§ 13. Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on the development of irrigation systems in Ethiopia. [172247]
§ Hilary BennDependence on rain-fed agriculture contributes to the high levels of vulnerability and chronic food insecurity found in Ethiopia. Less than 5 per cent. of the country's arable land is currently irrigated. The Government of Ethiopia recognises the need for appropriate forms of irrigation that will benefit smallholders as well as commercial farmers, in its poverty reduction strategy. Irrigation is an important component of the Government's Water Sector Development Programme. In addition, the Government are undertaking a large programme to promote rainwater harvesting at the smallholder farm level.
367WDFID supports such initiatives through assisting the development of Government's overall rural development strategies and financing implementation of the country's poverty reduction strategy with direct budget support.