Your search found 12 records
1 Amede, Tilahun; Descheemaeker, Katrien; Peden, D.; van Rooyen, A.. 2009. Harnessing benefits from improved livestock water productivity in crop–livestock systems of Sub-Saharan Africa: synthesis. Rangeland Journal, 31(2):169-178. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ09023]
Water scarcity ; Livestock ; Crop production ; Water productivity ; Water conservation ; Institutions ; Policy ; Water market ; Local government / Africa South of Sahara
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI 636 100 AME Record No: H042279)
(0.22 MB)
The threat of water scarcity in sub-Saharan Africa is real, due to the expanding agricultural needs, climate variability and inappropriate land use. Livestock keeping is the fastest growing agricultural sector, partly because of increasing and changing demands for adequate, quality and diverse food for people, driven by growing incomes and demographic transitions. Besides the economic benefits, rising livestock production could also deplete water and aggravate water scarcity at local and global scales. The insufficient understanding of livestock–water interactions also led to low livestock productivity, impeded sound decision on resources management and undermined achieving positive returns on investments in agricultural water across sub-Saharan Africa. Innovative and integrated measures are required to improve water productivity and reverse the growing trends of water scarcity. Livestock water productivity (LWP), which is defined as the ratio of livestock outputs to the amount of water depleted, could be improved through: (i) raising the efficiency of the water inputs by integrating livestock with crop, water and landscape management policies and practices. Improving feed water productivity by maximising transpiration and minimising evaporation and other losses is critical; (ii) increasing livestock outputs through improved feed management, veterinary services and introducing systemc ompatible breeds; and (iii) because livestock innovation is a social process, it is not possible to gain LWP improvements unless close attention is paid to policies, institutions and their associated processes. Policies targeting infrastructure development would help livestock keepers secure access to markets, veterinary services and knowledge. This paper extracts highlights from various papers presented in the special issue of The Rangeland Journal on technologies and practices that would enable improving water productivity at various scales and the premises required to reverse the negative trends of water depletion and land degradation.
2 Sibanda, A.; Homann-Kee Tui, S.; van Rooyen, A.; Dimes, J.; Nkomboni, D.; Sisito, G. 2011. Understanding community perceptions of land use changes in the rangelands, Zimbabwe. Experimental Agriculture, 47(Supplement S1):153-168. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/S001447971000092X]
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H043519)
(0.17 MB)
The objective of this study was to investigate the user communities’ understanding and interpretation of changes in rangeland use and productivity in the communal lands of Zimbabwe. While external knowledge has been instrumental in defining the drivers and effects of ecological changes hitherto, the role of local knowledge is becoming increasingly important in explaining factors that inform user community perceptions and guide their decisions on the use of rangeland resources. Data on community perceptions were collected in four villages, using Participatory Rural Appraisals in each village and household surveys with a total of 104 households. This study showed that user communities in Nkayi district differentiate rangelands among seven categories of livestock feed resources and how these have changed over time. Communities viewed rangelands not as one continuous, designated and specialized land parcel, but differentiated the land by location, productivity, management and uses in different times of the year. Although land use changes affecting these livestock feed resources were considered to be widespread and multi-directional (both negative and positive) they did not cause widespread degradation. Rangelands converted to croplands were not completely lost, but became important dual purpose land parcels fulfilling both household food security needs and dry season livestock feed requirements. The importance of croplands as a feed resource is reflected in the emergence of new institutions governing their use for livestock grazing and to guarantee security of tenure. On the other hand institutions governing the use of common property rangelands decreased or weakened in their application. The study concludes that while this situation presents ecological challenges for the rangelands, it offers opportunities to find innovative ways of utilizing croplands as the new frontier in the provision of dry season feed resources to smallholder farmers in highly variable environments. Implications for livestock water productivity need to be investigated and water saving technologies should be promoted in the land use intensification processes.
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 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.
5 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.
