Does irrigation access improve diets of farming households?

Abstract Irrigation is a key agricultural input that can influence nutrition through production and income pathways, yet its role in shaping diets remains underexamined. This study examines the effects of irrigation on food consumption and diet quality among farming households. We find that irrigation adoption increases consumption of milk, wheat, and sugar, but it has a limited or no effect on higher intake of nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, eggs, and meat. Groundwater irrigation has stronger effects on nutrient-dense food consumption than surface water irrigation. These findings highlight the need for nutrition-sensitive irrigation policies to improve access to healthier and more diverse diets.