Assesment Of Economic Efficiency Of Irrigation Water-Use On Food Production In Kenya (A Case Study Of Mwea Irrigation Scheme)

Abstract

The study was carried out to assessment the efficiency of irrigation water-use on food production in Kenya a study that focused in Mwea irrigation scheme. The general objective was to assess the economic efficiency of Irrigation water-use on food production and the GDP of Kenya. The specific objectives were: To determine the response of crop output to the quantity of irrigation water used in Mwea Irrigation Scheme, to determine the economic efficiency of irrigation water-use in Mwea Irrigation Scheme and to examine the factors determining economic irrigation water-use efficiency of Mwea Irrigation Scheme. The study was descriptive and targeted the farms in Mwea irrigation scheme. The data was analyzed through descriptive and regression method. The target population 4398 small and large scale irrigation farmers in Mwea irrigation scheme, out of which 384 farmers were sampled. Secondary data which was the main tool for the purpose was collected from the scheme’s website and national irrigation board. Regression analysis and correlation coefficients analysis to determine the response of crop output to the quantity of irrigation water used in Mwea Irrigation Scheme was used to analyze the data and find out if there exists relationship between the income from the sector and its reflection to the GDP of Kenya. It also facilitated the development and implementation of the National Irrigation Policy that is currently being formulated. In addition, it was expected to generate more interest in irrigation research in Kenya to help achieve the national macroeconomic development objectives of poverty alleviation, food security, employment creation, and industrialization.