Evaluating the pathways from small-scale irrigation to dietary diversity: evidence from Ethiopia and Tanzania

Abstract

Interventions that aim to increase water availability for agriculture hold great potential for improving nutrition through increasing food production, generating income, enhancing water access and sanitation and hygiene conditions, and through strengthening women's empowerment. Yet there is scarce evidence on the linkages between small-scale irrigation and the pathways through which nutrition outcomes can be achieved. Using data from a cross-sectional household survey collected in Ethiopia and Tanzania, we explored the potential for small-scale irrigation to contribute to improved diets, and identify the pathways through which irrigation affects dietary diversity as measured by the Household Dietary Diversity Score. Unadjusted comparisons show that irrigating households in both countries produced more vegetables, fruits and cash crops, are less food insecure, have a higher value of production, and have higher production diversity and dietary diversity compared to non-irrigating households. Econometric results of a simultaneous equation (3SLS) model showed that irrigation leads to better household dietary diversity mainly through the pathway of increasing household incomes. However, these results are statistically significant only in the case of Ethiopia, and not in Tanzania. While irrigation increased production diversity in Ethiopia, the benefits of increased dietary diversity cannot be attributed to these changes in production after controlling for the effect of income. Other factors, such as gender of the household head and having off-farm income, also influence dietary diversity in Ethiopia. These findings suggest that the potential for irrigation to influence diets is highly context-specific. Understanding the particular pathways and entry points for nutrition-sensitive agriculture approaches could help to improve their benefits for nutrition.

Childhood stunting and associated factors among irrigation and non- irrigation user kebeles in Mecha district, northwest, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

“…This study found that signi cant variation of child stunting did not observe between irrigated and nonirrigated user. The nding of the study is inconsistent with previous studies, which showed that irrigation is associated with a reduced risk of stunting (26,27). Studies revealed that irrigation schemes can ensure household food security (26,27).…”

“…The nding of the study is inconsistent with previous studies, which showed that irrigation is associated with a reduced risk of stunting (26,27). Studies revealed that irrigation schemes can ensure household food security (26,27). Although food security may be a necessary prerequisite for good nutrition outcomes, it is insu cient by its own to improve nutritional outcomes (28).…”

What does empowerment mean to women in northern Ghana? Insights from research around a small-scale irrigation intervention

“…Finally, irrigation may lead to improved outcomes (achievements) for women and their families through several additional pathways: a production pathway, an income pathway, and a water supply pathway (Domènech, 2015;Passarelli, Mekonnen, Bryan, and Ringler 2018). Changes in women's agency are likely to intersect these pathways in critical ways.…”

“…Until recently, less focus has been paid to other potential benefits of irrigation, such as benefits for improved nutrition and health, and women's empowerment and the pathways through which irrigation contributes to these outcomes. Evidence suggests that small-scale irrigation increases crop productivity, broadens the range of crops that farmers may cultivate, and increases the availability of nutritious foods throughout the year (Alaofe et al, 2016;Burney et al, 2010Burney et al, , 2013de Fraiture & Giordano, 2014;Namara et al, 2011;Passarelli et al 2018;Baye et al 2019). Irrigation can also increase economic access to food, asset accumulation, employment opportunities, and spending on education and health care through an income effect (Burney and Naylor, 2012;Passarelli et al, 2018;Namara et al, 2011).…”

Irrigation and women’s diet in Ethiopia: A longitudinal study

“…Moreover, whether irrigation practices bridge seasonal dietary gaps and eventually improve nutrition remains largely unknown. Recent studies suggest that irrigation can improve nutrition indirectly, through changes in production, income, the WASH environment, and women's empowerment (9,10). However, the evidence remains scant and concerns over increased incidence of malaria have also been reported (11).…”