As part of their irrigation strategy, the government and non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) in Malawi are actively promoting the use of treadle pumps in smallholder irrigation. The positive impact of treadle pumps on food security and poverty reduction in Malawi and elsewhere in sub‐Saharan Africa is well documented. However, few studies have analysed the adoption dynamics and dissemination approaches of treadle pumps. This study uses a logit model to analyse the factors influencing treadle pump adoption among a stratified random sample of 100 adopters and 100 non‐adopters in two districts in Malawi. The results indicate that relatively well‐off farmers have a significantly higher probability of adopting the treadle pumps than poor farmers. This raises questions about dissemination approaches and targeting, because treadle pumps are typically geared towards poor smallholders. The study further indicates differences between male and female adopters. Female adopters are more likely to pay for subsidized treadle pumps in cash. Male adopters mostly acquire their pumps through a loan. Women tend to spend the additional income on food for the household while men tend to spend it mostly on non‐food items. It is therefore likely that treadle pump adoption by women will positively impact on household food security, though it also adds to women's workload. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Small‐scale irrigation (SSI) has significant potential to increase crop productivity in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Pumped irrigation systems are one of the technologies increasingly being used by smallholder farmers. The aim of this study was to systematically review evidence on the performance of SSI pumped systems, including motorized, treadle, rope and washer, solar and wind pumps. The study revealed a lack of standardization and use of a wide range of indicators to assess performance. Most evidence related to motorized pumps, and these studies confirmed mixed levels of performance; studies relating to other types of pumped system mostly reported a positive impact, although the method of assessment used was critical. Studies reporting positive impacts tended to be those that used socio‐economic based factors such as yield and profitability, whereas studies reporting mixed performance tended to be those that relied more on technically based indicators such as pumping and irrigation system efficiency. The analysis highlights the sensitivity of interpreting findings from different studies, and how caution should be exercised when comparing performance within and between different types of irrigation systems. The implications for supporting policy development and identifying future research gaps are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Adoption of small-scale pumped irrigation technologies were evaluated using field surveys in Malawi.Four pumped systems were identified, distinguished by ownership (group vs individual) and technology (treadle vs motorized). Farmer access to pumps was either through organizational support (incentivised) or privately (self-motivated) with progression depending on the mode of access and farmers attributes.Self-motivated farmers had better socio-economic status and access to knowledge supporting the pumps' continued-use. Conversely, incentives drive the uptake of other pumps and the provision of continued external support reinforced their continued-use. Farmers need to be supported beyond affordability by safeguarding the availability and maintenance of pumps.