Impact of Small-Scale Irrigation on Rural Households' Food Security in Arba Minch Zuria Woreda, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract

 This study examined the impact of small-scale irrigation on food security in rural households in Arba Minch Zuria Woreda, southern Ethiopia. Primary data were collected from 379 sample households using the relevant probability sampling techniques. The Foster Greer Thorbecke index showed that 51.45% of the households were food insecure, 15.2% were food insecure, and 6.57% faced severe insecurity. A binary logit model illustrates that education, adult equivalence, and livestock holdings had significant positive effects, whereas age and dependency ratio had significant negative effects on irrigation participation. The endogenous switching regression model results revealed that the significant positive impact of irrigation increased users’ total daily calorie intake per adult equivalent by 2160.063 (121.95%) compared with that of non-users. Therefore, providing educational services, field training, and experience-sharing opportunities are essential for improving and sustaining its benefits.

Keywords: Foster Greer Thorbecke Index; Endogenous Switching Regression Model; Small-Scale Irrigation; Food Security; Ethiopia