Farmers’ perception on technical and irrigation water user associations (IWUAs) performance of selected small-scale irrigation schemes in the Ethiopian Rift Valley

Local irrigation institutions are crucial for effectively managing and sustaining irrigation schemes. This study assessed the farmers' perceptions on technical and irrigation water user associations' (IWUAs) management performance of selected irrigation schemes in the Ethiopian Rift Valley. Four small-scale irrigation (SSI) schemes, namely, Furfuro, Murtute, Bedene Alemtena (hereafter referred to as Bedene), and Sibisto, were selected for this study. Data were collected using scheme performance reports, household surveys, key informant interviews (KII), focus group discussions (FGD) with various stakeholders, and field observations. Results showed that the reliability and water delivery performance of Furfuro and Sibisto were rated as good by 52% and 41% of respondents, respectively, and poor by 22% and 25%. In Murtute and Bedene, 73% and 51% of respondents, respectively, said that the reliability and water delivery performance were poor, and 11% and 21% rated them as good. Similarly, in Murtute and Bedene, 32% and 37% of respondents, respectively, said that the water allocation was seriously unfair, and 50% and 43% said that they occasionally see unfairness. Although the severity of the problems varies between schemes, the operation, maintenance, and water allocation systems of all schemes were unsatisfactory. The general observation of participants in FGD, KII, and household surveys indicated that the IWUAs were unable to manage the schemes based on the outlined rules and regulations. Lack of training and financial constraints affected the IWUA's ability to manage the schemes properly. In general, poor market access, high input costs, and inefficient irrigation management systems impacted the irrigation production in the study area.