The paper uses the example of the Lipeleng'enye irrigation scheme in Tanzania. Traditional irrigation schemes are generally implemented by farmers without external assistance. As a sub-Saharan African country, Tanzania has long faced poverty, with most people earning less than US $1 a day, residing in remote areas reliant on rain-fed agriculture. Climate change has reduced rainfall, causing droughts that affect crop production, income, and thus increasing poverty levels. In 2000, the Tanzanian government, through MAFSC, in collaboration with NGOs and international agencies, developed the Lipeleng'enye Irrigation Scheme to improve traditional irrigation and enhance crop yields to reduce poverty. The study assessed the impact of irrigated farming on poverty by evaluating its contribution to family income, comparing crop yields before and after irrigation, and examining food availability in Newala Town Council. Data from 129 respondents were analyzed using SPSS and qualitative methods. Findings indicate that small-scale irrigation has improved living standards, with better infrastructure, social services, and necessities. Irrigation has increased agricultural output, income, job opportunities, and poverty reduction. The study concludes that small-scale irrigation enhances yields, productivity, and off-farm employment, raising household earnings and lowering poverty levels.

Keywords: Agriculture, household income, irrigation, poverty, smallholder farmers.