Pilot Watermelon Production Under Microirrigation in Libokemkem Woreda, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Pilot watermelon production was carried out in Libokemkem Woreda, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, during the 2023 irrigation season. The study aimed to overcome inadequate farmer knowledge and information regarding watermelon’s production, economic, and health benefits, as well as to improve farmer income and nutrition. A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed with stakeholders on roles and responsibilities to jointly undertake the pilot production. Host farmers with adjacent irrigable farmlands were selected by development agents (DAs), Woreda Agriculture experts, and the Norwegian Forestry Group/Forest Landscape Restoration Program (NFG/FLRP) based on their interest and diligence. A farmers’ committee was established, responsible for the overall coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of the pilot. Training was provided to host farmers and kebele/Woreda‐level agricultural experts on watermelon health benefits, planting, watering, integrated pest management, and postharvest handling. The study used return on investment (ROI) and sensitivity analysis methods. Observational data showed watermelon production was significantly more profitable than both wheat and potato when compared in terms of net return and ROI. It generated a net return of 175,153 ETB, surpassing wheat (33,750 ETB) by 141,403 ETB and potato (34,635 ETB) by 140,518 ETB. In terms of ROI, watermelon production stood out as the most profitable enterprise. The ROI for watermelon was 608.34%, which was 505.60% higher than wheat (102.74%) and 465.60% higher than potato production (142.74%). Qualitative findings revealed high farmer satisfaction, attributed primarily to low labor and input requirements, ease of management, high yields from small homestead plots within 3 months, excellent storage stability, and strong market demand. Farmers expressed a strong willingness to continue production, promote the technology, and fully integrate watermelon as a valuable supplementary income and nutrition‐enhancing crop. Beyond these gains, watermelon, easily produced on small irrigated homestead plots, creates new employment opportunities for women farmers, significantly contributing to income generation, nutritional improvement, and critically, women’s economic empowerment. Therefore, watermelon production must be scaled up at a wider scale in the Woreda or in areas with similar agroecology for improving income and household nutrition.