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ISSN 2224-5790 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0514 (Online)
Vol.10, No.5, 2018
Assessment of Status of Irrigation Practice and Utilization in
Western Hararghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
Gamachu Ayala Beyisa Muleta Tadele Geremu
Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Mechara Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box. 19, Mechara,
Ethiopia
Abstract
The study was conducted in three selected districts of Western Hararghe zone namely, Mieso, Tullo and
Gemechis district with objectives to know the current irrigation practice and utilization of farmers in the area and
to identify gaps and constraints of different irrigation practice. Sampling technique was purposive for identifying
districts that have high irrigation potential from the zones. From each district, three peasant associations (PAs)
were purposively selected each from three traditional agro ecological classifications highland, midland and
lowland. A total of 180 households were interviewed and generated both qualitative and quantitative data on
constraints, status and practices of irrigation water management. Secondary data were also collected from Zonal
Irrigation Development Authority. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency
distribution and percentage, were used to analyze data after carefully coded and entered into SPSS V.20
statistical tools. According to the survey result, the mean land holding per household is about 0.78ha while the
mean land allocated for irrigation per household is about 0.68ha. Three different types of irrigation were
identified; among them Surface irrigation, Pressurized irrigation and water harvesting. While some farmers used
combination of surface and pressurized irrigation. Surface irrigation type using furrow method of irrigation is the
most common irrigation type in the study area which accounts about 66.5%. The major source of water is from
river which accounts about 50%. The major crops cultivated using irrigation in the area were high value crops,
about 43.2% cultivated both hot pepper and tomato followed by combination onion, cabbage, red root & tomato
by 19.9% and 13% cultivate both onion and tomato as well the left others cultivate different horticultural crops.
The study indicated that, water shortage for irrigation, lack improved seed (vegetable crop) varieties
recommended for the area, lack of improved technology, diseases outbreak, pest, drought and low price were
among major constraints of irrigation practices on the study area. And also there are no transport services
because of no road access. In the study area water shortage and lack of improved technology and inputs were the
main problem, therefore practicing water harvesting and supplying improved technologies such as seed,
controlling diseases, infra structure (road) and providing extension service regularly for farmers should be
practiced in future.
Keywords: status of irrigation, Gaps and constraints, Irrigation practice and utilization
1. INTRODUCTION
Ethiopia, a landlocked country located in the horn of Africa, has an area of 1,104,000km2 and one of the poorest
and least developed countries in the world. The current population is estimated at 90 million with an annual
growth rate of about 3%. The economy is highly dependent on agriculture consisting of crop production and
livestock rearing. Poverty is the central issue of the economic problem. Ethiopia had been self sufficient in staple
food and was classified as a net exporter of food grains till the late 1950s. However, since the early 1970s,
domestic food supply failed to meet the food requirements of the people. Even though sufficient quantities of
food have been produced in most of the good years, the average food production during the last decade remained
almost stagnant.
Agriculture is a mainstay of Ethiopian economy which dependent on the availability of seasonal rainfall.
(World Bank, 2006; Makombe et al., 2011). The country is endowed with ample water resources with 12 river
basins with an annual runoff volume of 122 billion m3 of water and an estimated 2.6-2.65 billion m3 of
groundwater potential (Awulachew et al., 2007; Makombe et al., 2011; MoA, 2011a). Due to this Ethiopia is
considered to be the water tower of Africa (Makombe et al., 2007). The country can only be a water tower in
terms of receiving ample water and donating it to neighboring countries but not in terms of ample water
resources that is readily available for use. The cultivated agricultural land of Ethiopia currently under cultivation
is about 12 million ha (MoA, 2011a). The intensity of recurrent droughts affects the livelihoods of agricultural
communities and the whole economy. Out of the total water resources, about 75% drains to neighbouring
countries (MoWR 2001a). The issue of water is the issue of life. Societies that are able to use their water
resources in an efficient and sustainable manner have succeeded in being food self-sufficient, reducing the
incidence of water-borne diseases and minimising adverse effects of the resource. Unfortunately, this has not
happened in Ethiopia. Sustainable management of land and water resources is essential for the alleviation of
poverty, economic development and the enhancement of the well-being of the Ethiopian people (MOWR, 2002).
Ethiopia is already suffering from food shortage because of its increasing population and chronic drought
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occurrence in most parts of the eastern and northern part of the country. At the same time, Ethiopia is endowed
with water resources, which could be easily tapped and used for irrigation.
