorghum and maize were the
main staple foods, with food shortages occurring primarily from July to December. Key factors
influencing participation in small-scale irrigation included education, household size, land size,
distance to markets and water sources, access to extension services, and non-farm income.
Households often coped with food shortages through government food aid and consuming less
preferred foods. The study concluded that small-scale irrigation is a viable strategy for improving
food security in the region. It recommends expanding access to irrigation through government and
non-governmental efforts to enhance rural livelihoods.
