Irrigation Interventions and Food Security in The Case of Ethiopia's East Hararghe Lowlands

Abstract

This study addresses the pressing issue of food insecurity in Ethiopia by examining the impact of irrigation interventions on income generation and food security among smallholder farm households in the East Hararghe lowland areas. Given the critical importance of irrigation technology in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability, particularly in water-scarce regions, this research aims to provide empirical evidence to inform policy decisions and interventions. The study utilizes cross-sectional data collected from 400 randomly selected sample households during the 2022/23 production season. Through the application of Propensity Score Matching and logistic regression analysis, the research assesses the factors influencing household participation in irrigation technology and examines the outcomes in terms of income generation and food security status. The findings reveal that various socio-economic factors, including the educational level of the household head, cultivated area, social status, livestock holding, oxen ownership, and irrigation distance, significantly influence the decision of households to participate in irrigation practices. This highlights the importance of considering these factors in the design and implementation of irrigation interventions. Moreover, the results demonstrate that households participating in irrigation practices experience improvements in both calorie intake and farm income compared to those not involved in irrigation. This suggests that irrigation interventions have a significant, positive, and robust impact on key outcome variables related to food security and economic well-being. Overall, the study underscores the importance of promoting and supporting irrigation technology adoption among smallholder farm households in Ethiopia's lowland areas to enhance agricultural productivity, income generation, and food security. By addressing the identified socio-economic factors and ensuring targeted interventions, policymakers and stakeholders can effectively harness the potential of irrigation to alleviate food insecurity and promote sustainable agricultural development in the region.