Resource use efficiency and constraints in irrigated agriculture: Empirical evidence from Bauchi state Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT Although the practice of small-scale irrigation, using pump and shadoof water lift devices, has many important advantages successive Nigerian governments have emphasised large – scale schemes in the development of water resources for agriculture. This has been due largely to the lack of an adequate knowledge base for the development of small – scale irrigation in the country. Using cross-sectioned survey data from the western zone of the Bauchi state Agricultural Development Programme, this paper identifies the constraints to crop production under small – scale irrigation and examines the possibility of improved incomes on small irrigated farm. Shortage of irrigation water, inadequate supply of fertilizer, absence of credit facilities and low producer prices were found to be some of the major constraints on the study farms. The results of the study indicate that opportunities exist for raising profitability through resources reallocation under the exist small – scale irrigation systems, and through the alleviation of the constraints identified in the study.