<p>Expanding irrigation is widely recognized as a strategic pathway to enhance agricultural productivity and food security in Ethiopia. This study investigates the determinants of wheat irrigation adoption among smallholder farmers in Kellem Wallaga Zone, Western Ethiopia. Using cross-sectional data from 298 randomly selected households, we employ descriptive statistics and a probit regression model to identify factors influencing adoption decisions. The results revealed that wheat irrigation adoption is significantly shaped by gender, resource endowment, and institutional participation. Male-headed households, larger land allocation to wheat production, cooperative membership, participation in irrigation training, and shorter distance to irrigation plots significantly increase the likelihood of adoption of wheat irrigation. Beyond adoption determinants, irrigation users exhibit markedly improved welfare compared to non-adopters. Furthermore, wheat irrigation adoption is associated with improved household food security, increased income, enhanced self-sufficiency, and greater employment opportunities. These findings consider wheat irrigation not only as a productivity enhancing technology but also as a multidimensional rural development intervention that strengthens resilience to climate variability and reduces vulnerability to rainfall shocks. The study provides empirical evidence to inform irrigation policy and investment strategies in Ethiopia and similar agro-ecological contexts. Strengthening farmer cooperatives, expanding irrigation-specific training, improving extension services, and addressing gender disparities are critical for scaling adoption. Promoting wheat irrigation represents a viable pathway toward sustainable agricultural transformation, poverty reduction, and improved food security in smallholder farming systems.</p>