Does A Market Systems Approach Revitalize Smallholder Irrigation Schemes? Evidence from Zimbabwe

Masasi, Blessing and Ng’ombe, John N. (2019): Does A Market Systems Approach Revitalize Smallholder Irrigation Schemes? Evidence from Zimbabwe. Published in: Sustainable Agriculture Research , Vol. 8, No. 2 (20 March 2019): p. 36.

Abstract

Smallholder irrigation schemes potentially improve the livelihoods of rural communities in developing countries. However, they face challenges such as infrastructural decline, lack of funding, lack of markets, shortage of water, underutilization of land, and inefficient irrigation systems. In Zimbabwe, the government carried out rehabilitation programs to address these problems but the performance of smallholder irrigation schemes remained poor. These chronic challenges triggered experts to adopt a market systems approach (MSA) to revitalize failing irrigation schemes. Using primary and secondary data sources collected in 2015, this study used a “before” and “after” descriptive assessment approach to determine the effectiveness of the MSA at revitalizing smallholder irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe. We used Mutema Irrigation Scheme as a case study. Results suggest that the MSA leads to improved efficiency of irrigation infrastructure, farm gross margins, willingness to pay irrigation fees and farmers’ standard of living. While this research does not econometrically establish causation of relations between variables involved, our results provide a foundation for future research on the application of the MSA to revitalize underperforming smallholder irrigation schemes in developing countries.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: market systems approach; smallholder irrigation schemes; revitalization; Zimbabwe
• Subjects: Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q1 - Agriculture

References

Alreck, P. L., & Settle, R. B. (1995). The Survey Research Handbook: Guidelines and Strategies for Conducting a Survey. Chicago IL: McGraw-Hill.

Beattie, B. R., Taylor, C. R., & Watts, M. J. (1985). The economics of production. New York, NY: Wiley.

Bjornlund, H., van Rooyen, A., & Stirzaker, R. (2017). Profitability and productivity barriers and opportunities in small-scale irrigation schemes. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 33(5), 690-704. https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2016.1263552

Bos, M. G., Burton, M. A., & Molden, D. J. (2005). Irrigation and drainage performance assessment: practical guidelines. Wallingford, U.K: CABI Publishing.

Burney, J. A., & Naylor, R. L. (2012). Smallholder irrigation as a poverty alleviation tool in sub-Saharan Africa. World Development, 40(1), 110-123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2011.05.007

Chemura, A., Kutywayo, D., Chagwesha, T. M., & Chidoko, P. (2014). An assessment of irrigation water quality and selected soil parameters at Mutema Irrigation Scheme, Zimbabwe. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 6(02), 132. https://doi.org/10.4236/jwarp.2014.62018

Chidenga, E. E. (2003). Leveraging water delivery. Irrigation technology choices and operations and maintenance in smallholder systems in Zimbabwe (Doctoral dissertation, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands). Retrieved from https://library.wur.nl/WebQuery/wurpubs/fulltext/121451

Denison, J., & Manona, S. (2007). Principles, approaches and guidelines for the participatory revitalisation of smallholder irrigation schemes. Pretoria, SA: Water Research Commission.

Dhlodhlo, R. (1997). Assessment of the Socio-economic Impact of Smallholder Irrigation Development on Smallholder Farmers in Zimbabwe. Rome, Italy: Food and Agriculture Organisation.

FAO (2000). Socio-economic impact of smallholder irrigation development in Zimbabwe. Retrieved from http://fao.org/3/X5594E/X5594e00.htm

Ferris, S., Robbins, P., Best, R., Seville, D., Buxton, A., Shriver, J., & Wei, E. (2014). Linking smallholder farmers to markets and the implications for extension and advisory services. Retrieved from https://www.agrilinks.org/sites/default/files/resource/files/MEAS%20Discussion%20Paper%204%20-%20Linking%20Farmers%20To%20Markets%20-%20May%202014.pdf

