Improve water productivity and yield through participatory approaches in small-scale irrigation schemes: A case of Shimburit irrigation schemes, Ethiopia

Small-scale irrigation schemes in Ethiopia are pivotal for improving agricultural productivity and food security. However, poor water management, infrastructural maintenance, and agronomic practices hinder the potential of the scheme. This study evaluates the Shimburit small-scale irrigation scheme in Ethiopia, focusing on water and crop productivity. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and field demonstrations of full-package treatments (advanced water and crop management) with conventional farmer practices. Three representative locations were selected from local farmers, considered as replications and wheat was used as a test crop. The results revealed that current irrigated areas were reduced by 25 % of the initially designed capacity. Poor water management practices, seepage and inadequate maintenance were identified as major issues. Adoption of improved irrigation technologies (full-package) treatment gave 3.97 tons ha-1 of grain yield and 0.94 kg m-3 of water productivity. This reveals that advanced water and crop management practices improve wheat yield by 60.7 % and water productivity by 70.9 % as compared to conventional practice. Therefore, advanced water and crop management is essential for enhancing yield and water productivity that supports Ethiopia’s agricultural development goals.