Your search found 76 records
1 Enfors, E. I.; Gordon, L. J.; Peterson, G. D.; Bossio, Deborah. 2008. Making investments in dryland development work: participatory scenario planning in the Makanya catchment, Tanzania. Ecology and Society, 13(2):42-60.
Investment ; Small scale farming ; Farming systems ; Agroecosystems ; Catchment areas ; Arid zones ; Case studies ; Farmers ; Participatory approaches ; Planning / Africa South of Sahara / Tanzania / Makanya Catchment
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H041765)
http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol13/iss2/art42/ES-2008-2649.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H041765.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H041765.pdf
The agro-ecosystems of semi-arid and dry sub-humid SSA are inherently dynamic. At this point in time they are also experiencing a series of complex social–ecological changes that make their future even more uncertain. To ensure that development investments made today in the small-scale farming systems that dominate these regions make sense also in a long-term perspective they should benefit the local communities over a range of potential futures. We applied a participatory scenario planning approach to a smallholder farming community in semi-arid Tanzania, exploring four alternative development trajectories for the area, to increase the robustness of current investments in small-scale water system technologies. We found that water system technologies will be important across a number of possible futures, but that the most relevant target of these innovations, e.g., staple- versus cash-crop production, or individual- versus community-managed systems, differs. We argue that building capacity for experimentation among farmers is key to upgrading their farming systems, as this will generate benefits over a range of alternative futures. Furthermore, we found it to be essential across a range of scenarios to analyze the system-level impact of proposed interventions for successful investments in water system technologies. We conclude that although the method presents some challenges, participatory scenario planning is a useful tool for integrating research and development projects in the larger context, asit increases the understanding of events and processes that may either challenge the project or provide opportunities for it.
2 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.
3 Amerasinghe, Priyanie; Hettige, V.; Wijenayake, K. 2013. Guarantee loans for urban agriculture in Gampaha, Sri Lanka. Urban Agriculture Magazine, 26:21-23.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H046211)
http://www.ruaf.org/sites/default/files/UA26_proef_05-11_13.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H046211.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H046211.pdf
(0.49 MB)
Agricultural development towards security of food, nutrition and livelihood is high on the political agenda in Sri Lanka. Recently, national priorities have included the development of food-secure and resilient cities; in this regard, the Western Province has been a forerunner, having commenced its urban agriculture campaign as early as 2000.
4 Gemo, H. R.; Chilonda, Pius. 2013. Why did Mozambique’s public extension halt the implementation of the National Agrarian Extension Program (PRONEA)? Washington, DC, USA: International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). 54p. (IFPRI Working Paper 6)
Food security ; Food production ; Poverty ; Stakeholders ; Farmers ; Agricultural sector ; Small scale farming ; Cotton ; Tobacco / Mozambique
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H046296)
http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/mozsspwp6.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H046296.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H046296.pdf
(2.56 MB) (2.56 MB)
Agriculture plays a crucial role in food security and poverty reduction in Mozambique, contributing around 25 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, despite the considerable agro-ecological potential and the need for increased production, agricultural productivity remains low. The prevailing gap between domestic food production and demand, as well as lagging exports, continue to pose significant challenges. As part of efforts to deal with these challenges, the government and other agriculture sector stakeholders have recognized the crucial role of extension services in increasing productivity. The government plays an important role in the extension system through the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG). This paper assesses critical factors that constrained the successful implementation of the National Agrarian Extension Program, (PRONEA, from Programa Nacional de Extensao Agraria), by MINAG’s National Directorate of Agrarian Extension (DNEA, from Direccao Nacional de Extensao Agraria), which resulted in a decision to halt PRONEA in 2010, three years after its launch. A conceptual framework for planning and implementing programs and strengthening pluralistic agricultural extension and advisory systems identified factors that should ideally have been taken into account before launching PRONEA in order to reduce the risk of failure. The analysis was based on a review of the literature about agricultural extension in Mozambique, official documents, interviews with key informants and experts, and field visits to various provinces. The analysis found that factors related to the conceptualization, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of PRONEA led to its failure and subsequent discontinuation. Overall, the assessment underscores the need for institutional changes to support successful implementation of public agricultural extension programs. To be noted, a redesigned PRONEA started to be implemented in the second half of 2012.
