Groundwater utilization practices for irrigation systems in east Hararghe zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Groundwater irrigation plays a critical role to improve food security and livelihoods of rural communities. However, proper utilization of groundwater remains a major constraint for farmers involved in irrigated agriculture. Therefore, this study has explored groundwater utilization practices for irrigation systems among farmers of east Hararghe zone, Ethiopia. Six kebeles from two districts were randomly selected for the study. Quantitative data was collected using an interview schedule from 300 households. Qualitative data was collected using key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize demographic, socio-economic, and institutional characteristics of sample households. Chi-square and F-tests were used to see the association between independent variables and irrigation systems. Survey results revealed that about 1.67, 5, 9.33, 30.67, 53.33% of households practiced irrigation systems using small streams, ponds, shallow wells, borehole, and a combination of two or more of the above water sources, respectively. Moreover, the high cost of geo-membrane, shortage of motor pumps, and lack of farm tools to construct wells and boreholes are the major problems households faced to store and utilize water. Therefore, the supports of various stakeholders to the development of small scale irrigation are essential to transform smallholder farmers from rain-fed dependent to irrigated agriculture.

Keywords:

• groundwater
• irrigation systems
• perceptions
• utilization
• water storage

PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT

Increases in food demand and climate variability have resulted in a chronic food shortage in Ethiopia. With increasing food demands of the population and small farm size owned in Ethiopia, it is useful to transform the rain-fed agricultural systems to the combined rain-fed and irrigated agriculture. Groundwater is a significant source of water for human consumption and irrigation. Groundwater is also relevant to sustaining ecosystems and ecosystem services. Thus, this study emphasized on groundwater utilization practices for irrigation systems. Improving the growth of food production and income of smallholder farmers require effective utilization of groundwater resource. Therefore, proper utilization and management of available water is a better solution for rain fed agriculture to cope up with rainfall variability.

Acknowledgements

This study was financially supported by Haramaya University; therefore, deserves our deep thankfulness. Also, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Haramaya and Kersa districts agricultural offices for their active coordination and participation during conducting survey.

Disclosure statement

The authors have not declared any conflict of interests.

Data availability statement

The data used for this study can be obtained from the corresponding author

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Haramaya University [HURG_2018_05_01_46]; Haramaya University [HURG_2018_05_01_46]; Haramaya University [HURG_2018_05_01_46]; Haramaya University [HURG_2018_05_01_46].

Notes on contributors

Mideksa Fufa Jilito

Mideksa Fufa Jilito, Desalegn Yadeta Wedajo, and Tsegaye Woldatsadik Tuke are academic staff members in the department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension (RDAE), Haramaya University, Ethiopia. Bekele Wegi Feyisa is an academic staff in the School of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Haramaya University. Mideksa Fufa received BA in Rural Development and MSc in RDAE from Ambo and Haramaya universities, respectively. His research activities include livelihoods, agricultural extension, and irrigation. Desalegn Yadeta earned BSc in RDAE from Haramaya University and MSc in Rural Development and Management from China Agricultural University, China. His research interests include livelihoods, technology adoption, and agricultural innovations. Bekele Wegi received BSc and MSc in Agricultural Economics from Addis Ababa and Haramaya universities, respectively. His research interests include agricultural productivity, food security, and climate change. Tsegaye Woldatsadik earned BSc and MSc in RDAE from Bahirdar and Haramaya universities, respectively. His research areas include cooperatives and agricultural extension.