CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF IRRIGATED WHEAT PRODUCTION PROJECT ON SMALL HOLDER FARMERS; THE CASE OF GELAN GUDA SUB CITY

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.