Review: Challenges and opportunities for revitalising smallholder irrigation schemes in South Africa

Abstract

South Africa is classified as a water-scarce country, and depends on agriculture for food production. The irrigation sector is the largest consumer of water in the country, accounting for about 62% of water utilisation, but also losing 30–40%. Given the threat of drought and climate change, efficient irrigation systems have become a necessity, especially in the smallholder farming sector where most losses occur. Smallholder irrigation schemes (SIS) were developed to improve rural livelihoods through sustainable food production for food security and poverty alleviation, but these development objectives remain largely unfulfilled. The objectives of this review were to assess challenges facing SIS and explore opportunities for revitalising the schemes. The focus was on government policy and strategies to support smallholder farmers. A review of government policy showed that although the needs and interests of smallholder farmers are high on the national agenda, there is insufficient financial support to the sector, suggesting that smallholder agriculture is not really seen as a potential driver of the economy. The core focus of the government on repairing irrigation infrastructure while neglecting the soft components relating to capacity building has partly been blamed for the failure of SIS in South Africa. Capacity building is one of the missing links in smallholder irrigation development and many failures have been attributed to lack of adequately trained farmers and extension staff, particularly in irrigation water management. Land tenure insecurity has been singled out as a major institutional challenge leading to poor performance of irrigation schemes. The diversity of schemes means that different kinds of interventions are needed to respond to varying farmers’ needs, resources and agricultural contexts. These findings point to the need to balance the soft and hard components of the irrigation schemes for sustainability. It is therefore evident that the government needs to review its priorities in revitalisation of SIS. Land tenure policies allowing increased access to arable land need to be developed urgently, together with the promotion of alternative cropping systems that are suitable forthe smallholder farming sector.

Factors affecting the performance of Tshiombo Irrigation Scheme in Limpopo Province, South Africa

“…Irrigation farming in TIS is partly subsidised by the government and private organisations. The government of South Africa has long been noted for its role in supporting smallholder irrigation farming among all rural communities, particularly through its revitalisation programmes (Cousins, 2015;Ncube, 2018;Fanadzo and Ncube, 2018). Findings from FDGs reveal that farmers access subsidies for various operations such as land preparation, seeds for selected crops, fertilisers, and pesticides from the government of South Africa.…”

“…In South Africa, SIS were developed to boost food production, secure agro-based livelihoods against prolonged dry spells and provide rural employment opportunities (Muchara et al, 2016;Fanadzo and Ncube, 2018). Farmers in SIS in South Africa collaborate to maintain the irrigation scheme infrastructure, irrigation scheduling and the marketing of produce (van Koppen et al, 2017).…”

“…Consequently, farm income and cropping intensity are used to assess the performance of irrigation schemes in South Africa (Valipour, 2015). Improved performance of SIS can enhance social and economic status of rural communities (Fanadzo and Ncube, 2018). Problems of technical, financial and social feasibility have constantly arisen as decentralisation and farmer participation were incorporated into projects (Ward, 2016).…”

A Decision Support System for Water Resources Management: The Case Study of Mubuku Irrigation Scheme, Uganda

“…What are the revealed factors constraining sustainable water resource use? Recently, several assessments of small-scale irrigation scheme proved that numerous irrigation schemes have poor performance values due to inappropriate planning, low operational and management processes, inappropriate land arrangements, and lack of technical knowledge [8]. Improving small-scale irrigation schemes is particularly difficult in the sense that they often represent large heterogeneity in farm management.…”

Small-Scale Irrigation and Production Efficiency among Vegetable Farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: The DEA Approach

“…On realising farmers' challenges, the government of South Africa has continued its efforts of revitalizing irrigation schemes and initiating some agricultural support programmes like Siyazondla (Homestead food gardening), Siyakhula (Small-scale farmers) and Massive Food Production Programme (MFPP) (GoSA Information, 2008;Fanadzo and Ncube, 2018). These programmes are in line with the agrarian reform policy and provide farmers with inputs subsidises like seed, fertilizers and farm implements.…”