5 Aheeyar, M. M. M. 2013. Alternative approaches to small tank/cascade rehabilitation: socio-economic and institutional perspective. Colombo, Sri Lanka: Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI). 55p. (HARTI Research Report 162)
Tanks ; Waterfalls ; Socioeconomic environment ; Irrigation systems ; Irrigation programs ; Rehabilitation ; Projects ; Small scale farming ; Food security ; Arid zones ; Farmers ; Income ; Institutional development ; Models ; Capacity building / Sri Lanka
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: 631.7 G744 AHE Record No: H046418)
(0.40 MB)
6 Douxchamps, Sabine; Ayantunde, A.; Barron, J. 2014. Taking stock of forty years of agricultural water management interventions in smallholder systems of Burkina Faso. Water Resources and Rural Development, 3:1-13. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wrr.2013.12.001]
Agriculture ; Water management ; Small scale farming ; Smallholders ; Living standards ; Investment ; Project design ; Yields ; Food security ; Poverty / Burkina Faso
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H046430)
(0.91 MB)
Agricultural water management (AWM) strategies have been extensively studied and promoted in Burkina Faso during the past four decades. However, rainfall variability and water access continue to limit agricultural production of most of the smallholder farming systems of the country. Our goals in this paper are: (i) to review the evolution of AWM development with respect to the technologies promoted, while emphasizing the context, approaches, investments and outcomes; (ii) to explore the linkages between the evolution of AWM projects, their outcomes and their impacts on rural livelihoods; and (iii) to provide recommendations to enhance the impact of new development initiatives. Between 1970 and 2009, 195 bilateral and multilateral AWM projects were implemented in Burkina Faso, corresponding to an investment of US$ 641 million.The study of the evolution of these projects allows one to assess the reasons for their success or failure. While projects involved many technical solutions, their actual impact on livelihoods is debatable. Using an outcome–impacts framework, we provide recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of investments in agricultural water management.
7 Getnet, Kindie; Pfeifer, C.; MacAlister, C. 2014. Economic incentives and natural resource management among small-scale farmers: addressing the missing link. Ecological Economics, 108:1-7. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2014.09.018]
Economic analysis ; Natural resources management ; Small scale farming ; Farmers ; Institutional development ; Organizations ; Risk management ; Investment ; Costs ; Environmental effects
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H046632)
(0.47 MB)
Small-scale farmers face numerous challenges to invest in natural resource management practices. The problems are interlinked, with such perverse economic problems as high transaction costs and risk rooted in the lack of comprehensive institutional and organizational services to farmers for risk reduction and incentive creation. Failure to address such a missing link undermines success in natural resource management. This paper ponders the importance of such a missing link and proposes analytic framework that explicitly integrates the economics of natural resource management into institutional and organizational analysis. The framework features the instrumentality of integrated institutional and organizational innovation to create opportunities and incentives to small-scale farmers to encourage investment in natural resource management practices.
