Abstract:
The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of small scale irrigation on crop
productionof the farm households in Gayta and Zelesakebele . Cross-sectional survey research
design was employed to attain the stated objective. Probable and non-probable sampling
technique was used to determine the needed sample household. To this end, 136 households were
selected from the irrigation farming household by using simple random sampling method. The
researcher used both primary and secondary data source to collect the necessary information.
The researcher used both quantitative and qualitative approach to analysis data obtained from
sample households. The study employed survey method and personal observation to collect data.
Farming household and key informant were interviewed to collect primary data. In addition,
relevant literature and essential documents that was useful for the study were reviewed. Also, the
crop production and income generating was assessed that used to assess the impact of small scale
irrigation in the study area. The result reveals that small scale irrigation has an impact on crop
production and economic wellbeing of households.
Land use intensity and crop diversification was improved due to irrigation. Land use intensity
improved due to increases in acreage of main crop as well as cultivating at both seasons. Crop
diversification was also observed as a result of irrigation development in the study area. Almost
the ent0ire farm household increased producing different types of crops and market oriented types
of crop two cycles per a year. The study finding highlights that small-scale irrigation farming
activity for food security enhancement, high yield obtained in irrigation and other benefit
such as increased income, crop diversification, land use intensity, and the like are
indication that small-scale irrigation can bring sustainable agriculture and economic
development in the study area. But issues related to small size of farm plot, input supply, market
situation, reservoir capacity to enrich irrigation water for all user groups, crop water
requirement, ways of water distribution for users and infrastructure can affect the sustainability of
small-scale irrigation schemes.
