The Contribution of smallholder irrigation development to food and nutrition security among vulnerable smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe: a case of the Banga irrigation scheme in Masvingo
- Author
- Chitsato, Tanaka
- Title
- The Contribution of smallholder irrigation development to food and nutrition security among vulnerable smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe: a case of the Banga irrigation scheme in Masvingo
- Abstract
- Smallholder irrigation development has been recommended as a potential solution to addressing food and nutrition security among smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe. However, there is limited research on the impact of smallholder irrigation development on dietary diversity among beneficiary households. The main objective of this study was to assess the contribution of smallholder irrigation development to food and nutrition security among smallholder farmers in the semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe, using the Banga Irrigation Scheme in Chivi District, Masvingo Province as a case study. A mixed-method approach was used, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. Multistage sampling was used to select the study area, and random sampling was used to choose 57 respondents from both beneficiary and non-beneficiary households of the Banga irrigation scheme. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and multinomial logistics regression were used for data analysis. The major findings revealed that 70.2% of the beneficiaries and 29.8% of non-beneficiaries are found to be food secure. The difference in mean Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) between beneficiary and non-beneficiary households was not statistically significant. Seven statistically significant independent variables were identified out of the hypothesized ten variables by estimating a multinomial logistic model. The results indicated that among the factors considered in the model, education level, livestock holding, irrigation access, and household gender significantly and positively affected household food and nutrition security. In contrast, the age of the household head, the health status of the household head, and marital status significantly and negatively affected household food security. The study concluded that smallholder irrigation can be a viable solution to secure household food needs and diversify their diet composition in the study area. It is therefore recommended that the developed irrigation schemes should be implemented through a combination of training and capacity-building programs for smallholder farmers to secure food access and diet composition. The government of Zimbabwe and non-governmental organizations should continue to expand access to smallholder irrigation for smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions to improve their food and nutrition security.
- Date
- MAY 2024
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- smallholder irrigation development
- irrigation scheme
- dietary diversity
- food and nutrition security
- Supervisor
- Dr L. Govere
- Media
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Chitsato - AEM.pdf