Impact of irrigation on poverty reduction: A case of rice irrigation scheme in Ulanga District
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Date
2009
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
The overall objective of this study was to assess the impact of irrigation on rice
productivity and its implication on poverty reduction in Minepa Scheme in Ulanga
District. In order to compare the relative impact of irrigation, cross sectional data
were collected from a sample of 44 irrigating and 57 non-irrigating rice farmers. A
structured questionnaire was used to collect the required data. Results indicate that
rice productivity is significantly (p<0.05) higher under irrigation farming as
compared to rainfed farming. Gross Margin analysis further indicates significantly
higher margins among irrigators than non-irrigators at (p<0.05). In addition to that,
linear regression (OLS) results show that participation in irrigation increased rice
output significantly (p<0.01). The results indicate a significant (p<0.01) positive
relationship between farm size and farm output while off-farm incomes and incomes
from competing crops appeared to have a significant (p<0.01) negative relationship
with rice production. Furthermore, education level, farm type, household size,
numbers of extension service visits increased significantly (p<0.01) the rice output
thus farm income. However, increased number of dependants was seen to be
significant but negatively associated with rice production. The study concluded that
irrigation has an eminent positive impact on rice productivity and hence on income
needed to reduce poverty among rice producers. Based on the findings, the study
recommends for a wider promotion of smallholder irrigation schemes through
increased public investment and technology transfer, establishment of standard
pricing and measurement systems for paddy and increase of paddy production under
irrigation as a way of improving farm productivity and increased farmers’ incomes
thus helping in income poverty reduction.
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thesis
Keywords
Irrigation, Poverty reduction, Rice irrigation, Ulanga District, schemes, Minepa schemes