Irrigating Africa: policy barriers and opportunities for enhanced productivity of smallholder farmers. Issue 5 (3rd September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mwamakamba, Sithembile Ndema; Sibanda, Lindiwe Majele; Pittock, Jamie; Stirzaker, Richard; Bjornlund, Henning; van Rooyen, Andre; Munguambe, Paiva; Mdemu, Makarius Victor; Kashaigili, Japhet J.
• Is Part Of: International journal of water resources development. Volume 33:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: 824
• Page End: 838
• Publication Date: 2017-09-03
• Subjects: Africa -- agriculture -- smallholder irrigation -- policy barriers -- governance mechanisms -- market access; Water resources development -- Periodicals; Water-supply, Agricultural -- Periodicals; 333.91005
• DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2017.1321531
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0790-0627

Abstract

Abstract: African governments have ambitious plans to expand irrigated agriculture, though existing smallholder schemes have largely failed to use land and water sustainably or become profitable. Six government-owned irrigation schemes in Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe were assessed to identify common policy barriers and opportunities for higher productivity among smallholder farmers. Issues like insecure land tenure systems, unclear institutional arrangements and poor access to markets have contributed to limited profitability. Reform of currently insecure land tenure, strengthening farmer organizations and reforming policies are recommended so that governments step back from scheme management and foster market linkages to enable more profitable irrigated agriculture.