Research Article
Impact of Small-scale Irrigation on Rural Household Food Security in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Matusala Meskele Ossa,
Yisehak Ossa Jokka*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
84-97
Received:
22 May 2026
Accepted:
11 June 2026
Published:
3 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijae.20261104.11
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Abstract: This study assesses the impact of small-scale irrigation (SSI) schemes on rural household food security in Sodo Zuria Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. SSI is crucial for improving livelihoods and reducing food insecurity, a persistent challenge in Ethiopia, particularly in disaster-prone areas where many households have long relied on food aid. By boosting agricultural productivity, irrigation is a key strategy for meeting the needs of a rapidly growing population. The research used data from randomly selected households, both irrigation users and non-users. Food security status was measured by daily calorie intake, and analysis employed descriptive statistics, a logit regression model, and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to estimate irrigation impact. Results revealed that irrigation users were more food secure, with higher annual food consumption expenditure and better access, availability, and stability indicators. PSM confirmed a significant positive effect of irrigation on household income and food consumption, highlighting SSI’s role in enhancing rural food security. Annual food consumption expenditure was positively and significantly associated with household food security at the 1% level. Household purchasing power and the ability to meet food needs either through own production or market purchases. Higher food expenditure often indicates better economic status, which enables households to invest in irrigation and related agricultural improvements, thereby reducing vulnerability to food insecurity.
Abstract: This study assesses the impact of small-scale irrigation (SSI) schemes on rural household food security in Sodo Zuria Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. SSI is crucial for improving livelihoods and reducing food insecurity, a persistent challenge in Ethiopia, particularly in disaster-prone areas where many households have long relied on food ...
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