Impact of Mai Nugus Irrigation Scheme on Household Food Security: A Case Study in Laelay Maichew Woreda, Central Zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopian agriculture is largely small scale subsistence oriented and crucially dependent on rainfall. Although irrigation is one means by which agricultural production can be increased, irrigated production is far from satisfactory in the country. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of small scale irrigation on household food security and also to describe the management systems of the schemes. The study was conducted in Laelay Maichew district on three peasant associations namely Dura, Debre Birhan and Medego. Data was collected on 236 household heads and 135, 49 and 52 households were interviewed from Dura, Debre Birhan and Medego respectively. The study concluded that small scale irrigation is one of the viable solutions to secure household food needs in the study area. The study also suggested the proper management system of the irrigation schemes in order to sustainably use them.