Investigating The Status Of Small-Scale Irrigation Project In North Shoa Zone: A Case Study Of Godebey Micro- Earth Dam

Abstract

The Menz Gira Midir Woreda Godebey irrigation was concentrated on expansion of hectares under irrigation, whilst skirting around the socio-economic effects of such investments. Attention paid to the socio-economic impact of small-scale irrigation developmental though growing is still limited. This study aims to know the status of small-scale irrigation in North Shoa Zone and investigate the causes of failure of Godebey micro earth dam and identify its economic, social and environmental impacts. The assessment was carried out on Godebey small-scale irrigation schemes in the Menz Gira Midir Woreda. The data collected by primary and secondary techniques through reconnaissance survey, development agents and woreda experts were consulted in the information gathered by questionnaire. It came out from the study, the main findings were: projects that are planned with full farmer participation perform better than those that are planned by experts on their own, backgrounds may have internal problems and usually suffer from lack of group cohesion. As explained earlier the irrigation infrastructure has been exposed for leakage, erosion siltation and rot and rust problem. Attempt has been made to identify the main causes of hydraulic failure of Godebey irrigation structure giving emphasis to seepage. The socio economic survey of Godebey irrigation project was conducted by structured questionnaire, and the social, economic and environmental impacts were reported by the local people. 72% and 28% of the respondents report that the main cause of failure of the dam is sedimentation and design problem respectively; the main problems reported in the area were shortage of rain fall, irrigation water shortage, fuel wood problem and farm land shortage. Recommendations regarding: Identification on the source of hydraulic failure needs an extensive back analysis with help of frequent field visit; the concerned agencies should organize the farmers, which are found at the side of the reservoir in order to practice irrigation;