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Author
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Nhete, Natasha
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Title
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Investigating the smallholder farmers’ participation in irrigation schemes in Mashonaland Central province, Zimbabwe: a case study of Gulek irrigation scheme Matepatepa, Bindura
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Abstract
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Small-scale irrigation schemes typically refer to water management systems designed to support agricultural activities on a relatively small scale, often on plots of land owned or managed by individual farmers or smallholder communities. These schemes can vary widely in size, technology, and management structure but generally involve the controlled application of water to crops through various methods such as surface irrigation, drip irrigation, or sprinkler systems. With a focus on understanding the factors influencing participation, the study employs a mixed-methods approach combining surveys, interviews, and observational data collection. The main objective of this paper is to identify and assess the key factors influencing smallholder farmers’ decision to participate and non participate in irrigation schemes in Mashonaland Central province of Zimbabwe. This paper used a cross-sectional household level survey data and multistage sampling was employed to select a sample of 82 households, whereby 68 were participates and 14 were non participates from Matepatepa Gulek Irrigation Scheme Ward 21. Secondary data were also collected from different sources such as AGRITEX Bindura, and ARDA. As part of the study, the data collected were analyzed through binary logistics and linear regression models,The model exhibits that age, farm size, income, distance to the scheme, access to credit and access to extension services are the statistically significant variables which significantly influence smallholder farmers’ decision to participate and non participate on irrigation schemes. Extension services (19.18) odds of participating in irrigation schemes are 19.18 times higher for smallholder farmers who receive extension services compared to those who do not. This means that receiving extension services increases the likelihood of participation by about 19.18%. The results in the research study also shows that farm size has a positive and significant effect on the decision to participate in irrigation schemes, with a coefficient of 12.20, indicating that for every unit increase in farm size, the odds of participating in irrigation schemes increase by a factor of 12.20. However, they are barriers faced by smallholder farmers in participating in irrigation schemes include limited access to water, lack of credit and financing options, inadequate technical knowledge and training, and ineffective extension services. Additionally, smallholder farmers often face challenges in accessing markets, managing water use, and adapting to climate change. To address these barriers, recommendations include providing affordable credit and financing options, offering training and capacity building programs, improving access to water and irrigation technologies, enhancing extension services and farmer support, promoting market access and value chain development, and developing climate-resilient irrigation schemes. Furthermore, involving smallholder farmers in the planning and management of irrigation schemes, and promoting gender equity and social inclusion are crucial to ensure that the schemes are effective and sustainable.
Keywords: smallholder farmers, irrigation schemes, participation.
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Date
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May 2024
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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Small-scale irrigation schemes
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Irrigation farming
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Supervisor
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Dr V.T Munyati
Nhete - AEM.pdf