Ethiopia, a country heavily reliant on agriculture for its social and economic development, has recognized the importance of irrigation in improving productivity and addressing vulnerability to drought. While the majority of the population is engaged in agriculture, the sector, especially in dry land areas, has remained underdeveloped. To mitigate the impact of recurrent droughts, the Ethiopian government has prioritized irrigation development as a key strategy in its overall development agenda.
Despite being considered the “water tower of Africa,” only a small percentage—around five percent of Ethiopia’s land is currently irrigated. The decision of smallholder farmers to participate in irrigation farming is influenced by factors such as demographic, socioeconomic, and institutional characteristics. To promote the adoption of irrigation practices, concerted efforts are required from household heads, the government of Ethiopia, and national and international organizations.
Historically, irrigation practices have been in use in Ethiopia, with modern irrigation introduced in the Rift Valley basin in the 1950s for commercial crop production. The government, along with donors and NGOs, has been investing in the development of irrigation systems, particularly small-scale irrigation. However, the contribution of irrigation to the national economy is still not significant compared to rain-fed agriculture.
There is a need for detailed studies on water potentials and developmental perspectives in the Ethiopian context, with agreed-upon reports and consensus. Efficient water use is crucial for irrigation to play a significant role in enhancing food security and economic development. The Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands Areas Development in Ethiopia has recognized the positive impact of small-scale irrigation schemes on the livelihoods and incomes of pastoralists and semi-pastoralists. These schemes, led primarily by smallholder farmers themselves, have proven instrumental in ensuring food security in regions prone to severe and recurrent droughts.
Compared to large-scale irrigation projects, small-scale irrigation has the potential to more swiftly contribute to national development objectives. Ethiopia has substantial potential for expanding small-scale irrigation and has made significant investments in this sector in recent years. In collaboration with federal and regional governments, the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowland Areas Development has distributed a significant number of water pumps to farmers, facilitating small and medium-sized irrigation farms.
Regional governments, in partnership with the federal government, are undertaking various projects to expand small and medium-sized irrigation farms, including cultivating streams and exploiting underground water sources. Given the reliance of the agriculture sector on rainfall and its vulnerability to climate variations, the focus on developing irrigation farms should continue.
The Oromia Regional State, for instance, is currently constructing medium and small-scale irrigation dams with an investment of over 13 billion Birr. President Shimelis Abdissa of the region highlighted the increasing number of farmers irrigating wheat using water pumps distributed to them. The region has plans to irrigate one million hectares of wheat during the next dry season, aiming to free the region from uncertainties caused by climate change. Additionally, the region aims to cultivate four million hectares of land through irrigation over the next four years.
Ethiopia’s dry season irrigated wheat farming has attracted the attention of various international organizations, such as the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center. The country aims to increase its wheat production to become self-sufficient, reducing its reliance on imports. Mechanization plays a crucial role in improving productivity, precision, and reducing labor force requirements. Collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and other partners is ongoing to enhance wheat production through good agronomic practices.
Expanding irrigation schemes, particularly small-scale irrigation, is essential for improving agricultural production, assets, income, and livelihoods in Ethiopia. It is considered a basis for stimulating economic growth, reducing poverty and transforming subsistence agriculture. By maximizing production and productivity and creating employment opportunities, small-scale irrigation contributes to food security, poverty reduction, and rural development in the country. Continued investment and collaboration between the government, stakeholders, and international organizations will be key to unlocking the full potential of irrigation in Ethiopia and other agrarian nations.
As Ethiopia strives to enhance its irrigation schemes and harness the potential of its agricultural sector, there are valuable lessons to be learned from successful irrigation practices around the world. Drawing inspiration from other countries’ experiences can help Ethiopia optimize its irrigation strategies, overcome challenges, and ensure sustainable and efficient water use. Here are some key takeaways that Ethiopia can consider in its journey towards developing effective irrigation schemes.
Countries like Israel and the Netherlands have demonstrated the importance of integrated water management in maximizing irrigation efficiency. Ethiopia can learn from their comprehensive approaches, which include water recycling, precision irrigation techniques, and the use of advanced technologies. By adopting integrated water management practices, Ethiopia can optimize water usage, minimize wastage, and improve overall irrigation effectiveness.
India’s experience in promoting farmer participation and ownership in irrigation schemes can serve as an inspiration to Ethiopia. Implementing participatory approaches, such as farmer-led irrigation management committees, can enhance accountability, ensure proper maintenance of irrigation infrastructure, and foster a sense of ownership among farmers. This involvement can lead to increased productivity, sustainability, and long-term success of irrigation schemes.
Countries facing similar arid or semi-arid conditions, such as Australia and parts of the United States, have employed advanced irrigation techniques like drip irrigation and micro-sprinklers. These methods deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing water loss through evaporation and improving water use efficiency. Ethiopia can explore the adoption of these techniques, tailored to its specific agricultural landscape and crop requirements, to optimize water usage and increase agricultural productivity.
Ethiopia can learn from countries like India and China, which have successfully implemented watershed management and rainwater harvesting practices. By conserving and storing rainwater, Ethiopia can supplement irrigation water resources, particularly during dry seasons. Watershed management measures, such as forestation, soil conservation, and contour farming, can help retain water and prevent soil erosion, thereby improving water availability for irrigation purposes.
Brazil’s experience in fostering public-private partnerships (PPPs) for irrigation development can provide valuable insights for Ethiopia. Collaborations between the government, private sector, and farmers’ cooperatives can bring in expertise, investment, and technological advancements, leading to the successful implementation of large-scale irrigation projects. PPPs can also contribute to sustainable financing models, long-term maintenance, and the equitable distribution of benefits from irrigation schemes.
Given the challenges posed by climate change, Ethiopia can draw lessons from countries like Australia and Spain, which have developed climate-resilient irrigation systems. Adoption of climate-smart irrigation practices, such as weather forecasting, soil moisture monitoring, and adaptive management strategies, can help Ethiopia mitigate the impacts of climate variability and ensure the long-term sustainability of its irrigation schemes.
Ethiopia can benefit from engaging in knowledge-sharing platforms and capacity-building initiatives with international organizations and countries that have excelled in irrigation development. Collaborating with institutions such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) can provide access to technical expertise, best practices, research findings, and training programs that are tailored to Ethiopia’s specific needs.
By learning from successful irrigation practices worldwide, Ethiopia can refine its approach to irrigation scheme development and overcome challenges more effectively. Integrated water management, farmer participation, efficient irrigation techniques, watershed management, public-private partnerships, climate resilience, and knowledge sharing are crucial aspects that Ethiopia can prioritize in its journey towards sustainable and impactful irrigation systems. By leveraging these insights, Ethiopia can unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector, enhance food security, and drive economic development for the benefit of its people and the nation as a whole.
BY ABEBE WOLDEGIORGIS
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 12 NOVEMBER 2023