| Abstract: | Although the establishment of Kocha, Boobe and Dhuffa small scale irrigation schemes was
in an endeavour to improve the welfare of the people, it remains a pressing issue as economic
and social problems continue to affect plot holders which results in the schemes being
undermined. The purpose of this research is to assess the impact of House Hold and small
scale irrigation on the people’s livelihoods in Berfete Tokoffa, Dhuffa and Kore Oddo
kebeles. Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used in the investigation of the
impact of Irrigated Crop production on rural livelihoods. A sample of 90 respondents out of a
total of three hundred households was selected using random sampling. Data was collected
using interviews, questionnaires and observation. Analyses were done using descriptive
statistics. Tables and graphs were employed in presentation and analysis. Results were that
House Hold Irrigation interventions along the value chainhaveenabled to create employment,
income generation, supply of water throughout the year, improving the feeding habit of the
community, acquisition of assets such as local made carts and increased possession of
livestock by farmers and school fee generation by the community as a whole. However the
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yields produced have not yet addressed the food security situation of households. This is
attributed to lack of dependable source of improved seeds, fertilizers and agrochemicals, lack
of responsible extension service, inefficient water distribution, price volatility, and lack of
storage for the perishable produce, negative role of middlemen, are a few of the causes which
negatively affected their desire to produce at maximum capacity. However the intervention
by ATA in collaboration with MOA and Holeta Agricultural Research Centre have helped to
set the base for a sustainable development based on selected but meaningful interventions
influenced by the whole value chain from input provision all the way to marketing of produce
to ensure the viability and sustainability of irrigation on rural livelihoods. |