8 International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 2014. Community Engagement in Small Scale Irrigation, River Diversion, and Reservoir Systems Training Curriculum: facilitator manual. Manual prepared under the project “Improving Sustainability of Impacts of Agricultural Water Management Interventions in Challenging Contexts” Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 29p. [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2014.220]
Training materials ; Small scale farming ; Reservoir operation ; Community management ; Sustainability ; Agriculture ; Water management ; Participatory management ; Planning ; Case studies
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H046725)
9 International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 2014. Community Engagement in Small Scale Irrigation, River Diversion, and Reservoir Systems Training Curriculum: participant workbook. Manual prepared under the project “Improving Sustainability of Impacts of Agricultural Water Management Interventions in Challenging Contexts" Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI) 30p. [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2014.222]
Training materials ; Small scale farming ; Reservoir operation ; Community management ; Sustainability ; Agriculture ; Water management ; Guidelines ; Participatory management ; Planning ; Stakeholders ; Case studies
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H046726)
(308 KB)
10 International Water Management Institute (IWMI) 2014. Community Engagement in Small Scale Irrigation, River Diversion, and Reservoir Systems Training Curriculum: session cards. Manual prepared under the project “Improving Sustainability of Impacts of Agricultural Water Management Interventions in Challenging Contexts” Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI) 46p. [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2014.221]
Training materials ; Small scale farming ; Reservoir operation ; Community management ; Sustainability ; Agriculture ; Water management ; Guidelines ; Participatory management ; Planning ; Stakeholders ; Case studies
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H046728)
(626 KB)
11 Kadyampakeni, D. M.; Kazombo-Phiri, S.; Mati, B.; Fandika, I. R. 2015. Performance of small-scale water management interventions on crop yield, water use and productivity in three agro-ecologies of Malawi. Irrigation and Drainage, 64(2):215-227. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/ird.1886]
Small scale farming ; Water management ; Water use ; Water productivity ; Agroecology ; Crop yield ; Performance evaluation ; Surface irrigation ; Wetlands ; Farmers ; Income ; Irrigation systems ; Pumps / Malawi / Domasi / Tembwe / Kamalambo
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H046747)
(0.21 MB)
Agricultural water management interventions play a critical role in mitigating hunger during droughts and dry seasons in southern Africa. A study was conducted in Malawi to compare the performance of improved agricultural water management interventions with traditional water management practices to assess the performance of the interventions on crop yield and water use. The study used questionnaires and focused group discussions to collect data from farmers and key informants. The results showed significant gains using regulated surface irrigation compared with unregulated surface irrigation. The results showed that yield increases of 33 and 37% for onion and tomato respectively were obtained from wetland seepage irrigation compared with upland cultivation. Treadle pump irrigation increased crop production by 5–54% compared with water can irrigation. Treadle pumps also increased gross and net incomes by =12%, suggesting that farmers using the treadle pump were able to realize higher incomes across all crop enterprises compared with farmers using water cans. However, there is a dire need to improve the efficiency of the surface irrigation systems for rice production because the water applied was about two to three times the gross irrigation requirement which could result in environmental degradation through increased salinity and waterlogging.
12 Keller, A.; Weight, Elizabeth; Taylor, S. 2013. Rapid assessment of water availability and appropriate technologies for small-scale farming: guidelines for practitioners. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 61p. (IWMI Working Paper 156) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2014.207]
Water availability ; Small scale farming ; Agriculture ; Water management ; Groundwater ; Water resources ; Gender ; Farmers ; Pumps ; Wells ; Drilling ; Reservoirs ; Rivers ; Irrigation ; Soils ; Living standards ; Public sector ; Private sector ; Non governmental organizations ; Poverty ; Data collection ; Guidelines ; Technology assessment ; Farmer-led irrigation ; Case studies / Ghana
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H046752)
Limited access to water is a key reason why millions of poor farmers struggle to grow enough food and marketable crops to improve their lives. Public sector agencies, civil society organizations and donors seeking to improve small-scale farmers’ access to water resources face limited data on the location and accessibility of water resources. This paper addresses this gap by providing a tested method to assess water resources that small-scale farmers can access affordably and sustainably. This paper also supports the selection of appropriate water access and application technologies for available water resources. The method described is rapid and relatively inexpensive; it uses a phased approach to assess a broad-scale area (e.g., a country or region); and then gathers more information in locations that have higher potential for affordable water access by small-scale farmers.
