This stud» examines tho use of irrigtuion dcvclopmcni [orfood security through. its impact on food availability, access and diversification of crops. Its main objective being the suuly of ... impact of small-scale irrigation on ltousehold food security, the research focuses on how irrigtuion is nsed lo change households' decision onfood production (e.g. cropping pattern Household .rnrvey and. fieldwork observation were< used to co/leer data at community, household and individual levels. Interview with key informants andfocus group discussion were also used. Dara re/wed 10 area under cultivation, agricultural intensity, and household wed/lit status and cropping pattern were collected 11si11g structured questionnaire, witn the help of locally recruited amt trained enumerators. Background churacteristics of study area, agriculturai extension services, attitudes of [armers towards irrigation and other related data were accessed from Kebele. Woreda. Zone and regional agricultural offices mu/ NGOs. , ' AJtSTR!\CT and intensity), food .~ply! volume, an:e$S, 011d their utilization: The analysis is undertaken using statistical fools such as mean. percentage values, t-tests and chi-square /<'SI:> using SPSS andSpread sheet .. The findings of ihi~ study higiiligh1 the positive impact of-irrigation. as it could bring increased agricultural production mu/ productivity, beuer access of women members to income, atul improved weattt: status in the area. Food security situation is enhanced as <1 result of' increase. livestock and ifs products, agricultural crop diversification; agricuhural intensification and enabling' more labor en,Ra}?emertt in farm aciivifies. Cropping pattern decisions are also changed due to existence of irrigation, resulting in generating more income due lo growing cash crops. II is also observed that households who have access to irrigation huve been able ro double their yearly harvest, therebv improving their [ood security. In addition most households improved their diet due to diversified agricultural products . ix . ·• Finally, someform of incentivefor model/armers 011(/ disincentivesfor farmers who are nm cultivated their irrigation. plots are also important lo increase effectiveness u/ irrigation schemes. better training should be given [or farmers, establishing institutions for input ( surmiy, output marketing and credit service. regular supervision and monitoring is 11ee,Je<J, promote [armers and community based small-scale irrigation lo reduce dependency on rain­ fed production, giving a.~istance and support lo farmers ro adopt modem technologies and upgrade tlu: traditiorud schemes. coordination of all relevant institutions involved in small­ scale irrigation <development is important and participatory planning arid equippe<i operation and mainl'i!nance system are suggested for reducing [ood insecurity situaiion 1lj'