Determinants of small-scale irrigation adoption in drought-prone areas of northcentral Ethiopia in the context of climate change
Amogne Asfaw Eshetu, Abebe Arega Mekonen
Abstract
Introduction One feasible way to prepare for the adverse effects of climate change in rainfed-dependent livelihood zones is through irrigation. This study examines small-scale irrigation practices and their determinants. Methods Using structured survey questionnaires, interviews, and field observations, we used a cross-sectional survey design to collect data from 380 randomly selected households. The data analysis involved percentages, problem confrontation index, Chi-square test, independent samples t-test, and binary logistic regression model. Results The findings revealed that river/stream diversion (40%), using nearby springs (19%), and hand-dug walls (18%) were the predominant types of irrigation. At the same time, water scarcity (PCI = 743), land shortage (PCI = 345), and labor (PCI = 212) were the main impediments to irrigation practices. The binary logistic regression model revealed educational status (OR = 1.239, p < 0.05), headship type (OR = 0.246, p < 0.05), age (OR = 0.943, p < 0.05), relative agroecological location (OR = 7.605; 13.929, p < 0.05), family size (OR = 1.936, p < 0.05), land size (OR = 8.609, p < 0.05), responsibility (OR = 2.069, p < 0.05), and crop failure (OR = 0.389, p < 0.05) as factors affecting the adoption of small-scale irrigation. Discussion We recommend offering financial assistance to farmers with limited resources to acquire and install labor- and water-saving irrigation systems. Training and extension services on operating and maintaining small-scale irrigation technologies should be provided. Timely information sharing is also necessary to increase the use of irrigation on a small scale as a feasible adaptation to climate change.