ASSESSMENT ON THE IMPACT OF IRRIGATION-BASED AGRICULTURE ON FOOD SECURITY IN SEMI ARID AREAS

Abstract

The study on impacts of irrigation-based agriculture on food security in semi-arid areas has been conducted as a case study on the Tibla Irrigation-based Integrated Development Project, which is located in the three adjacent districts of Jeju, Sire and Merti, all of which are administratively found in Arsi Zone of Oromia Regional State in Ethiopia. The main objective of this irrigation-based development project is to tackle the problem of food insecurity and thereby enhance further development endeavours in the project area and its surroundings. The project envisages that through the implementation of the project the food security, the general livelihood and living standards of the people in the project area and its environs will change and improve. It is further anticipated that the realization of this development project will induce and enhance all round development in the agro-practice, in the socio-economic and cultural aspects of the project participant communities. The Tibla Irrigation-based Development Project is located at about 150 km away from the country’s capital, Addis Ababa to the east direction and 95 km away from Asela Town (Arsi Zone capital). Arsi is the zonal administrative division in which the three project districts are located. The project area entirely falls in the lowland areas of the three districts. The project area is situated in the upper Valley of the Awash River. Awash River is the largest water body in this arid and semi-arid area and the river is well known for its irrigation potential and this specific project is situated along the river. The project area is part of the Great East African Rift Valley with the physical feature of extensive plain land. The main objective of the studywas to assess the impacts of the irrigation development project on the living conditions of the project population. It assessed the impacts of the project on the food security situation of the targeted community and the role of water users’ associations on the management of the project. G

The specific objectives were to investigate the impact of the irrigation project on household food securityand overall livelihood situation, assess the extent of community-based administrative and management structures and systems, identify strengths including successes and promising practices and limitations that have impending factors, assess market situations for agricultural production in the irrigation project and identify constraints therein, draw constructive lessons and document new knowledge and feasible working systems and strategies and furnish specific, actionable, and practical recommendations for further improvement of the project and realization of optimal benefits. The main tool of data collection was an interview schedule using close-ended questions in most cases and open-ended question style in some cases. Focus group data collection method and tool was also used with the extension workers and Water Users Associations’ (WUA) leaders and ordinary members. Groups of WUA leaders and members and extension workers in an appropriate number or size participated in each focus group discussion to collect information on appropriate issues. Guiding question checklists were employed in the focus group discussions. In-depth interview data collection method was followed while discussing with government officials, professionals and the like key informants. Secondary data collection method was employed to collect relevant data from literature review, from the Districts Agricultural and Rural Development Office, local administrations and other offices. The findings of this study had revealed that farmers were able to produce more agricultural crops from small plot of land for household consumption and some surplus for marketing. They have ensured household food-security and become self-sufficient after the irrigation scheme began. The project participants were able to generate significant income from the cash crops they produce and thereby highly enhanced household income in a sustainable manner. The irrigators were able to construct corrugated roof houses, build houses at urban centers, and purchase different household furniture. Farming households have been able to access improved health services and send their children to schools. Farmers had started saving in nearby G

banks. Other social services like hotel, grinding mill, and shops has been opened in the area. There was high improvement in livestock feed coming from natural grass, forage development, crop residues and adequate and reliable source of water for livestock in the area have become a reality.This study had further revealed that the project has created job opportunity for large number of landless youths and women residing around the project area and for those job seekers coming from different places. There were some negative impacts because of the project. Chemical sprays used by farmers as insecticides were polluting the water used for domestic purposes. People had expressed concern in that the water will have long-term effect on their health. As the people and livestock livetogether within the irrigation command area, there were high incidents of damage to the main canals. Even though the sending of children and youths to schools, including the opportunity for higher education for youths have increased with the introduction of the project, some youths tend to drop-out of school with the opportunities created for easier cash earning. Increases in social malpractices such as high crime rate due to diverse people migrating to the project area were visible. The other negative aspect of the project was the decline in the livestock population. It was due to scarcity of labour to share between livestock rearing and practicing irrigated agriculture, and shortage of grazing land in the vicinity. Farmers and extension workers were focusing more and more on the production of cash crops at the expense of livestock rearing. Therefore, the livestock holding in the irrigation command area has shown a declining trend, thereby limiting the opportunity of diversifying household nutrition and income.