Abstract:
This review aims to compile the past, present and future trends of participatory small-scale irrigation
schemes (PSSIS) and small-scale rainwater harvesting technology (SSRWHT) development to ensure
household food security in Ethiopia. It discusses the Ethiopian PSSIS and SSRWHT development based
on the historical backgrounds, current conditions of development and its contributions to the national
economy, challenges and opportunities, and future development perspectives. PSSIS and SSRWHT
development has been suggested to be a central key part in curbing food scarcity and alleviating
poverty not only in water scarce regions of the Ethiopia but also in many other developing countries.
Government, donors and NGOs are investing in developing irrigation systems, especially on PSSIS and
SSRWHT. Still irrigated land is 5 to 10% of 5.3 million hectares of irrigated potential area of country.
This review indicates that, the existing current performance of PSSIS and SSRWHT development in
Ethiopia is not significantly contributing to national economy of the country, when compared to rain-fed
agriculture. Accordingly, irrigation sub-sector is not contributing its share based on the resources
potential of the country. There is no consistent and reliable inventory data, lacks agreed reports in
common consensus and well-studied and documented with regards to water and irrigations related
potentials and implementations of PSSIS and SSRWHT development in the country.