13 International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 2014. Promoting productive gendered spaces for adapting to climatic stress: two case studies from rural Bangladesh. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 4p. (IWMI Water Policy Brief 36) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2014.234]
Gender ; Women ; Climate change ; Adaptation ; Rural areas ; Communities ; Productivity ; Households ; Food security ; Vegetables ; Chars ; Small scale farming ; Living standards ; Poverty ; Case studies / Bangladesh
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H046753)
(423 KB)
14 Gebregziabher, Gebrehaweria; Haileslassie, A. 2014. Assessments of key small-scale irrigation technologies, agricultural water management options and integrated irrigated fodder in Ethiopia. Unpublished Discussion Paper prepared by Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Small-Scale Irrigation Project for Stakeholder Consultation Workshop. 30p.
Small scale farming ; Irrigation methods ; Technology ; Agriculture ; Waste management ; Assessment ; Watershed management ; Groundwater ; Water use ; Multiple use ; Cost benefit analysis ; Groundwater irrigation ; Projects ; Poverty ; Water storage ; Climate change ; Adaptation ; Food security ; Living standards ; River basins ; Rural areas ; Landscape ; Smallholders / Ethiopia / Africa / Africa South of Sahara
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H046756)
(0.88 MB)
15 Keller, A.; Weight, Elizabeth; Taylor, S. 2013. Evaluation rapide de la disponibilite en eau et des technologies appropriees pour la petite agriculture: directives pour les acteurs de terrain. In French. [Rapid assessment of water availability and appropriate technologies for small-scale farming: guidelines for practitioners]. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 64p. (Also in English) (IWMI Working Paper 156 / Document de travail IWMI 156) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2014.227]
Water availability ; Small scale farming ; Agriculture ; Water management ; Groundwater ; Water resources ; Gender ; Farmers ; Pumps ; Wells ; Drilling ; Reservoirs ; Rivers ; Irrigation ; Soils ; Living standards ; Public sector ; Private sector ; Non governmental organizations ; Poverty ; Data collection ; Guidelines ; Technology assessment ; Farmer-led irrigation ; Case studies / Ghana
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H046776)
(2 MB)
Les restrictions sur l’acces a l’eau sont la principale raison des difficultes qu’eprouvent des millions d’agriculteurs pauvres a faire pousser suffisamment de cultures alimentaires et commerciales pour ameliorer leurs conditions de vie. Les organismes du secteur prive, les organisations de la societe civile et les bailleurs de fonds qui cherchent a ameliorer l’acces des petits agriculteurs aux ressources en eau sont confrontes a une insuffisance des donnees sur l’emplacement et l’accessibilite des ressources en eau. Cet article comble cette lacune en proposant une methode eprouvee d’evaluation des ressources en eau auxquelles les petits agriculteurs pourraient acceder de maniere durable et abordable. Il facilite egalement le choix de technologies appropriees pour acceder aux ressources en eau disponibles et les appliquer. La methode decrite est rapide et relativement peu onereuse, elle se fonde sur une approche progressive pour l’evaluation d’une zone a grande echelle (ex.: un pays ou une region), puis rassemble davantage d’informations sur les emplacements les plus favorables a un acces abordable a l’eau pour les petits agriculteurs.
16 Dessalegn, Mengistu; Merrey, D. J. 2014. Is ‘Social Cooperation’ for traditional irrigation, while ‘Technology’ is for motor pump irrigation? Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 37p. (IWMI Research Report 161) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2015.201]
Social aspects ; Cooperation ; Traditional farming ; Small scale farming ; Irrigation schemes ; Irrigation methods ; Agriculture ; Technology ; Pumps ; Rural areas ; Poverty ; Productivity ; Groundwater ; Water resources ; Farmers ; Rivers ; Case studies / Asia / Africa / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H046837)
(854 KB)
Based on a case study in Ethiopia, this paper shows that while farmers understand the social nature of community-managed irrigation, they share a narrow understanding of pump irrigation with policymakers as being primarily ‘technical’. They perceive pumps as liberating them from the ‘social’ limitations of traditional communal irrigation. However, the rapid expansion of pump irrigation is leading to increasing competition and conflict over limited water resources. We analyze the wider implications for Africa of this lack of visibility of the social dimension of pump irrigation, and offer suggestions for future policy and applied research to address the problem before it becomes a widespread crisis.