Gay, L. R., & Diehl, P. L. (1992). Research methods for business and management. New York, NY: McMillan. Gill, P., Stewart, K., Treasure, E., & Chadwick, B. (2008). Methods of data collection in qualitative research: interviews and focus groups. British dental journal, 204(6), 291. https://doi.org/10.1038/bdj.2008.192

Keatts, A. (2014). A Market Systems Approach in the Agricultural Sector: Sustainable Service Delivery for Smallholder Farmers. Retrieved from https://www.agrilinks.org/library/market-systems-approach-agriculture-sector-sustainable-service-delivery-smallholder-farmers

Mabaya, G. (2012). Refinement of principles and procedures for effective modernization of A1 model irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe: case study of Igudu A1 model irrigation scheme. (MSc. Thesis, UNESCO-IHE, Delft, Netherlands). Retrieved from https://un-ihe.on.worldcat.org/oclc/795888126

Makombe, G., Makadho, J. M., & Sampath, R. K. (1998). An analysis of the water management performance of small holder irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe. Irrigation and Drainage Systems, 12(3), 253-263. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1006113402381

Malano, H. M., & van Hofwegen, P. (1999). Management of irrigation and drainage systems. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

Manzungu, E. (1999). Strategies for smallholder irrigation management in Zimbabwe. (Doctoral dissertation, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands). Retrieved from https://library.wur.nl/WebQuery/wurpubs/62306

Masasi, B. (2015). Impact assessment of the market systems approach for revitalisation of smallholder irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe: Case study of Mutema Irrigation Scheme (MSc. Thesis, UNESCO-IHE, Delft, Netherlands). Retrieved from https://un-ihe.on.worldcat.org/oclc/909258665

Moyo, M., Van Rooyen, A., Moyo, M., Chivenge, P., & 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), 740-754. https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2016.1175339

Mutambara, S., & Munodawafa, A. (2014). Production challenges and sustainability of smallholder irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe. Journal of biology, agriculture and healthcare, 4(15), 87-96. Retrieved from http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.1001.5825&rep=rep1&type=pdf

Mwendera, E., & Chilonda, P. (2013). Conceptual framework for revitalisation of small‐scale irrigation schemes in southern africa. Irrigation and drainage, 62(2), 208-220. https://doi.org/10.1002/ird.1723

Nhundu, K., & Mushunje, A. (2010). Analysis of irrigation development post fast track land reform programme. A case study of Goromonzi District, Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe. Joint 3rd African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE) and 48th Agricultural Economists Association of South Africa (AEASA) Conference. Retrieved from https://ideas.repec.org/s/ags/aaae10.html

Nyagumbo, I., & Rurinda, J. (2012). An appraisal of policies and institutional frameworks impacting on smallholder agricultural water management in Zimbabwe. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 47, 21-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pce.2011.07.001

Poulton, C., Dorward, A., & Kydd, J. (2010). The future of small farms: New directions for services, institutions, and intermediation. World Development, 38(10), 1413-1428. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2009.06.009

R Core Team. (2015). R: A language and environment for statistical computing. Retrieved from https://www.R-project.org/

Roscoe, J. T. (1975). Fundamental Research Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences. New York, NY: Rinehart and Winston, Inc.

Ruigu, G. M., & Rukuni, M. (1990). Irrigation policy in Kenya and Zimbabwe: Proceedings of the second intermediate seminar on irrigation farming in Kenya and Zimbabwe. In 2. Intermediate seminar on irrrigation farming in Kenya and Zimbabwe. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/11295/39744

Samakande, I., Senzanje, A., & Manzungu, E. (2004). Sustainable water management in smallholder irrigation schemes: Understanding the impact of field water management on maize productivity on two irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 29(15-18), 1075-1081. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pce.2004.08.009

Taylor, B. (2013). Evidence-Based Policy and Systemic Change: Conflicting Trends?. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2304208

Turral, H. (1995). Recent trends in irrigation management: Changing directions for the public sector. Natural Resource Perspectives, 5. Retrieved from https://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/odi-assets/publications-opinion-files/2981.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development. (2014). Local Systems: A Framework for Supporting Sustained Development. Retrieved from https://www.usaid.gov/policy/local-systems-framework