Investigation factors contributing to the underperformance of Mbahela Irrigation Scheme that benefitted from the revitalisation of smallholder irrigation schemes programme
The Limpopo Department of Agriculture revitalised several irrigation schemes in Limpopo Province between 2001 and 2008; however, most of them later collapsed again, while others are underutilised. Revitalisation of the collapsed and underutilised irrigation schemes was necessary because of the importance of irrigation schemes for socio-economic development, food security, and poverty alleviation. The study investigated the socio-economic and biophysical factors that cause smallholder irrigation schemes (SIS) to fail, with a view to recommending mitigation strategies and best practices that ensure full operation and sustainability of the irrigation schemes. The irrigation schemes failed to maintain the commercial farming standards set during the Revitalisation of Smallholder Irrigation Schemes (RESIS) programme due to several factors, such as lack of training, poor access to finance and markets, and division of the irrigation schemes back into individual plots. The study also investigated water losses from the water supply and infield canals. Poor water conveyance efficiency is also thought to have contributed to the failure of the irrigation schemes. The study was conducted at the Mbahela Irrigation Scheme. Two sets of data, experimental and questionnaire data, were collected for this study. Researcher-administered questionnaires were presented to 61 individual plot-holders at the Mbahela Irrigation Scheme using their preferred languages. Data obtained through questionnaire administration was analysed using descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model. Experimental data were collected using water flow meters. Water flow measurements were performed on the main and field canals. The canal network transmits water diverted from the Mutale River to the irrigation scheme. The water flow data were used to compute water losses using the inflow-outflow approach. The experimental data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significant differences were tested using the t– test. The study results revealed that canal water losses contributed significantly to the failure of the irrigation scheme. The overall conveyance efficiency of the canal system was found to be 56%, meaning 44% of the water abstracted from the Mutale River escapes the canal before reaching its destination. Analysis of other factors affecting the Mbahela Irrigation Scheme showed a complex interplay of socio-economic, governance, and infrastructure-related variables. The presence of both positive and negative influences was observed, suggesting that success in such a scheme requires an integrated approach, addressing education, infrastructure, governance, and farmer incentives. There is a need to improve the deteriorated canal lining to minimize water losses and improve the velocity of water.
Failure, Revitalisation, Smallholder Irrigation Scheme, Strategic partnership, Water loss, UCTD
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