Irrigation in Ethiopia is considered as a basic strategy to alleviate poverty and hence food security. It is
useful to transform the rain-fed agricultural system which depends on rainfall into the combined rain-fed and
irrigation agricultural system. Most of the traditional irrigated lands in Ethiopia are dominantly supplied by
surface water sources, while ground water uses has just been started on a pilot basis in the East Amhara region
(MoA, 2011). Makombe et al. (2011) noted that irrigation development is a key for sustainable and reliable
agricultural development which leads to overall development in Ethiopia. Even if the potential and actual
irrigated area is not precisely investigated (Belay and Bewket, 2013), estimates of irrigable land in Ethiopia vary
between 1.5 and 4.3 million hectares (Mha), averaged about 3.5 Mha (MoWR, 2001; Werfring, 2004;
Awulachew et al., 2005; Makombe et al., 2011). However, MoA (2011a) reported about 10 - 12% of the total
irrigable potentials are currently under production using traditional and modern irrigation schemes. Moreover,
differences in irrigation potentials and actually irrigated lands, for example 3.7 Million ha and 197,000 ha
according to Awulachew et al. (2007) and 3.5 Million ha and 626,116 ha as reported by Hagos et al. (2009)
respectively, are indicated differences in the same class. In Ethiopia, farm size per household is 0.5 ha and the
irrigated land per households’ ranges from 0.25 - 0.5 ha in the Ethiopian context (MoA, 2011). As a result,
individual land holdings per households are too small to feed the household. With this limited landholdings,
increasing food demands of the population depends on either one or a combination of increasing agricultural
yield, increasing the area of arable land, and increasing cropping intensity by growing two or three crops per
year using irrigation (MoA, 2011).
Hence, there is no consistent and reliable inventory and well-studied and documented with regards to water
and irrigations related potentials in the Ethiopian context. This shows that there is little study details in the area.
This knowledge is important in such a way that the people and government who are living today become aware
of what the people and governments in the past had done in the sector.
Research in water resource development could enable the development of low-cost structures and irrigation
systems for handling water. Where research information is lacking, there is a danger of over-design, which
results in high cost or under-design, which results in failure. Specific research has not yet been conducted to
address problems related with flow structures (canals, ditches, flumes etc.); water storage facilities (farm ponds,
irrigation reservoirs) and sediment traps. Agricultural water management research should, therefore, be
accompanied with the water resource development and research activities to have a significant impact on the
future development of irrigated agriculture (Paulos etal, 2002). Irrigation, water harvesting and agricultural
research were considered to play a significant role in ensuring long-term food security.
The research should also focus on the investigation of national, zonal, regional and other problems in
particular to the needs of the people related to water resources development in line with the agricultural water
management. This could provide practical and sustainable solutions to the existing problems. Moreover, applied
research should be given priority than the theoretical one. Therefore, integrated research approach is the key for
bringing effective, efficient and complete research technologies to the end users (Paulos etal, 2002).
The country can only be a water tower in terms of receiving ample water and donating it to neighboring
countries but not in terms of ample water resources that is readily available for use.
Irrigation development may benefit the poor by raising labour productivity, promoting the production of
high-value crops, and the generation of farm and non-farm employment
In the semi-arid areas of Ethiopia, drought and climate change are the factors influencing agricultural
production. In these areas where the amount and distribution of rainfall is not sufficient to sustain crop growth
and development, an alternative approach is to make use of the rivers and underground water for irrigation. So,
irrigation has long played a key role in feeding expanding population and will undoubtedly play a still greater
role in the future.
Therefore, knowledge about current status and performance of different irrigation practice is essential, since
it serves as a base for formulation of irrigation projects. Moreover, it gives a bench mark for monitoring
progresses within the irrigation system. Thus, there is a need to evaluate the current small-scale irrigation in
general and family drip irrigation in particular in the western Hararghe. Such an assessment could assist in
identifying constraints for future strategies that address water scarcity and consequently food security issues at
household and national levels. Therefore, in western Hararghe where drought and climate change were problems
assessing the status of irrigation practice to identify constraints, challenges and opportunities in water
productivity for the future is a key issue.
[Link] of the study
To assess the current irrigation practice and utilization of farmers in the area and to identify gaps and
constraints of using different irrigation practice
To assess the status of irrigation practice to identify constraints, challenges and opportunities in the
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study area
2. MATERIAL AND METHODS
2.1. Description of the Study area
The study was conducted at Western Hararghe Zone of Oromia which is located on about 325 km East of the
capital city of Ethiopia, Addis-Ababa, and 225 km from Adama town, along the main road to Harar and Dire-
dawa on longitude and latitude of 40°03’413” to 41°09’00” E and 7°52’15” to 9°28'43”N. The zone is bordered
on the south by the Shebelle river which separates it from Bale, on the southwest by Arsi, on the northwest by
the Afar region, on the north by the Somali region and on the east by East Hararghe.
