Double-edge effects of small-scale irrigation on small-holder vegetable farmers’ income in Gurara dam, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the dual effects of the Gurara Irrigation Scheme on the income and livelihood diversification of smallholder vegetable farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 188 irrigation beneficiaries and 202 non-beneficiaries across twelve communities. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires, and the analysis employed descriptive statistics, Simpson’s Index of Diversity (SID), and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to assess the impact of irrigation on household income and livelihood patterns. The results revealed a clear contrast in livelihood strategies between the two groups. Non-beneficiaries exhibited significantly higher livelihood diversification, with a mean SID of 0.64 compared to 0.22 for beneficiaries. While 74.07% of nonbeneficiaries engaged in high-diversity income portfolios, 59.88% of beneficiaries concentrated on lowdiversity livelihoods, primarily irrigated vegetable farming. This suggests a trade-off between specialization and resilience. Income impact analysis using four PSM algorithms showed that irrigation significantly enhanced income, with the Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) ranging from ₦941,652.90 to ₦1,031,595.00 annually. These findings confirmed that while irrigation improves income, it may also reduce livelihood flexibility and increase exposure to market or climate-related shocks. The study concludes that for
irrigation schemes to sustainably improve rural livelihoods, complementary policies must promote off-farm opportunities and diversification, ensuring both income enhancement and economic resilience for smallholder farmers.