| Abstract: | The Ethiopian economy is based on agricultural activity, which is mainly subsistent and
encountered different socio-economic challenges. Stemming from this logical ground, This study
aimed to identify the challenges and opportunities of an irrigated wheat production project in
Gelan Guda sub city in gelan guda district in three geres (meteli, buludo and akindo), Oromo
regional state of Ethiopia. Cross-sectional data was gathered from 109 randomly selected
irrigated wheat producers in the district. The collected data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel
and Stata software. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percent, and mean were used to
explain the data. The result of this study surprisingly, the respondents’ entire livelihood was
dependent on crop, vegetable, and livestock production. The result of this study confirms that
flood, wheat disease and pest problems, and input supply challenges such as limited access to
quality seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals, low productivity, and wheat attacking birds are the
top five challenges of irrigated wheat production. On the other hand, the study identifies several
opportunities that can bolster irrigated wheat production in the district. Accordingly, the
presence of irrigable land , high commitment from the government, and robust demand for wheat
are the top three opportunities for irrigated wheat production. Based on the results, this study
concludes that the existence of irrigated wheat production is hindering challenges and
opportunities in the district. Therefore, the government and non-government organizations
should give special attention to identified challenges and use existing opportunities to enhance
wheat production using irrigation projects. |