Western Hararghe has about fourteen (14) districts with total population of 2,164,115 (Zonal irrigation
development authority, 2014). Most of western Hararghe districts were lies in the semi-arid to most highland
agro climate. Their annual average rainfall ranges between 500-1300 mm and rainfall distribution in the area is
bimodal with short rainy of spring season from February to April and main rainy of summer season from July to
September. April, July and August are months of high rainfall and May, June, March, September and October
are months of low rainfall. Rainfall in the area is characterized by intense and showery, low in amount and do
not start on time. The temperature is usually very hot in winter. Its average temperature is 25oc and 30oc in
summer and winter respectively. It is also characterized by mixed farming system. Diverse crop species from
cereals like sorghum, maize and fruit crops like coffee, chat, mango and avocado widely cultivated. During
spring season staple crops (maize and sorghum) and haricot bean are the major crops sown followed by summer
season, planting teff, barley, finger/pearl millet and chick pea and short season matured maize. Sandy loam clay
is the dominant soil type in this zone.
Three districts having irrigation potentials were purposively selected based on agro ecologies that represents
western Hararghe as lowland, midland and highland for this particular study in 2016 as below.
Miesso district: is located at the distance of 304 km from Addis Ababa to East direction and 25km from Zone
Chiro town. The astronomical location of 9°13'59.99"N latitude and 40°45'0"E, longitude with altitude of 1332
m a.s.l. The relative location boarder of the district on east Doba, on west Afar region, on south Chiro and on
north Somale region. Total population of the district is about 129,630 with male 63,519 and female of 66,111.
The area of the district is about 257,344ha and with the temperature of minimum of 25oc & maximum 37oc
respectively. The annual rainfall of the district ranges from 500-700mm with main rainy season of June to
August. The dominant soil types of the districts are sandy loam (75%) and loam (25%). The agro ecology of the
district about 99% covered by lowland and pastoral/mixed farming is the major farming system of the area.
Major crops produced by irrigation in the district are maize, sorghum and chat. River is the main source of
irrigation water in the district.
Tullo district: is found at the distance of 375km from Addis Ababa to the East direction, 275km from Adama
and 45km from Zonal city Chiro. The astronomical location of 9o10' N latitude and 41o00'E longitude with
altitude of 1600-270 m a.s.l
The boarder of the district on east is Dedder and Goro Gutu, on north Doba district, on west Chiro district and on
south Mesela district. Total population of the district is about 148,180. Temperature in degree Celsius ranges
from 19 - 22oc and the rainfall is about 850 - 1250 mm. The main rainy season of the district is from April -
September (maziya - meskerem). The soil types of the district are vertisol (58%) and loam (42%). The agro
ecology of the district in percent is about 25% highlands, 75% midland and no lowland. The farming system of
the district is mixed farming system and the major crops cultivated in the area were maize, sorghum, potato,
tomato, onion, chat, coffee, cabbage, carrot, sugar cane, banana, red root etc. About 8532 ha is covered by
irrigated land and the water source for irrigation is river, pond and ground water.
Gemechis district: is located on a distance of 333km from Addis Ababa and 17km from zonal town of Chiro
with altitude of 1300-3017m a.s.l. The geographical location of the district lies between 8o10'N latitude and 40 o
45'E longitude. The relative location of the district is, on east Mesela district, on south Oda Bultum, on west and
north Chiro district. The minimum and maximum temperature of the district in degree Celsius is 20-30oc
respectively with rainfall of 850 - 1000 mm. Main rainy season of the district is from March to May and June to
September. The agro ecology of the district by percent of 15% highland, 45% midland and 40% lowland. The
farming system of the district is characterized by mixed farming system. The water source for irrigation is river
or stream, pond, shallow well and ground water is the most available and surface irrigation is common in the
area. Major crops produced by irrigation are onion, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, mango, sugar, carrot, avocado,
sweet potato, hot pepper, coffee, chat and maize. The dominant soil type of the district is sandy-loam.
