Bewässerungs- und Entwässerungssystemtechnik

The Stumbling Irrigation Sector of Ethiopia: Critical Review and Analysis

Abstract

Yusuf Kedir*

The middle 19^th century irrigation development historyof the world,especially Green Revolution, taught us that intensive irrigation expansion has the power and is also the key to eradicate food shortages of some nations. At the same period, an attempt was made to improve irrigation sector of Ethiopia but not successful as Asian countries.The paper tried to present the pathways Ethiopian irrigated agriculture so far travelled based on comprehensive reviews substantiated by indepth analyses. From the irrigation policies and development plans up to organizational setups, diverse but critical platforms which troubled its development evolutions have been raised and criticised. Effects of these platforms or their aftermaths on targeted development plans; on data of irrigated areas and potentials as well as on performances of irrigation schemes have also been analytically quantified and thoroughly discussed. In general, development of the sector is still stumbling for half a century and unable to contribute for food selfsufficiency and economic growth. The country donot have clear irrigation policy; the sector is supported with low financial backups; organizational structure is shacky and misaligned; the institution are weak so that irrigated areas and potentials are unknown or the figures are inconsistent; scheme categorization is confusing; improperly planned developments are failed and stagnated; large scheme development are stagnated and too slow to change the economy. For the last 60 years less than 0.65 million ha is developed in the country. Irrigation efficiencies of the schemes is below 35%. Finally, overhauling the sector as a whole is recommended if real development is expected.