Socio-Economic Impact of Small-Scale Irrigation Development :( Case Stud of Irrigation Schemes, Fogera, South Gonder, Amhara, Ethiopia)

Abstract

While the establishment of small scale irrigation was in an attempt to improve the welfare of the people it remains a pressing issue as economic and social problems continue to affect plot holders which results in the schemes being undermined. The intention of this research is to assess socio-economic and environmental impacts of small irrigation development. Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used in the investigation of the socioeconomic impacts on the schemes. The overall objective of this study is to assess the socio economic and environmental impact of small-scale irrigation development in the kuha rmikael irrigation scheme. The study was attempted to assess the annual crop productions, challenges faced by irrigation farming and environmental impacts of the irrigation scheme. A survey of 40 irrigators and 40 non-irrigators was selected using randomly. The Data was composed both at household level and community level. Analyses were done using SPSS. Tables, equation and graphs were in use in presentation and analysis. Results were that the two irrigation schemes have managed to create employment, income generation, but have some shortages like transport, market, capital and conflict between upstream and downstream and have it on environmental problems like sedimentation, erosion and dieses. The study of kuhar 1ikael small-scale irrigation scheme has revealed some factors that are important for the successful implementation of small-scale irrigation schemes. It has come out clearly that irrigation can be moderately well designed and in sound technical state but other issues related to input supply, market situation, and health situation can affect the development of small-scale irrigation schemes.