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Figure 1. Western Hararghe district of irrigation potential area
2.2. Demography of Western Hararghe
Based on the 2007 Census conducted by the CSA, this zone has a total population of 1,871,706, an increase of
47.16% over the 1994 census, of whom 958,861 are men and 912,845 women; with an area of 15,065.86 km2,
West Hararghe has a population density of 124.23. While 160,895 or 9.36% are urban inhabitants, a further
10,567 or 0.56% are pastoralists. A total of 395,127 households were counted in this zone, which results in an
average of 4.74 persons to a household, and 380,019 housing units. The three largest ethnic groups reported were
the Oromo (90.12%), the Amhara (7.24%) and the Somali (1.26%); all other ethnic groups made up 1.38% of the
population. Oromiffa was spoken as a first language by 89.47%, Amharic was spoken by 8.82% and Somali by
1.2%; the remaining 0.51% spoke all other primary languages reported. The majority of the inhabitants were
Muslim, with 88.05% of the population having reported they practiced that belief, while 11.11% of the
population professed Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity (CSA, 2007). The 1994 national census reported a total
population for this zone of 1,271,894 in 265,147 households, of whom 653,529 were men and 618,365 women;
95,864 or 7.54% of its population were urban dwellers at the time. (This total also includes an estimate for the
inhabitants of one rural and one urban kebeles and parts of two urban ones, which were not counted; they were
estimated to have 2,978 inhabitants, of whom 1,524 were men and 1,454 were women. According to a May 24,
2004 World Bank memorandum, 9% of the inhabitants of West Hararghe have access to electricity, this zone has
a road density of 23.6 kilometers per 1000 square kilometers (compared to the national average of 30 kilometers),
the average rural household has 0.5 hectare of land (compared to the national average of 1.01 hectare of land and
an average of 1.14 for the Oromia region) (Klaus Deininger et al, 2006) and the equivalent of 0.6 heads of
livestock. 16.4% of the population is in non-farm related jobs, compared to the national average of 25% and a
regional average of 24%. Concerning education, 55% of all eligible children are enrolled in primary school, and
8% in secondary schools. Concerning health, 92% of the zone is exposed to malaria, and none to Tsetse fly. The
memorandum gave this zone a drought risk rating of 372 (World Bank, 2006). The Oromia regional government
announced 25 May 2006 that 429 drinkable water projects had been completed in the zone, which combined
with other ongoing projects would bring drinkable water to 72,300 inhabitants and raise the percentage of access
from 37% to 47%.
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2.3. Method of Data collection
To achieve the objectives of research mentioned above data were collected through primary and secondary
sources. Primary data was collected from the sample of rural households using a structured questionnaire, GPS
reading and field observation. Also secondary data was collected from published and unpublished materials,
reports, proceedings and statistical abstracts about the study area, agricultural production and irrigation practice
activities. The information was also collected from zonal and district level offices of irrigation authority.
2.4. Sample Technique and Size
The study was carried out for selected sites at the different agro-ecological zones of the Western Hararghe
intended to represent the irrigation potential areas to assess the irrigation practice and utilization with respective
constraints, problems and opportunities. Purposive Sampling technique was used for identifying three districts
that have better irrigation practices and utilization in Western Hararghe zone. These three districts were taken
from different agro ecologies classification (Lowland, mid land and high land) depend on availability of
irrigation practices and information collected from Zonal Irrigation Authority (ZIA) as secondary information.
From each district, three peasant associations (PAs) were purposively selected from each three agro ecological
classifications highland, midland lowland. Accordingly nine PAs namely Kase Ija, Sororo and Homecho Rihana
from Gemechis district; Sabaka, Kinteri and Argiti from Mieso district and Efa Andode, Lubu Dhekeb and Kira
Kufis from Tullo district were used to conduct the survey.
About a total of 180 households were interviewed using semi structured and open ended questionnaire.
From each peasant association (PAs) twenty farmers were randomly selected and interviewed to achieve the
desired objectives. A multidisciplinary team was formed to collect data.
2.5. Data collection
Data of types of irrigation, source of water for irrigation, utilization, gaps, constraints exist in irrigation, major
crop that farmers used, the seasonal climate pattern of the area, Area covered by irrigation practices were
collected.
2.6. Method of Data Analysis and Presentation
The both quantitative and qualitative data collected by the structured questionnaires were analyzed using excel
and the frequencies and descriptive procedures of the statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software,
version 20.
3. RESULT AND DISCUSSION
3.1. General Overview of Demography of Respondents
From the sampled households, 82.8% were male households and 17.2% were female households. Females were
family headed when their husband have been died or migrates from their original residences. The study has
identified five educational levels in the study district: illiterate, can read and write, elementary schooling (grade
1-6), secondary schooling (grade 7-12), Certificate and diploma (grade 10+3 or 12+2). From the survey result,
about 40.6% of the household heads had no formal education, 44.4% of the respondents were attended primary
school (grade1-6), 11.1% attended secondary schooling and 3.9% have Certificate up to Diploma. The study
shows about 92.2% of the respondents were married and 6.1 % were single and only 1.7% widowed or divorce.
So that the farmers of the area are actively participate in irrigation production without social problem. The
farming system of the area is characterized by small scale subsistence mixed farming of about 42.8%, 53.8% is
produced crop only and 1.1% rearing livestock only. The major crops produced in the area were Sorghum, Maize,
Chat, Coffee etc.
