Your search found 8 records
1 Stirzaker, R.; Stevens, J.; Annandale, J.; Maeko, T.; Steyn, J.; Mpandeli, S.; Maurobane, W.; Nkgapele, J.; Jovanovic, N. 2004. Building capacity in irrigation management with wetting front detectors. Pretoria, South Africa: Water Research Commission. 85p. (WRC Report No. TT 230/04)
Capacity building ; Irrigation management ; Drip irrigation ; Sprinkler irrigation ; Furrow irrigation ; Irrigation scheduling ; Small scale farming ; Farmers ; Helianthus annuus
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: 631.7 G000 STI Record No: H044219)
http://www.wrc.org.za/Knowledge%20Hub%20Documents/Research%20Reports/TT230-04.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H044219.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H044219.pdf
(2.19 MB) (2.19MB)
Efficient use of water in the agricultural sector is an issue of national importance in South Africa and the science required to achieve this goal is relatively mature. However, a recent survey among commercial farmers showed that they ranked irrigation scheduling as priority number four or five amongst their major concerns. Most farmers are prepared to admit that their system is not perfect, but at least it works. After a period of trial and error they have settled on management system that satisfied them and they need a good reason to re-evaluate it. Small-scale farmers were preoccupied with issues such as their access to land, water, credit and markets and showed little awareness of the importance of water use efficiency. This project introduced a Wetting Front Detector to farmers with the purpose of stimulating a re-think about irrigation management on their farms. The Wetting Front Detector (WFD) was designed to be the simplest tool that could assist farmers to improve their understanding of irrigation. To achieve this aim, the wetting front detector must pass two tests. First, the device itself and how it works must make intuitive sense to farmers. It should be relatively easy to install and give “believable” results that challenge the farmer’s perceptions. Second it must pass the accuracy test. We have to demonstrate that crops irrigated according to the principles of the Wetting Front Detector perform adequately against standard scientific procedures. A combination of research and extension was employed to satisfy these objectives.
2 Montagu, K.; Thomas, B.; Thomas, G.; Christen, E.; Hornbuckle, J.; Baillie, C.; Linehan, C.; Smith, P.; Gallo, F.; North, S.; Meyer, W.; Stirzaker, R.; Cornish, P. 2006. Understanding irrigation decisions: from enterprise planning to the paddock. Canberra, Australia: Land and Water Australia on behalf of the National Program for Sustainable Irrigation. 75p. (Irrigation Insights No. 6)
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H045197)
http://eprints.usq.edu.au/8084/1/Montagu_Thomas_Thomas_Christen_Hornbuckle_Baillie_et_al.PV.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H045197.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H045197.pdf
(0.95 MB) (969KB)
3 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. (Special issue: The Productivity and Profitability of Small Scale Communal Irrigation Systems in South-eastern Africa). [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2016.1263552]
Irrigation schemes ; Small scale systems ; Water productivity ; Profitability ; Barriers ; Institutional constraints ; Water governance ; Infrastructure ; Technological changes ; Farm equipment ; Farmer participation ; Government ; Agricultural extension ; Livestock ; Markets ; Supply chain ; Financing ; Land tenure ; Case studies / Tanzania / Mozambique / Zimbabwe
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048118)
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07900627.2016.1263552?needAccess=true#aHR0cDovL3d3dy50YW5kZm9ubGluZS5jb20vZG9pL3BkZi8xMC4xMDgwLzA3OTAwNjI3LjIwMTYuMTI2MzU1Mj9uZWVkQWNjZXNzPXRydWVAQEAw
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048118.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048118.pdf
(1.21 MB) (1.21 MB)
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.
4 van Rooyen, A. F.; Ramshaw, P.; Moyo, M.; Stirzaker, R.; Bjornlund, H. 2017. Theory and application of agricultural innovation platforms for improved irrigation scheme management in Southern Africa. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 33(5):804-823. (Special issue: The Productivity and Profitability of Small Scale Communal Irrigation Systems in South-eastern Africa). [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2017.1321530]
Irrigation schemes ; Small scale systems ; Agricultural development ; Innovation ; Irrigation management ; Smallholders ; Water authorities ; Corporate culture ; Capacity building ; Markets / Southern Africa / Mozambique / Tanzania / Zimbabwe / Mkoba Irrigation Scheme / Silalatshani Irrigation Scheme / 25 de Setembro Irrigation Scheme / Khanimambo Irrigation Scheme / Kiwere Irrigation Scheme / Magozi Irrigation Scheme
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048119)
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07900627.2017.1321530?needAccess=true#aHR0cDovL3d3dy50YW5kZm9ubGluZS5jb20vZG9pL3BkZi8xMC4xMDgwLzA3OTAwNjI3LjIwMTcuMTMyMTUzMD9uZWVkQWNjZXNzPXRydWVAQEAw
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048119.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048119.pdf
(2.38 MB) (2.38 MB)
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.
