An assessment of the effectiveness of smallholder irrigation schemes in enhancing agricultural productivity and food security of rural farmers in semiarid regions of Zimbabwe

Abstract

Agro ecological regions III, IV and V are characterized by aridity, low erratic rainfall, low rain fed farming yields, high poverty prevalence and dependence on subsistence agriculture for livelihoods making it prone to food insecurity. Smallholder irrigation schemes play a significant role in improving food security in these regions. The study assessed the effectiveness of smallholder irrigation schemes in enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in semiarid regions of Zimbabwe. In depth analyses on adoption of climate resilient technologies by farmers, food access and dietary diversity of households were carried out to determine contribution of smallholder irrigation programs to food security. A survey was carried out covering a total of 300 beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of smallholder irrigation programs randomly selected from lists provided by extension workers for six irrigation schemes. The irrigation schemes were purposively selected from three provinces of Zimbabwe namely Masvingo Province, Matabeleland Province and Midlands Province. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that the majority (54%) of households adopted new agricultural technologies promoted by the program, indicating a positive response to the initiative. Beneficiaries have a higher average Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) (4.3628) compared to non-beneficiaries (3.7523), indicating better dietary diversity among beneficiaries. Beneficiaries report much better access to nutritious food compared to non-beneficiaries. There is a significant improvement in food access and dietary diversity of households that are beneficiaries of smallholder irrigation programs. Programs in the areas studied in this research have been effective in improving environmental sustainability, climate resilience, food access, and dietary diversity especially for beneficiaries.