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Table 1. Socioeconomic Characteristics of sample Respondent
Frequency Percent
Sex Male 149 82.8
Female 31 17.2
Total 180 100.0
Marital status Single 11 6.1
Married 166 92.2
Widowed 3 1.7
Total 180 100.0
Educational status Illiterate 73 40.6
1-6 grade 80 44.4
7-12 grade 20 11.1
Certificate 5 2.8
Diploma 2 1.1
Total 180 100.0
Farming System crop production only 97 53.8
live stock rearing only 2 1.1
mixed farming 77 42.8
Total 180 100.0
Source: Survey result of 2016
3.2. Land holding size
Land is one of the most important factors that determine the level of agriculture. According to the survey result,
the minimum land holding per house hold is 0.06ha and the maximum land holding is 6ha per household with
the mean of about 0.78ha. While the total land allocated for irrigation with minimum land holding per house
hold of 0.06ha and the maximum land holding is 3ha per household with the mean of about 0.68ha. The
maximum land holding per house hold is about 6 ha observed in Mieso district because the area almost pastoral
area while the minimum is observed in Gemechis and Tullo district since population density is high in these area.
The land allocated for irrigation is small this is due to shortage water for irrigation half of maximum land
holding is allocated for irrigation (Table 2). This study is similar with (MoA, 2011) that shows in Ethiopia, farm
size per household is 0.5 ha and the irrigated land per households’ ranges from 0.25 - 0.5 ha. As a result,
individual land holdings per households are too small to feed the household. With this limited landholdings,
increasing food demands of the population depends on either one or a combination of increasing agricultural
yield, increasing the area of arable land, and increasing cropping intensity by growing two or three crops per
year using irrigation (MoA, 2011)
Table 2. Total land holding of household
Minimum Maximum Mean
Age of the HH 18.00 73.00 36.43
Total land holding size of HH in ha 0.06 6.00 0.78
Total irrigated land of HH in ha 0.06 3.00 0.68
Source: Survey result of 2016
3.3. Major crops produced by the respondents
The major crops cultivated in the area are coffee, khat, maize and sorghum, and irrigation with land allocated for
these crops are 0.87ha, 0.27ha, 0.56ha, and 0.68ha respectively (Table 3). This indicates that it is almost the
same to CSA of land allocating for cultivation in the zone.
Table 3. Type of crop produced by the respondents
Variables Frequency Percent
cereal crop 18 10.1
Horticultural crop 49 27.5
Cash crop (coffee & chat) 6 3.4
cereal and horticultural crop 62 34.8
Horticulture and cash crop (coffee & chat) 11 6.2
Cereal ,horticulture and cash crop 16 9.0
cereal and cash crop 12 6.7
cereal, pulse and horticulture 3 1.7
Total 178 100.0
Source: Survey result, 2016
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3.4. Area covered by irrigation
The total area of western Hararghe zone is about 1,723,165ha which composed of 375,615 ha of farm land,
102,000 ha of irrigable land, 197,271 ha of mountainous area, 277,620 ha of arable land and 84,550 ha protected
land. The main rainy season is belg season from March to May and summer season from June to August.
Currently area under irrigation in the zone is estimated as about 90,217ha (5%) and the main irrigation season is
mostly in winter from October to January and spring season from January to May as well as farmers irrigates
their land as supplementary irrigation due to shortage of rainfall (secondary data from Zonal Irrigation
Authority). Districts which have large irrigation potential according to their rank as Gemechis with about
7754.8ha, Oda Bultum with about 11260ha, Miesso with about 2993ha and Tullo is on fourth by 8532ha.
Table 4. Area covered by irrigation
No District name Area covered by irrigation/ ha Rank
1 Oda Bultum 11260 first
2 Tullo 8532 second
3 Gemechis 7754.8 third
4 Miesso 2993 fourth
Source: (ZIA, 2015)
3.5. Major crops cultivated by irrigation
The major crops cultivated using irrigation in the area are high value crops such as tomato, onion, pepper,
cabbage, carrot, red root, garlic onion and potatoes are among the crops. The study shows, from total sampled
respondents about 43.2% cultivated both hot pepper and tomato followed by combination onion, cabbage, red
root & tomato by 19.9% (Table 5). About 78.5% house hold said the seed bed was prepared in September to
November and the seed sown on the bed, then transplanted after one month.
Table 5. Major crops cultivated by irrigation
Major crops Frequency Percent
Tomato 17 11.6
onion 6 4.1
pepper/hot pepper 2 1.4
tomato & onion 19 13.0
Tomato and cabbage 5 3.4
hot pepper and tomato 63 43.2
Cabbage and onion 5 3.4
Onion, cabbage, red root & tomato 29 19.9
Source: Survey result of 2016
3.6. Irrigation season of the area
From total sampled house holds about 26.7% practiced irrigation from March to May, while most farmers
practice irrigation from September to November by 14.2% (Table 6). The various season is due to irrigation is
practiced in different agro ecologies. As shown from table many farmers practice irrigation from March to May.
