An investigation on the impact of women participation in irrigation management on food security in Zimbabwe: the case of Rozva irrigation scheme in Bikita

Abstract

The study primarily sought to explore the impact of women participation in irrigation management on food security. Specifically, it was conducted at Rozva irrigation scheme in Bikita District of Masvingo province in Zimbabwe. The respondents were women farmers at Rozva irrigation scheme as well as key informants (Government officials, Community leaders and NGO officials). The study was mainly premised on participatory development theory. In addition, it was basically a descriptive survey research which used a hybrid approach through the application of both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The sample size had 150 female farmers and 15 key informants where both stratified and purposive sampling approaches were used to select the participants. Of the participants, 96% were non-managerial and only 4% were managerial. Primary data was collected through the use of questionnaires, interviews with key informants and field observations. Moreso, data was analysed using the descriptive statistics approach as well the Chi-square test with the use of SPSS Data Editor Software at 5 % significance level. The findings revealed that the participation of women in irrigation farming and agricultural management activities can generally empower the poor people, as well generate income and contribute to food security. The study confirmed that female farmers participated in irrigation management activities specifically on issues such as planning of tasks, organising tasks, coordination of project meetings and leadership. The study also demonstrated that women farmers held influential positions in the management of the projects, as well as crop and water management skills. In addition, the women were continuously developed through training programs offered by relevant departments. Women farmers showed high level of involvement in project decision making process and also participates in production of maize, beans and vegetables by undertaking activities such as land preparation sowing of seeds, watering the fields, fertilizer application, weeding, planting, harvesting, transporting the produce, selling produce in town and selling produce at home. The study findings also revealed that women were motivated to participate in irrigation management, by allowing them to own resources such as production land and through family support. The challenges established included; shortage of maize seeds, diseases, natural disasters (cyclone), lack of financial resources, water supply shortages, inadequate irrigation equipment and limited of government support. It was recommended that the government need to fully embrace the participatory development approach when establishing irrigation schemes. Moreso, participatory VII monitoring and evaluation of the project would also help female farmers make well informed decisions about the project and improve performance. Women Youth farmers should also be encouraged to participate in the irrigation management. The government need to also offer more relevant training programmes under practical settings and provide financial saving schemes for women as well as improve road infrastructure and connect female farmers to sustainable market options. Keywords: (Women Participation, food security, impact)