Challenge and Opportunity of Small Scale Irrigation in Assosa District, Benishangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the challenge and opportunity of small scale irrigation in Amba four kebele, Assosa District, Benishangul Gumuz Region, western Ethiopia in the year 2019. In the kebele farmer’s grow different cereals, vegetable and fruit and soil types was mostly dominated by clay red which have medium soil fertility. To undertake this research data was collected by questionnaires and interviews from 61 sample respondents and kebele agriculture experts. The data was analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science and presented by like table, percentage and graph. There are so many challenges faced in the kebele based on the questionnaires survey 50% of the respondent are exposed to those serious factors i.e. lack of irrigation awareness, lack of water saving technologies, lack adequate base line about irrigation, lack of experience in design and supervision about irrigation project and poor economic back ground. Finally the research finding was concluded that there were different output/results based on the research objectives according to the challenges of small-scale irrigation 11.5% of the respondent were exposed to different conflict/disagreement due to shortage of sufficient irrigation system and low capacity of water on the area and on the contrary we have generalized that there have been good opportunities according to our finding 98.4% of the respondent are agree as result of irrigation they have an opportunity to produce crops and vegetables by gaining water from their irrigation system. As a result this irrigation technology used as source of income, maximizing of food production, reduction of poverty. The efficient and effective use of the water resource in irrigation region is central to the long term sustainability of irrigated region in the area. Finally we have been suggest different point of view based our finding we recommended to the concerned bodies such as Assosa District agriculture office, Amba four kebele agriculture office and farmers to work hormonally to each other sought solution for small-scale irrigation challenges and the government should give attention on those critical issues.