Transforming failing smallholder irrigation schemes in Africa: a theory of change

Drawing on the results of the Transforming Irrigation in Southern Africa project, we assess positive transitions in smallholder irrigation schemes. The project's theory of change is evaluated. Soil monitoring tools and agricultural innovation platforms were introduced in five irrigation schemes...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of water resources development 2020-10, Vol.36 (sup1), p.S1-S19
Main Authors: Pittock, Jamie, Bjornlund, Henning, van Rooyen, André
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Africa
agricultural innovation platforms
Crop yield
Economics
Environmental monitoring
Farmers
Governance
Innovation
Innovations
Irrigation
Profitability
Scaling
smallholder irrigation
Social discrimination learning
Social learning
Socioeconomic aspects
Soil
soil-water monitoring
Sustainability
theory of change
Work platforms
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Summary:Drawing on the results of the Transforming Irrigation in Southern Africa project, we assess positive transitions in smallholder irrigation schemes. The project's theory of change is evaluated. Soil monitoring tools and agricultural innovation platforms were introduced in five irrigation schemes in Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The synergies between these interventions increased both crop yields and profitability. This empowered farmers, improved equity, and accelerated social learning and innovation. The resulting, iterative cycles of change improved governance, sustainability and socio-economic outcomes. The challenges of scaling these interventions up and out are outlined.
ISSN:0790-0627
1360-0648
DOI:10.1080/07900627.2020.1819776