Evaluating On-Farm Water Management in Small-Scale Irrigation Schemes in Southern Ethiopia

Ethiopia's agricultural sector is predominantly dependent on rain-fed farming, with irrigation systems becoming increasingly essential to enhance productivity and ensure food security. This study assesses on-farm water management practices within small-scale irrigation schemes in southern Ethiopia, focusing on two irrigation schemes, Wosha and Werka, which are located at wondo genet district sidama region. Soil physical characteristics, crop water and irrigation requirements, irrigation scheduling, and application efficiency were evaluated. The findings revealed that Werka exhibited better soil water-holding capacity and higher application efficiency (59%) compared to Wosha (48.2%). Sugarcane and chat were the dominant crops in both schemes, with irrigation scheduling showing gaps between farmers' practices and optimal water intervals, particularly in Wosha. Overall, Werka's irrigation system demonstrated better performance, highlighting the need for improvements in Wosha’s irrigation management practices. Farmers in both schemes, especially in Wosha, should adopt scientifically calculated irrigation intervals to reduce water wastage and enhance crop yields. Strengthening technical proficiency in water management and providing training on modern irrigation techniques is essential for farmers to optimize water use. Keywords: water management, irrigation, schemes, performance, assessment DOI: 10.7176/JRDM/95-04 Publication date: January 31st 2025