Farmer Risk Management Protocol, Community Support and Small-Scale Irrigation Performance: Empirical Evidence from Migori County, Kenya

Irrigation is adduced to delink food production from rainfall, and the contribution of small-scale irrigation to world food security cannot be overstated. However, despite the potential of small-scale irrigation to mitigate against food insecurity, this study posits that inadequacy of empirical data on factors that influence post construction performance inhibits performance in the sector. Therefore, using cross-sectional and correlational design, and descriptive and inferential statistics, the study examined the influence of farmer risk management protocol and community support on small-scale irrigation performance. The results show that farmer risk management protocol explains 61.1% of variation in the model, and that while mitigation is the most preferred protocol, avoidance significantly influences small-scale irrigation performance. Consequently, the study recommends policy guidelines that require project proposals in small-scale irrigation to incorporate risk management protocols. Further, with regard to practice, in order to entrench farmer risk management protocol in small-scale irrigation, the study recommends transfer of governance in small-scale irrigation from government agencies to community organisations. In addition, the study recommends training of small-scale irrigation farmers on risks management and mobilisation of insurance providers to implement agricultural insurance policy as contained in Insurance Act Cap 487 of 1984 of the Laws of Kenya. Finally, with regard to future research, the study recommends research based on longitudinal and experimental research design, and examination of other post construction factors and moderating variables. Received: 10 September 2026 / Accepted: 29 October 2026 / Published: November 2026