5 Pittock, J.; Bjornlund, H.; Stirzaker, R.; van Rooyen, A. 2017. Communal irrigation systems in South-eastern Africa: findings on productivity and profitability. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 33(5):839-847. (Special issue: The Productivity and Profitability of Small Scale Communal Irrigation Systems in South-eastern Africa). [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2017.1324768]
Communal irrigation systems ; Irrigation schemes ; Smallholders ; Water productivity ; Profitability ; Investment ; Barriers ; Agriculture ; Farmers ; Market access ; State intervention / South eastern Africa / Mozambique / Tanzania / Zimbabwe
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048120)
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07900627.2017.1324768?needAccess=true#aHR0cDovL3d3dy50YW5kZm9ubGluZS5jb20vZG9pL3BkZi8xMC4xMDgwLzA3OTAwNjI3LjIwMTcuMTMyNDc2OD9uZWVkQWNjZXNzPXRydWVAQEAw
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048120.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048120.pdf
(0.89 MB) (916 KB)
Significant expansion of irrigated agriculture is planned in Africa, though existing smallholder schemes perform poorly. Research at six schemes in Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe shows that a range of problems are exacerbated by poor management, with limited market linkages leading to underutilization and a lack of profit. Improving sustainability of these complex systems will require: multiple interventions at different scales; investing in people and institutions as much as hardware; clarity in governments’ objectives for their smallholder irrigation schemes; appropriate business models to enable farmers; and better market linkages.
6 Mwamakamba, S. N.; Sibanda, L. M.; Pittock, J.; Stirzaker, R.; Bjornlund, H.; van Rooyen, A.; Munguambe, P.; Mdemu, M. V.; Kashaigili, J. J. 2017. Irrigating Africa: policy barriers and opportunities for enhanced productivity of smallholder farmers. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 33(5):824-838. (Special issue: The Productivity and Profitability of Small Scale Communal Irrigation Systems in South-eastern Africa). [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2017.1321531]
Irrigated farming ; Smallholders ; Farmers organizations ; Water policy ; Government managed irrigation systems ; Productivity ; Water use ; Water governance ; Institutions ; Market access ; Seeds ; Farm equipment ; Land tenure / Africa South of Sahara / Mozambique / Tanzania / Zimbabwe / Magozi Irrigation Scheme / Kiwere Irrigation Scheme / Mkoba Irrigation Scheme / Silalatshani Irrigation Scheme / 25 de Setembro Irrigation Scheme / Khanimambo Irrigation Scheme
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048121)
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07900627.2017.1321531?needAccess=true#aHR0cDovL3d3dy50YW5kZm9ubGluZS5jb20vZG9pL3BkZi8xMC4xMDgwLzA3OTAwNjI3LjIwMTcuMTMyMTUzMT9uZWVkQWNjZXNzPXRydWVAQEAw
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048121.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048121.pdf
(1.41 MB) (1.41 MB)
African governments have ambitious plans to expand irrigated agriculture, though existing smallholder schemes have largely failed to use land and water sustainably or become profitable. Six government-owned irrigation schemes in Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe were assessed to identify common policy barriers and opportunities for higher productivity among smallholder farmers. Issues like insecure land tenure systems, unclear institutional arrangements and poor access to markets have contributed to limited profitability. Reform of currently insecure land tenure, strengthening farmer organizations and reforming policies are recommended so that governments step back from scheme management and foster market linkages to enable more profitable irrigated agriculture.
7 Stirzaker, R.; Mbakwe, I.; Mziray, N. R. 2017. A soil water and solute learning system for small-scale irrigators in Africa. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 33(5):788-803. (Special issue: The Productivity and Profitability of Small Scale Communal Irrigation Systems in South-eastern Africa). [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2017.1320981]
Irrigation schemes ; Small scale systems ; Soil water ; Experiential learning ; Equipment ; Soil moisture ; Soil salinity ; Sensors ; Colour patterns ; Social participation ; Farmers ; Water conservation ; Irrigation scheduling ; Crops ; Constraints / Africa South of Sahara / Zimbabwe / Mozambique / Tanzania / Kiwere Irrigation Scheme / Silalatshani Irrigation Scheme / Mkoba Irrigation Scheme / Boane Irrigation Scheme / Khanimambo Irrigation Scheme
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048144)
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07900627.2017.1320981?needAccess=true#aHR0cDovL3d3dy50YW5kZm9ubGluZS5jb20vZG9pL3BkZi8xMC4xMDgwLzA3OTAwNjI3LjIwMTcuMTMyMDk4MT9uZWVkQWNjZXNzPXRydWVAQEAw
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048144.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048144.pdf
(1.65 MB) (1.65 MB)
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.
8 Moyo, M.; Van Rooyen, A.; Bjornlund, H.; Parry, K.; Stirzaker, R.; Dube, T.; Maya, M. 2020. The dynamics between irrigation frequency and soil nutrient management: transitioning smallholder irrigation towards more profitable and sustainable systems in Zimbabwe. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 26p. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2020.1739513]
Irrigation schemes ; Smallholders ; Farmers ; Soil fertility ; Soil moisture ; Nutrient management ; Irrigated farming ; Irrigation water ; Water productivity ; Agricultural productivity ; Maize ; Water use ; Rain ; Fertilizers ; Sustainability ; Decision making ; Monitoring techniques ; Household surveys / Zimbabwe / Mkoba Irrigation Scheme / Silalatshani Irrigation Scheme
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049729)
(3.28 MB)
Successful irrigated agriculture is underpinned by answering two critical questions: when and how much to irrigate. This article quantifies the role of the Chameleon and the Wetting Front Detector, monitoring tools facilitating decision-making and learning about soil-water-nutrient dynamics. Farmers retained nutrients in the root zone by reducing irrigation frequency, number of siphons, and event duration. Water productivity increased by more than 100% for farmers both with and without monitoring tools. Transitioning smallholder irrigation systems into profitable and sustainable schemes requires investment in technology, farmers and institutions. Importantly, technologies need embedding in a learning environment that fosters critical feedback mechanisms, such as market constraints.
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