Identifying leverage points to transition dysfunctional irrigation schemes towards complex adaptive systems

    Van Rooyen, A F and Moyo, M and Bjornlund, H and Dube, T and Parry, K and Stirzaker, R (2020) Identifying leverage points to transition dysfunctional irrigation schemes towards complex adaptive systems. International Journal of Water Resources Development (TSI). pp. 1-28. ISSN 0790-0627

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    Abstract

    This article explores the value of Ostrom’s socio-ecological systems framework and Meadows’s leverage point hierarchy, as structured diagnostics, to define systemic problems and avoid approaches based on linear thinking. These frameworks were applied as an ex post analysis of an irrigation scheme in Zimbabwe, drawing on the scheme’s baseline condition and the intervention outcomes. Strong leverage points, particularly those driving feedback mechanisms and institutional design, interacted with other intervention points, initiating systemic change. This analysis suggests that dysfunctional schemes can be transitioned towards complex adaptive systems by using agricultural innovation platforms to identify systemic challenges and intervention points.

    Item Type: Article
    Divisions: Research Program : East & Southern Africa
    CRP: CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE)
    Uncontrolled Keywords: Small-scale irrigation, Complex adaptive systems, Leverage points, System diagnostics, Zimbabwe
    Subjects: Others > Semi-Arid Tropics
    Others > Irrigation
    Others > Sub-Saharan Africa
    Others > Zimbabwe
    Depositing User: Mr Arun S
    Date Deposited: 24 Aug 2020 12:30
    Last Modified: 24 Aug 2020 12:31
    URI: http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/11569
    Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2020.1747409
    Projects: UNSPECIFIED
    Funders: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, CGIAR Trust Fund
    Acknowledgement: This research was part of the project Increasing Irrigation Water Productivity in Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe through On-Farm Monitoring, Adaptive Management and Agricultural Innovation Platforms, funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (FSC/ 2013/006) and supported in Zimbabwe by the CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE), supported by the CGIAR Trust Fund.
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