Many small-scale irrigation systems are characterized by low yields and deteriorating infrastructure Interventions often erroneously focus on increasing yields and rehabilitating infrastructure Small-scale irrigation systems have many of the characteristics of complex socio-ecological systems, with many different actors and numerous interconnected subsystems However, the limited interaction between the different subsystems and their agents prevents learning and the emergence of more beneficial outcomes This article reports on using Agricultural Innovation Platforms to create an environment in which irrigation scheme actors can engage, experiment, learn and build adaptive capacity to increase market-related offtake and move out of poverty

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/07900627.2017.1321530

Theory and application of Agricultural Innovation Platforms for improved irrigation scheme management in Southern Africa

Irrigation development in Sub-Saharan Africa has lagged significantly behind that in other developing countries. Consequently, economic development and food security are also lagging behind. Since the mid-2000s there has been a resurgence in the willingness to invest in irrigation, and Sub-Saharan Africa has the largest potential of any developing region to benefit from it. However, to gain from new investment in irrigation without repeating past failures, it is critical to develop a business model for small-scale irrigation schemes. This article explores the barriers that such a model needs to address to be successful and the opportunities this represents for irrigators’ profitability.

https://tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/07900627.2016.1263552

Profitability and productivity barriers and opportunities in small-scale irrigation schemes

This study provides an overview of extension influence on the adoption of irrigation innovations in developed and developing countries, and finds that extension plays a more significant positive role in influencing soft technology adoption in developing countries. Case studies on the nature, use and availability of extension advice in six irrigation schemes in Tanzania, Mozambique and Zimbabwe are presented. The use of government extension officers varied significantly, with extension use not linked to farm outcomes. The results suggest the need to support more diverse sources of advice and to promote institutional reform in south-eastern Africa.

https://tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/07900627.2016.1225570

An overview of extension use in irrigated agriculture and case studies in south-eastern Africa

Better yields of high-value crops are necessary for a profitable irrigation industry in sub-Saharan Africa We introduced two simple tools, the Chameleon soil moisture sensor and the FullStop wetting front detector, which represent soil water, nitrate and salt levels in the soil by displaying different colours These tools form the basis of an experiential learning system for small-scale irrigators We found that farmers quickly learned from the tools and changed their management within a short time The cost of implementing a learning system would be a small fraction of that of building or revitalizing irrigation schemes

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/07900627.2017.1320981

A soil water and solute learning system for small-scale irrigators in Africa

https://digital.library.adelaide.edu.au/dspace/bitstream/2440/118372/2/hdl_118372.pdf

The dynamics of the relationship between household decision-making and farm household income in small-scale irrigation schemes in southern Africa

Crop diversification is one way of improving the profitability of small-scale irrigation schemes. The 25 de Setembro scheme is an ideal site to analyze diversification, as it is influenced by the markets in Maputo and South Africa. This study uses information gathered from observations, discussions with irrigators and an irrigator survey. Results identified seven irrigator types with different crop diversification strategies predominantly influenced by resource constraints. Most irrigators produce traditional crops, although there are opportunities for growing crops that are more profitable. Improved extension services, to identify cropping strategies that better align with market demand, would improve profitability.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/07900627.2016.1262246

Irrigation and crop diversification in the 25 de Setembro irrigation scheme, Mozambique

Over four years, a research-for-development project was implemented at the 25 de Setembro irrigation scheme in Mozambique The project introduced agricultural innovation platforms to overcome barri

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/07900627.2020.1760799

Do agricultural innovation platforms and soil moisture and nutrient monitoring tools improve the production and livelihood of smallholder irrigators in Mozambique

This report details the methodology and outcomes of an approach developed to support irrigation associations in Mozambique as part of the project “Increasing Irrigation Water Productivity In Mozambique, Tanzania And Zimbabwe Through On-Farm Monitoring, Adaptive Management And Agricultural Platforms” (ACIAR funding). A serie of 3 workshops was held with the “25 De Setembro” cooperative (an association of producers) in Boane with the objectives to enhance social learning between participants of the workshops, to develop a better understanding of the functioning of the scheme and the horticultural value chain and to train the INIR staff on participatory tools and approach. The workshops included various participatory activities: (1) participatory mapping of the scheme (2) participatory assessment of the farmers'strategies concerning crops choices and cropping pattern (3) building of individual business plans (3) analyzing the cost of motopomp maintenance and the relationship with the financial functioning of the association. The report presents the outcomes of each activity as well as the tools used and problems encountered. It also details the possible activities for the end of the project and/or a second phase to consolidate the results. The outcomes include some learning which already led to changes of practices or internal discussions within the association. The process also increased the understanding of the project team of the functionning of the irrigation system, of the horticulture value chain in Boane where informal small scale dealers prevails and the ways farmers are being integrated in this value chain. Some aspects of the the functionning of the cooperative have also been clarified, such as irrigation practices. The work could be completed by the following activities (1) Improving the understanding the land tenure changes in the scheme (2) Testing changes in the irrigation pattern with an adequate participatory monitoring setting (3) Include a work specifically dealing with the price of fertilizer price in the next innovation platform (4) Structuring and organizing the interactions and information exchanges between the different intervenients in the area of horticulture and irrigation, for example by setting a coordination group on irrigation between donors and governement such as the Water and Sanitation (GAS group) or the agrobusiness working groups. (4) Completing the technical-economical referential for horticulture crops and organizing a discussion with farmers to compare the different crops productivity and benefit for the same surface, cycle duration, labour or financial investment (5) Developping an approach to support decision making and improve individual strategies in term of crop choice, cropping pattern and commercialization strategy to improve profits taking into account the different farmers types in an association (6) Completing the discussion concerning maintenance and association business plan (7) Developping an approach to help association members to better connect individual strategies with the collective functionning of the association. It was also recommanded to improve the monotoring and evaluation practices of the approach - including reporting of workshops - to better analysis the contribution of this kind of participatory approach to agriculture development. (Resume d'auteur)

Joaquim Faduco

Papers

Irrigation and crop diversification in the 25 de Setembro irrigation scheme, Mozambique

Do agricultural innovation platforms and soil moisture and nutrient monitoring tools improve the production and livelihood of smallholder irrigators in Mozambique

Consultancy: Designing and implementing an approach to support irrigation associations