6 Wheeler, S. A.; Zuo, A.; Bjornlund, H.; Mdemu, M. V.; van Rooyen, A.; Munguambe, P. 2017. An overview of extension use in irrigated agriculture and case studies in south-eastern Africa. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 33(5):755-769. (Special issue: The Productivity and Profitability of Small Scale Communal Irrigation Systems in South-eastern Africa). [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2016.1225570]
Irrigated farming ; Innovation adoption ; Agricultural development ; Extension activities ; Agricultural extension ; Farm income ; Farmers ; Irrigation schemes ; Developing countries ; Case studies / South eastern Africa / Tanzania / Mozambique / Zimbabwe / Kiwere Irrigation Scheme / Magozi Irrigation Scheme / Khanimambo Irrigation Scheme / 25 de Setembro Irrigation Scheme / Mkoba Irrigation Scheme / Silalatshani Irrigation Scheme
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048198)
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07900627.2016.1225570?needAccess=true#aHR0cDovL3d3dy50YW5kZm9ubGluZS5jb20vZG9pL3BkZi8xMC4xMDgwLzA3OTAwNjI3LjIwMTYuMTIyNTU3MD9uZWVkQWNjZXNzPXRydWVAQEAw
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048198.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048198.pdf
(1.19 MB) (1.19 MB)
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.
7 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.
8 Bjornlund, H.; van Rooyen, A.; Pittock, J.; Parry, K.; Moyo, M.; Mdemu, M.; de Sousa, W. 2020. Institutional innovation and smart water management technologies in small-scale irrigation schemes in southern Africa. Water International, 31p. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/02508060.2020.1804715]
Water management ; Technology ; Agriculture ; Innovation platforms ; Institutions ; Small scale systems ; Irrigation schemes ; Communal irrigation systems ; Soil moisture ; Monitoring ; Stakeholders ; Infrastructure ; Decision making ; Models / Southern Africa / Zimbabwe / Mozambique / United Republic of Tanzania
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049982)
(8.58 MB)
This paper reports on the introduction of SWM technology, soil moisture and nutrient monitoring tools, alongside Agricultural Innovation Platforms (AIP) in three small-scale irrigation schemes in southern Africa. Quantitative and qualitative data are presented on the changes and benefits that have resulted, including increased yield and profitability. The findings emphasize that information prior and subsequent to adoption is needed, and the importance of understanding and enhancing the incentive framework for behavioural change, including both economic and physical returns. The findings illustrate SWM technology is strengthened when introduced with credible multi-stakeholder processes, such as an AIP, that facilitate institutional innovation.
9 Bjornlund, H.; van Rooyen, A.; Pittock, J.; Bjornlund, V. 2021. Changing the development paradigm in African agricultural water management to resolve water and food challenges. Water International, 19p. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/02508060.2021.1981579]
Water management ; Agricultural research for development ; Food security ; Productivity ; Food production ; Profitability ; Water availability ; Irrigation management ; Irrigation schemes ; Infrastructure ; Governance ; Farmers ; Rural communities / Africa South of Sahara
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050689)
(2.04 MB)
Meeting growing demand for water and food in Africa, and other parts of the Global South, presents a significant and critical challenge over the next 50 years. This paper draws on an ongoing project in Africa to outline the research-for-development work that is urgently required to facilitate a paradigm shift in agricultural water management. Such work should lead to increased productivity and profitability of agricultural water use to allow agriculture to release some water to meet the growing needs of other sectors, while still meeting food security needs and contributing to a prosperous rural population.
