PROBLEMS AND CONSTRAINTS OF SMALL-SCALE IRRIGATION (FADAMA) IN NIGERIA

Small-scale irrigation “Fadama” plays a key role in the economics of Nigeria as a basic source of food, income, and employment, especially for women in the “slack” period of rainfed agriculture. A study was undertaken to assess the practice of Fadama irrigation in Oyo and Osun states of Nigeria with a view to better understand the characteristic problems and needs. This paper reports on some general information on Fadama irrigation that are useful to project planners and assisting agencies. Fadama irrigation practice has increased significantly over the last 10 years because of increasing demand and high cost of vegetables produced by farmers. The majority of farmers are assisted by World Bank funded States Agricultural Development Program (ADP) through the provision of pumps and irrigation infrastructure. Farmers lack adequate start up capital and are frequently faced with irregular fuel supply, frequent pump breakdown, low stream flow, and well dry ups. Those using the furrow system also complained of h...