17 Merrey, D. J.; Langan, Simon. 2014. Review paper on ‘Garden Kits’ in Africa: lessons learned and the potential of improved water management. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 60p. (IWMI Working Paper 162) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2015.202]
Water management ; Rainwater ; Water harvesting ; Domestic gardens ; Vegetable growing ; Guidelines ; Domestic water ; Households ; Wastewater ; Small scale farming ; Irrigation systems ; Drip irrigation ; Economic development ; Sustainability ; Food production ; Plant nutrition ; Gender ; Women / Africa / Africa South of Sahara
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H046933)
(922 KB)
The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the available knowledge and lessons learned from past experiences in promoting kitchen or home gardens for food production, with a special emphasis on water management. The benefits of home gardens for better family nutrition, health status of children and mothers, and as an entry point for empowering women have been documented in some studies. However, there is very little specific evidence to confirm these benefits. The paper also reviews some of the water management practices and garden technologies used in home and market gardens. It recommends building on current home gardening practices, starting with diagnostic appraisals of actual gardening practices, and moving on to participatory action research focused on evaluating promising water management technologies and testing implementation of strategies that empower women.
18 Nicol, Alan; Langan, Simon; Victor, M.; Gonsalves, J. (Eds.) 2015. Water-smart agriculture in East Africa. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE); Kampala, Uganda: Global Water Initiative East Africa (GWI EA). 352p. [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2015.203]
Agriculture ; Water productivity ; Small scale farming ; Irrigation schemes ; Drip irrigation ; Vegetable growing ; Climate change ; Adaptation ; Food security ; Drought tolerance ; Crops ; Sorghum ; Rice ; Maize ; Livestock production ; Land management ; Watershed management ; Rain ; Water harvesting ; Water conservation ; Water use ; Water storage ; Groundwater ; Rehabilitation ; Soil conservation ; Participatory approaches ; Highlands ; Erosion ; Sustainable development ; Arid lands ; Catchment areas ; Wetlands ; Income ; Incentives ; Smallholders ; Dams ; Gender ; Natural resources management ; Learning ; Collective action ; Case studies / Africa / Tanzania / Ethiopia / Africa South of Sahara / Uganda / Horn of Africa / Manyoni / Singida / Agago / Otuke / Nile River Basin / Birr Watershed / Debre Mawi Watershed
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H046950)
(8 MB)
19 Weitz, N.; Nilsson, M.; Barron, Jennie; Mothabi, T. 2015. From global vision to country action: post-2015 development strategies and food security in Zambia. Stockholm, Sweden: Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI). 34p. (SEI Project Report 2015-04)
Agricultural development ; Food security ; Food production ; Indicators ; Poverty ; Small scale farming ; Smallholders ; Farmers ; Sustainable development
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H046999)
http://www.sei-international.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/NEW/SEI-PR-2015-04-Zambia-1412r.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H046999.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H046999.pdf
(2.07 MB) (2.07 MB)
20 Langan, Simon; Kebede, H.; Tadesse, Desalegne; Terefe, B. (Eds.) 2015. Proceedings of the Launching Workshop of the Agricultural Water Management Platform, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 15-16 January 2015. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 56p. [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2015.210]
Agriculture ; Water management ; Agricultural sector ; Agricultural development ; Watershed management ; Water conservation ; Soil conservation ; Government policy ; Research institutions ; Investment ; Incentives ; Climate change ; Sustainability ; Land management ; Land degradation ; Farmers ; Smallholder ; Small scale farming ; Irrigation water ; Irrigation schemes ; Crop production ; Households ; Capacity building ; Learning / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H047032)
(819 KB)
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