Five Key Constraints to Small Scale Irrigation Development in Ethiopia: Socio-Economic View

Adugna Eneyew Bekele

P.O.Box 307 Jimma University, College of Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine, Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension

Email: adugna_e@yahoo.com

Accepted 23 September 2014

Abstract

This paper presents a brief review on the constraints of small scale irrigation schemes in Ethiopia with the aim of summarizing findings of others in one. Although, Ethiopia is considered as a water tower of Africa, only 5% irrigation potential is developed yet. It is believed that small scale irrigation can increase security of crop production and income earning. Concurrently, in many parts of the country; it uplifted the food security of many smallholder farmers. However, evidence has shown that there are several constraints on the performance of small scale irrigation schemes and most are not performing at the best of their capacity. The key constraints impeding the success of small scale irrigation are; poor scheme management, imperfect market, financial shortage, insufficient technical skill, and institutional constraints. This paper argues that there is a need of attention by irrigation administrators, policy makers and development practitioners to tackle these constraints in order to develop small scale irrigation potential.

Keywords: Ethiopia, small scale irrigation, constraints.