Table 6. Irrigation Season and frequency of the area
Season Frequency Percent
Sept- Nov 25 14.2
Dec- Feb 22 12.5
Mar- May 47 26.7
Jun-Aug 30 16.8
sep- Feb 21 11.9
Sep- May 18 10.2
Dec- May 13 7.4
Source: Survey result of 2016
3.7. Topography of the Area
From the field observation the topographic features of the area is characterized by about 69.4% is flat land, 17.2%
is rolling topography and 12.8% is undulating type. As shown on the Table 7, majority of the landscape of the
area is appropriate for irrigation and has positive effect on irrigation practices and utilization.
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Table 7. Topographic features of land on which irrigation practiced
Frequency Percent
Flat land 125 68.4
Rolling topography 31 17.2
Undulating 23 12.8
Total 180 100.0
Source: Survey result of 2016
3.8. Irrigation practices and Water management of the study Area
3.8.1. Source of water for irrigation
The development of irrigation and agricultural water management holds significant potential to improve
production and productivity. Although Ethiopia has abundant rainfall and water resources, its agricultural system
does not yet fully benefit from the technologies of water management and irrigation (Awulachew, 2010). As
shown on the Table 8 below baseline survey conducted on irrigation status and potential in western Hararghe
(Mieso, Tullo, Gemechis) shows different source of water were used for irrigation. From the result of sampled
respondents, the source of water used for irrigation from river accounts 50%, spring (35.6%), Water harvesting
(3.3%), Ground water (2.2%) and others (9%) respectively. The study shows, river is major source of water for
irrigation with about 50% followed by spring by 35.6% and 14.4% others such as ground water, water harvesting
and their combinations were used (Table 8). In addition, in terms of water source proximity to irrigated farm
about 69.8% says the source is far from irrigated farm and 30.2% is closer to irrigated farm. Availability of water
from these sources is decreasing from time to time due to decreasing rainfall amount, overpopulation and
deforestation (64.6%). About 86.6% of the respondents said availability of water from these sources is
decreasing and others responded increasing (7.7%) & maintained (5.7%) (Unpublished survey of MARC, 2010).
Table 8. Source of water for irrigation
Source of Irrigation Water Frequency Percent
Ground Water 4 2.2
Water Harvesting 6 3.3
Spring 64 35.6
River 90 50.0
Ground water and spring 6 3.3
Ground water , Spring + river 4 2.4
spring + river 6 3.3
Total 180 100.0
Source: Survey result of 2016
3.8.2. Type of irrigation practice and Methods used in study area
Small scale irrigation is widely practiced in the Ethiopia. Small scale irrigations include household water
harvesting, hand-dug and shallow wells, flooding (spate), individual household-based river diversions and other
traditional methods. The information related to small scale irrigation is not readily available and data about many
water harvesting are extremely difficult to capture due to poor information management and availability of data
(Teklu et al., 2010).
Based on survey result carried out in the study area, farmers used about three types of irrigations (Surface
irrigation, Pressurized irrigation and water harvesting). While some farmers used combination of surface and
pressurized irrigation. Pressurized irrigation is use of motor pump from water source either from hand dug wells
or harvested water or another source. The study revealed that surface irrigation only covers about 75%, 44% and
79.7% while combination of surface and pressurized irrigation covers about 21.7, 51.7 and 20.3% in Mieso,
Tullo and Gemechis district respectively. Farmers used pressurized irrigation from water harvested were about
3.3 and 1.7% in Mieso and Tullo districts respectively. Mieso and Gemechis districts widely used surface
irrigation only with about 75% and 79.7% respectively.
When we see as western Hararghe as a whole, farmers used surface irrigation only is about 66.2% followed
by combination of surface and pressurized irrigation by about 31.2% and 2.6% others such as pressurized
irrigation, combination pressurized irrigation and water harvesting at the same time. From this study, surface
irrigation is dominant irrigation type in western Hararghe, on areas where irrigation potential practiced. From
surface irrigation furrow irrigation accounts about 55.6% followed by combination of furrow and underground
irrigation by 19.1%, combination of furrow and flood irrigation by 11.8% and 13.5% others used.
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Table 9. Irrigation types practiced in the study area
Districts Irrigation type practiced Frequency Percent
Mieso surface irrigation 45 75.0
Surface+ Pressurized irrigation 13 21.7
pressurized & WH 2 3.3
Gemechis surface irrigation 47 79.7
Surface + Pressurized 13 20.3
Tullo surface irrigation 28 44.8
Surface + Pressurized 30 51.7
pressurized & WH 1 3.4
Total 180 100
Source: Survey result of 2016
3.8.3. Constraints of water harvesting
In addition to irrigation small number of farmers practiced water harvesting for irrigation, domestic use and for
other purposes. From sampled respondents, about 20.6% household used water harvesting for different purpose
in the study area. Water harvesting in the area is constrained by shortage of equipment such as pond cover
shortage (Geo membrane), siltation problem, seepage problem, rainfall shortage, lack of awareness and needs
high labor (unpublished survey of MARC, 2010).
