THE BENEFITS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT OF COMMUNITY BASED SMALL SCALE IRRIGATION DEVELOPNiENT IN THE AWASH RIVER BASIN, ETHIOPIA: A CASE STUDY OF FOUR COMMUNITY BASED IRRIGATION SCHEMES

Abstract

This study aims to examine. the environmental and socia. economic impact of
conimimity based small-scale irrigation in the Upper Awash Basin. Its main objeCttveis to assess the
benefits and environmental effect of commumty based small-scale irrigation schemes in the·selected-.
study areas. Results are based on household survey arid irrigation water samples artalyzed. The
findings highlights that development of smallholder irrigation schemes has resulted in high incomes for
irrigator smallholder farmers compared with the non-irrigators. The average Ret farm incomes of
irrigated farms in general are higher per ha than the non-irrigated farms. Employment creation,
additional food availability and economic;. backward 'and forward Jinki:.ges are other benefits created by
irrigation development in all four irrigated s-:hemes. The principal negative environmental effects
identified in the study of the four small·scale irrigation schemes are inefficient use of water, soil fertility
and quality maintenance problems, soil erosion,and water related diseases hazards while soil salinity is
a major problem in Doni andBa1;u Dega irrigation schemes. These issues, which affect the sustainability
of the schemes an~ environment, are considered to be the key issues that should be taken into .account
in making future investments.