Deme Betele Hirko
This study evaluates the performance of small-scale irrigation schemes in Koftu, Ethiopia, in enhancing water resource utilization. Employing a range of methods, including conversations, flow measurements, household surveys, and literature searches, the research assesses the performance of the irrigation schemes using performance indicators for outputs, output delivery, and financial performance. To estimate crop water requirements, the CROPWAT model was used. The results show that the average relative water and irrigation supply were 2.06 and 2.47, respectively. The output per unitcontrolled area was 21094.43 US$/ha, while the output per unit-cultivated area was 11212.33 US$/ha. The study also found that the irrigation schemes had a high-water productivity ratio of 2.10 US dollars per m3 of output and 1.02 US dollars per m3 of supply per unit of water used. Additionally, the schemes demonstrated high financial self-sufficiency due to low operation and maintenance costs. Overall, the findings suggest that the small-scale irrigation schemes in Koftu, Ethiopia, have successfully enhanced water resource utilization and improved both land and water productivity. Using performance indicators provides a valuable tool for identifying areas for improvement in irrigation schemes.