The Impact of Small Scale Irrigation on Crop Production and Income of Households: The Case of North Achefer Woreda, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study analyzed the impact of small scale irrigation on crop production and income of households in North AcheferWoreda, Amhara Regional State. It was conducted in the 5 selected Kebeles namely; Ambeshen, Yismala, Shobila, Chimba and Womberiabarkanta. Cross-sectional survey was employed to collect data from 175 respondents, in which 75 were irrigation users and 100 were non-users. The study has employed logit model to identify determinants of small scale irrigation participation and propensity score matching method to analyze the impact of small scale irrigation on crop production and household income. The result of logit regression indicated that livestock holding, fertilizer usage and training are identified as determinants of small scale irrigation in the study area. Propensity score estimation technique (kernel matching with band length 0.5) revealed that irrigation users are better in crop production by 6.01 quintals, and generate more income by birr 12,630.40 compared to non-users per year.  The findings of the study highlight that small scale irrigation is important in increasing crop production and income of households. Finally, this paper recommended irrigation non-users should be addressed and motivated to participate in irrigation to increase production and income of households.

Keywords: Small scale irrigation,  crop production, household income, PSM model