Table 10. Irrigation methods used by the respondents
Irrigation method used Frequency Percent
Furrow irrigation 99 55.6
Basin irrigation 5 2.8
Furrow and flood irrigation 21 11.8
Furrow+ underground 34 19.1
Furrow, border and underground irrigation 6 3.4
Furrow + flood + pumping irrigation 7 3.9
Total 178 100.0
Source: own survey 2016
3.8.4. Distance of water source from irrigated farm
The distance from water source to irrigated land have an effect on water utilization. For example if the distance
between water source and irrigated land are far away from each other the amount of water is affected by seepage,
sediments and evaporations. As it’s shown on Table 11 water distance greater than 2 km is about 53.9% while
distance less than 2km is about 46.1%. If the distance between water source and irrigated close to one another
the loss due to seepage and evaporation due scheme is minimized.
Table 11. Distance between water source and irrigated land.
Variables Frequency Valid Percent
less than 1km 39 21.9
1km-2km 43 24.2
2.1km-5km 64 36.0
above 5km-10 28 15.7
above 10km-20 4 2.2
Total 178 100.0
Source: Survey result of 2016
3.8.5. Problem faced farmers during irrigation
Irrigation frequency (when apply) is important parameters during irrigation water utilization and management.
As survey result shows about 30.2% household responded they use irrigation in scheduled manner while about
69.8% irrigate their lands at time they get water. Irrigating lands in unscheduled manner affects crop production
and productivity. For example sensitive crops (shallow root crops) require irrigation frequently and when didn’t
get water on time their yield can be reduced below the potential. And also losses of water and soil erosion are
common problems during irrigation. From total sampled households about 49.2% household faces losses of
water and 61.1% were challenged by soil erosion. This loss of water may due to evaporation or seepage while
problem soil erosion occurred due to topography of the irrigated land (Table 12).
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Table 12. Problems faced during irrigation
Problems indicator Yes no
Loss of water during Frequency 87 90
irrigation % 49.2 50.8
Soil erosion Frequency 110 70
% 61.1 38.9
Frequency Irrigation In scheduled At time of get
frequency 54 125
% 30.2 69.8
Source: Survey result of 2016
3.8.6. Challenges and constraints of irrigation in the study area
Some challenge faced the farmer when they practice irrigation. Among them greater challenges were; un
availability/shortage of water, lack of improved seed, disease outbreak, low performance of scheme due to
sedimentation and seepage, technical problem and labor shortages are among the major problems faced
households. As a study shows, based on severity of problems shortage of water for irrigation accounts about 52.5%
followed by lack of improved technologies by 24.1% (such as technical problem, inputs preventing seepage and
evaporation, etc.), lack of improved seed/inputs by 9.1% and combination of water shortage/unavailability and
disease problem are among the identified major challenges faced farmers (Table 13). Water management
association was established to schedule irrigation for farmers.
Conflicts between farmers within the same irrigation blocks occur mainly due to issues related to sharing of
irrigation water and water theft. So, water management association should be effective in scheduling irrigation
for farmers. As suggested by Amede (2014) the water shortage can be one the major causes of conflict between
farmers. These above challenges were similar with study of (MoWIE, 2013) and (MoA, 2011), such as technical
constraints and knowledge gaps as (1) inadequate awareness of irrigation water management as in irrigation
scheduling techniques, water saving irrigation technologies, water measurement techniques, operation and
maintenance of irrigation facilities, (2) inadequate knowledge on improved and diversified irrigation agronomic
practices, (3) shortage of basic technical knowledge on irrigation pumps, drip irrigation system, sprinkler
irrigations, surface and spate irrigation methods (4) scheme based approach rather than area/catchments based
approach for the development of small scale irrigation schemes, (5) inadequate baseline data and information on
the development of water resources, (6) lack of experience in design, construction and supervision of quality
irrigation projects, (7) low productivity of existing irrigation schemes, (8) inadequate community involvement
and consultation in scheme planning, construction and implementation of irrigation development, (9) poor
economic background of users for irrigation infrastructure development, to access irrigation technologies and
agricultural inputs, where the price increment is not affordable to farmers.
