Regassa E. Namara

Economics, adoption determinants, and impacts of micro-irrigation technologies: empirical results from India

Micro-irrigation technologies are promoted for various reasons in India. Despite the reported significant economic advantages, and the concerted support of the government and NGOs, the current micro-irrigation area in India remains an insignificant proportion of its potential. This paper analyzes: (1) the economics of alternative micro-irrigation technologies, (2) the determinants of adoption, (3) the poverty outreach of the different micro-irrigation systems, and (4) the sustainability implications of micro-irrigation adoption. In line with the findings of other studies, this study indicates that micro-irrigation technologies result in a significant productivity and economic gains. The most important determinants of micro-irrigation adoption include access to groundwater, cropping pattern, availability of cash, and level of education, the social status and poverty status of the farmer. Contrary to the expectations, the majority of the current adopters of low-cost micro-irrigation systems are the better-off farmers. The study indicates that the impact of micro-irrigation systems on the sustainability of groundwater resources depends upon the magnitude of the overall productivity gain following the shift from traditional irrigation method to micro-irrigation system, the pattern of use of the saved water, and the type and potential number of adopters.

Indigenous systems of conflict resolution in Oromia, Ethiopia

This paper describes the role of the Gadaa system, a uniquely democratic political and social institution of the Oromo people in Ethiopia, in the utilization of important resources such as water, as well as its contribution in conflict resolution among individuals and communities. It discusses ways to overcome the difference between customary and statutory approaches in conflict resolution. A synthesis of customary and statutory system of conflict resolution may facilitate a better understanding that will lead to improved management of resources, which are predominant variables for the socio-economic development of the country. It suggests that top-down imposition and enforcement of statutory laws that replace customary laws should be avoided. Instead, mechanisms should be sought to learn from the Lubas, elders who are knowledgeable in the Gadaa system, about the customary mechanisms of conflict resolution so as to integrate them in enacting or implementing statutory laws.

Smallholder shallow groundwater irrigation development in the upper east region of Ghana

In sub-Saharan Africa, there is paucity of information on the potential of groundwater resources. The limited available information paints a pessimistic view about groundwater resources. Due to its perceived inadequate availability, groundwater associated with domestic use and the potential for using it for agriculture are not well reflected in the national irrigation polices. Contrary to official pessimism, farmers do use groundwater for agriculture in many countries of sub-Saharan Africa including Ghana. This paper analyzes the current extent of use, economics, socioeconomic impacts, and constraints and opportunities of shallow groundwater irrigation based on the experiences of smallholders in the three micro-watersheds of the White Volta Basin in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

Shallow groundwater in the Atankwidi Catchment of the White Volta Basin: current status and future sustainability

The Atankwidi Catchment, which lies in the White Volta Basin in West Africa, is intensively cultivated by locals for economic gains. During dry seasons, farmers irrigate their crops, chiefly tomatoes, using shallow groundwater harvested from shallow ponds they dig using simple tools like an axe, hoe, bucket and bowls. Recent expansion in cultivated areas has brought to the fore the need to estimate the volume of shallow groundwater stored in the catchment’s underlying aquifer and to what extent it can sustain the incremental growth in irrigated areas.

Development aid and access to water and sanitation in Sub-Saharan Africa

This paper compares countries’ performance in the water and sanitation sector and analyzes how effectively they used the development aid targeted for this sector. These analyses are validated by presentation of the water and sanitation situation of four case-study countries: Kenya, Madagascar, Burkina Faso and Uganda. The paper also utilizes the innovative Watsan Index of Development Effectiveness, which compares drivers of progress with results achieved and ranks African countries by the level of outcome obtained per unit of available input in the four case-study countries.

Assessing the outcomes of IWMI’s research and interventions on irrigation management transfer

In Waibel, H.; Zilberman, D.EC (Eds.). International research on natural resource management: Advances in impact assessment. Rome, Italy: FAO; Wallingford, UK: CABI

Small pumps and poor farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa: an assessment of current extent of use and poverty outreach

The expansion of irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa has been slow. In Asia, the rapid expansion of smallholder irrigation systems was attributed in part to the availability and affordability of motorized pumps. This paper appraises the current extent of pump-based irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa; profiles the socio-economic and demographic attributes of current pump adopters; and assesses the poverty outreach of small-pump technology. It shows that private smallholder irrigation is practised mainly by the wealthier farmers. The development of groundwater irrigation requires targeted and deliberate public-policy interventions and institutional support focusing on the more marginal farmers.

The Impact of Treadle Pump Irrigation Technology Adoption on Poverty in Ghana

Abstract Treadle pump (TP) technology has been promoted by Enterprise Works in West Africa as an alternative to the traditional rope and bucket irrigation. The aim is to improve output and incomes and reduce poverty among farm households. This paper reports a short term (two years) assessment of the dynamics of its adoption and impacts, with a special focus on poverty reduction. Data used were from primary surveys of adopters and non-adopters of treadle pumps in two regions of Ghana. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary and production function analysis. The results of the study reveal that time and labor savings for irrigation were the major attractive features of the treadle pump for those who adopted it. The difference in net income between adopters and non-adopters was about US

Cost-benefit analysis and ideas for cost sharing of groundwater irrigation: evidence from north-eastern Ethiopia

393 per hectare, with an increase in land and labor productivities. About 21% stopped the use of the treadle pump because it broke down, while about 10% shifted to motorized pumping. The study shows that adoption of treadle pumps reduces poverty. It is recommended that increased collaboration with local institutions, such as extension services, will improve the transfer of treadle pump technology to farmers. After-sales service and training of farmers on repairs could reduce treadle pump abandonment. This paper is original as it compares the factors that affect adoption and non-adoption of treadle pumps. It also reveals reasons for abandonment. A multivariate analysis was used to examine the productivity impact of adoption.

Economic rationale for cooperation in international waters in Africa : a review

The government of Ethiopia has invested in groundwater development for smallholder irrigation in the Raya Valley and Kobo Valley, north-eastern Ethiopia, where the hydrogeological potential is large but not fully developed. A cost-benefit analysis shows that investment in deep groundwater irrigation development is viable at a 9.5% discount rate in 75% of the wells. Assuming full cost recovery of capital investment, the annual payment rates (annuity) that irrigation users should pay over the wells’ service life (25 years) were estimated. It is recommended that future investment be based on cost sharing rather than full cost recovery to facilitate uptake and address financial realities.