Effects of irrigation Method on Household Food Security at Mugerero in Gihanga commune of Burundi

Abstract

Irrigation is a method applied to ensure sufficient soil moisture and meet crop water requirements to reduce water deficit which is a limiting factor in plant growth. It influences the entire growth process from seedbed preparation, germination, root growth, nutrients utilization, plant growth, production, yield and quality. Moreover, Irrigation plays a crucial role in food production and improving food security by not only allowing achievement of full crop production potential in a given growing environment, but also by fighting pests through products diluted in water, protecting sensitive crops from frost, adding nutrients that are dissolved in the water, improving land physical properties, and removing excess salinity from the soil. This study has considered the irrigation method to improve food security at Mugerero, a hill of Gihanga commune. Results of the study highlighted the effectiveness of irrigation method in improving household food security through the domestication of new crops including soybean and peanuts, crops very nutritious which could improve the nutritionnel need requirement of the households. Furthermore, the outcomes revealed increased crop yield coupled with exchange of harvest between neighbors and household incomes enhancement. The people could easely supplement their diets and other needs. Whence enhancement of food security and livelihood. The study highligthed that the  irrigation method has been a key tool in improving food security at mugerero hill. However further studies are recommanded in the neighboring hills to futher boost the food security in the region.