Irrigation development in Zimbabwe: understanding productivity barriers and opportunities at Mkoba and Silalatshani irrigation schemes

    Moyo, M and Van Rooyen, A F and Moyo, M and Chivenge, P and Bjornlund, H (2017) Irrigation development in Zimbabwe: understanding productivity barriers and opportunities at Mkoba and Silalatshani irrigation schemes. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 33 (5). pp. 740-754. ISSN 0790-0627

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    Abstract

    Productivity barriers and opportunities influencing smallholder irrigation sustainability in Zimbabwe were identified using case studies of the Silalatshani and Mkoba irrigation schemes. The major barriers were poor infrastructure and soil fertility, and poor access to farm inputs, farm implements, functioning markets and agricultural knowledge, which resulted in low yields, food insecurity and negative farm income. Most irrigated land remains unused, and marketing of produce is uncoordinated. Mobile technologies provide opportunities for market information dissemination. Institutions are needed to continuously encourage dialogue among agricultural value chain stakeholders to allow irrigators to align their operations to market demands and improve the viability of irrigation systems.

    Item Type: Article
    Divisions: Research Program : East & Southern Africa
    CRP: CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE)
    Uncontrolled Keywords: Productivity barriers and opportunities, Smallholder irrigation systems, Sustainability, Irrigation productivity, Zimbabwe
    Subjects: Others > Irrigation
    Others > Water Resources
    Others > African Agriculture
    Others > Zimbabwe
    Depositing User: Mr Ramesh K
    Date Deposited: 03 May 2016 09:58
    Last Modified: 22 May 2017 06:03
    URI: http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/9468
    Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2016.1175339
    Projects: UNSPECIFIED
    Funders: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
    Acknowledgement: This work was supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research [grant no. FSC2013-006].
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