THE IMPACT OF SMALL-SCALE IRRIGATION ON HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY: THE CASE OF TULIGULED DISTRICT, FAFAN ZONE, SOMALI REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

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.