Abstract Ethiopia is largely an agrarian nation and over 80% of its population living in rural areas. The availability of irrigation facilities may have extensive influence on livelihood outcomes in these areas. This study aims to employ meta-regression approach to uncover true effects, objectively synthesize the primary studies effect size, and assess the extent of small study effect. Therefore, this study integrates effect size estimates from various studies that examine how access to small scale irrigation affects rural livelihood outcomes in Ethiopia, using a meta-regression approach. Findings indicate that households with access to small-scale irrigation experience a 0.263 improvement in livelihood outcomes compared to those without such access. The study reveals a statistically significant, positive impact of small-scale irrigation access on rural livelihood indicators after accounting for publication bias. This study recommends public policy actions aimed at expanding small-scale irrigation initiatives in Ethiopia to enhance and improve rural livelihoods. Policymakers should adopt a context-specific approach in order to customize irrigation projects to the particular needs of various geographical areas and farming communities. Therefore, the findings of the study hold significant implications for policymakers and collaborated development agencies targeted rural development in Ethiopia.