Sustainability Assessment of Small-Scale Irrigation Scheme, in Gumselassa Irrigation Scheme, Southeastern Zone, Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia.

Abstract

Small-scale irrigation plays a crucial role in addressing the problems of food insecurity, poverty reduction, and adapting to climate variability in Ethiopia. However, many irrigation schemes operate below their design capacity due to multidimensional challenges, raising concerns about their long-term functionality and sustainability. This study tried to assess the sustainability of the Gumselassa community-managed small-scale irrigation scheme in Tigray using the FAO’s Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture (SAFA) framework. In addition to this, the long term effects of irrigation practices on soil properties were examined using selected soil health indicators. A mixed- methodological approach was employed, combining household surveys (n = 74), focus group discussions, key informant interviews, field measurement and observations, and laboratory analysis of 36 soil samples from two soil depths (0-30, 30-60). The long-term effects of irrigation on soil health was done by comparing to the nearby non-irrigated farm lands. The overall sustainability score of the irrigation scheme was 2.98, which indicates a moderate sustainability level with moderate good governance (2.92), good environmental integrity (3.67), moderate economic resilience (2.81), and moderate social well-being (2.50). The soil health index was higher on irrigated fields (0.88) than that of rain-fed fields (0.65), which was 35.4% higher at (0-30) cm soil depth and (0.83) on irrigated fields and (0.61) than the rain fed fields at (30-60) cm soil depth, which was 36.1% higher at irrigation field than the rained fields. Reservoir siltation is the main challenge for the sustainability of the irrigation scheme. Inclusive decision making, community participation and integrated management practices through the irrigation scheme, reservoir and catchment area will ensure the sustainability of the irrigation scheme.