10 Child, K.; Desta, G.; Douthwaite, B.; Haileslassie, Amare; van Rooyen, A.; Tamene, L.; Uhlenbrook, Stefan. 2021. Impact tracking: a practitioner-developed approach to scaling agricultural innovation in Ethiopia. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). 28p. (WLE Legacy Series 1) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2021.226]
Agricultural innovation ; Scaling ; Impact assessment ; Agricultural research for development ; Project evaluation ; Policies ; Research programmes ; Funding ; Partnerships ; Community involvement ; Watershed management ; Irrigation equipment ; Taxes ; Landscape ; Data management ; Stakeholders ; Collaboration ; Case studies ; Innovation scaling / Ethiopia / Yewol Watershed
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050789)
(2.21 MB)
This paper argues for more creativity and flexibility in agricultural research for development (AR4D) scaling and impact evaluation in complex contexts. While acknowledging the importance of setting reasonable end-of-project targets and outcomes, we argue that the achievement of outcomes and impacts, particularly in complex contexts, requires adaptive management and acknowledgment that significant positive outcomes and impacts may occur after the project funding cycle is complete. The paper presents a practitioner-developed approach to scaling AR4D innovations called Impact Tracking (IT). We illustrate IT in practice by presenting three case studies from Ethiopia in which IT proved crucial to achieving impact. The paper concludes by drawing lessons from the case studies and discussing what implications IT may have for development practitioners.
11 Bjornlund, H.; van Rooyen, A.; Pittock, J.; Bjornlund, V. 2023. Research and development needs in agricultural water management to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Irrigation and Drainage, 9p. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/ird.2821]
Research and development ; Agricultural water management ; Sustainable Development Goals ; Food systems ; Food security ; Food insecurity ; Crop production ; Food production ; Smallholders ; Economic development ; Livelihoods ; Production systems ; Irrigation systems ; Water use ; Soil moisture ; Farmers ; Communities ; Institutions ; Policies
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H051788)
(0.53 MB) (544 KB)
The United Nations calls for action to achieve 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). We argue that the current development paradigm is an impediment to achieving several of these goals. We identify 14 agricultural research and development (R&D) needs, which ought to be addressed to achieve critical SDGs. We also identify the paradigm shifts required, particularly from global and international organizations, to facilitate this R&D and implement its outcomes. Importantly, the Global North2 would have to divert its focus from securing access to cheap land, water and labour that is primarily used to generate agricultural exports and business opportunities for Global North investors. Instead, the focus needs to be on creating opportunities for local farming communities to produce food for domestic markets, increase income and generate local jobs and business opportunities. Circular food systems can support a range of SDG goals, such as no hunger and zero poverty and slow migration, especially of youth, to big cities or foreign lands with insecure jobs.
12 Wellington, M.; Kuhnert, P.; Lawes, R.; Renzullo, L.; Pittock, J.; Ramshaw, P.; Moyo, M.; Kimaro, E.; Tafula, M.; van Rooyen, A.. 2023. Decoupling crop production from water consumption at some irrigation schemes in southern Africa. Agricultural Water Management, 284:108358. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2023.108358]
Irrigation schemes ; Crop production ; Water use ; Water use efficiency ; Evapotranspiration ; Sustainable Development Goals ; Remote sensing ; Landsat ; Agricultural innovation ; Farmers ; Uncertainty ; Rainfall / Southern Africa
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052204)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378377423002238/pdfft?md5=8b68e9fa44ae11c8e2ab148266778ef7&pid=1-s2.0-S0378377423002238-main.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052204.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052204.pdf
(4.15 MB) (4.15 MB)
Improving crop productivity is crucial to food security and rural livelihoods in southern Africa. However, agricultural intensification at irrigation schemes may place greater demands on water resources, even where water use efficiency (WUE) is improved, due to the paradox of irrigation efficiency. We analysed trends in water use efficiency (WUE), Gross Primary Productivity (GPP), evapotranspiration (ET), evaporation (E), and transpiration (T) at six irrigation schemes which received technological and social interventions. GPP was decoupled from ET at some schemes. For example, at the Landela sub-block of the Silalatshani irrigation scheme in Zimbabwe, GPP and T increased at 4.8% and 4.6% per year, respectively. Conversely, E decreased at 13.5% per year, giving a 3.6% decrease in ET per year from 2013 to 2021. This suggests that crop production can be decoupled from water consumption at southern African irrigation schemes, meaning it is possible to produce more food with less water.
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