Table 13. Challenges and constraints of irrigation
challenges Frequency Percent
water shortage 94 52.5
Lack of seed/input available 16 9.1
diseases out break 4 2.2
water shortage and disease out break 14 7.8
Lack of improved technology 43 24.1
Labour & transport shortage 8 4.5
Source: Survey result of 2016
3.8.7. Extension Service given for farmers on irrigation
The study shows that, from total sampled respondents about 85.3% obtained extension service from different
organization while about 14.7% household didn’t get extension service on irrigation from any organization. The
different organization gives extension service for farmers on irrigation were bureau of agriculture and rural
development through DA, irrigation authority and NGOs play important role in the area. From total sampled
respondents about 75.1% of household got extension service on combination irrigation water management,
application of water, irrigation scheduling and utilization of improved seeds while about 6.1, 1.2, 1.2 and 3%
trained on irrigation water management, application of water, irrigation scheduling and utilization of improved
seeds respectively (Table 14). Even if extension service is given for farmers, those above mentioned problems
are still a problem in the area
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Table 14. Extension service given for farmers
Extension service type Frequency Percent
water management 10 6.1
Application/supply of water 2 1.2
Irrigation scheduling 2 1.2
Utilization of improve. seeds& other input 5 3.0
Combination of all 124 75.1
Nothing 22 13.3
Source: own survey of 2016
50
40
Percent
30
20
10
0
Figure 2. Extension service given for farmers by different stakeholders
3.7.8. Opportunities of irrigation
The basic opportunities considerations regarding irrigation practices in the area are; emphasis and priorities are
given to irrigation in the area due to drought problems, indigenous knowledge and introduction of promising
household water harvesting and micro- irrigation technologies, Government’s commitment and encouragement
in irrigation development are among opportunities exist in the study area.
4. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
4.1. Conclusion
This research work was done in western Hararghe in three districts namely Gemechis, Mieso and Tullo where
climate change and drought were common problems, to assess and know the status of irrigation practice, to
identify constraints, challenges and opportunities of irrigation on agriculture for the future use. Irrigation is
considered as a basic strategy to alleviate poverty and enhance food security. According to the survey result, the
mean land holding per household is about 0.78ha while the mean land allocated for irrigation per household is
about 0.68ha in the study area. Three different types of irrigation were identified; among them surface irrigation,
pressurized irrigation and water harvesting. While some farmers used combination of surface and pressurized
irrigation. Surface irrigation type using furrow method of irrigation is the most common irrigation type in the
study area which accounts about 66.5%. River is major source of water for irrigation with about 50% followed
by springs by 35.6% and 14.4% others such as Groundwater, water harvesting and their combinations were used.
In addition, in terms of water source proximity to irrigated farm about 53.9% of household says the source is far
(greater than 2 km) from irrigated farm and 46.1% is closer to irrigated farm with less than 2 km. If the distance
between water source and irrigated close to one another the loss due to seepage and evaporation due scheme is
minimized.
However, due to many constraints, the efficiency of irrigation is not satisfying users of irrigation. Thus, as
observed from the result there are many challenges faced farmers while practicing irrigation. The major
constraints that highly affect irrigation practices in the study area are shortage of water for irrigation due to
erratic rainfall. Soil erosion from the irrigated field, source of water diverted from the river by weir construction
is far from the irrigated land even more than 20km causes loss of water due to sedimentation and evaporation
and flow to the field through the canals, most farmers irrigate their land twice per month.
The most widely cultivated crops by irrigation in the study area are Khat and horticultural crops such as
Onion, garlic, potato, carrots, tomato, cabbage, hot pepper and red root. All the crops produced in the study areas
are produced with many challenges. The problems redundantly raised with the production under irrigation are
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unavailability of improved horticultural crop varieties, disease outbreak especially with tomato. Therefore the
irrigation practices in the study areas are full of challenges and constraints from water source up to production,
and then finally market accessibility and road problem.
4.2. Recommendation
Even if extension service was given for many farmers by different stakeholders isn’t sufficient especially on
efficient utilization of water, agronomic practices (all management and fertilizer application methods), disease
management, post harvest process and supply of input.
Therefore, awareness creation on above mentioned problems should be introduced in the study area to
improve the irrigation water use efficiency. Promotion of soil and water conservation integrated with irrigation
water application is needed to control the loss of water from the irrigated field and also lining the canal, canal
maintenance, removal of sediments and unwanted weeds from the canal is very important to control the water
loss from the canal. Also, developments of ground water and water harvesting practices for irrigation water
source become more effective since river dried when rain fall decreased. As well as promotion of soil and water
conservation on upper stream of irrigation is important to enhance recharge water and improve water availability.
Because of farmers wait rainfall even for irrigation as supplementary irrigation. In the absence of rainfall, the
volume of water reduced and also dried in cropping season. This leads to food insecure in lowlands of the study
areas. Therefore ground water development and water harvesting is the best option for effective production
through irrigation. Provision of training and awareness on irrigation practices and utilization, irrigation water
management, crop production, disease protection, all agronomic practices should be introduced in the study areas.
In addition to this, provision of credit services in kind such as improved varieties based on farmers’ needs,
chemicals and inputs is a must to be more effective. Finally, market and road accessibility promote farmers and
they might become more effective
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Financially, this work was supported by Oromia Agricultural Research Institute and, therefore, deserves our
appreciation. Also, we would like to express our heartfelt and deep gratitude to data collectors (interviewers) for
their active participation in conducting this survey.
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