AN EVALUATION ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HOUSE HOLD IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGIES ON THE LIVES OF FARMERS: THE CASE OF DHUFFA, BERFETE TOKOFFA AND KORE ODO KEBELES IN WELMERA WEREDA, WESTERN SHEWA OF OROMIA,ETHIOPIA

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 xiii 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.