An evaluation of selected appropriate irrigation technologies for small-scale farmers.
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Date
2001
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Abstract
South Africa lacks affordable irrigation technologies suited entirely to the needs of
small-scale farmers. This is mainly due to the past emphasis on large, commercial
farming technologies and the misunderstanding that emerging farmers can utilise
scaled down versions of such technologies. It is now believed that increased
irrigation amongst smallholders could largely assist with food security and poverty
alleviation in South Africa.
The object of this project was therefore to evaluate selected appropriate irrigation
technologies that are currently being used in other developing countries with the
intention of introducing them into South Africa. A literature review on all the irrigation
technologies currently being used by small-scale farmers in South Africa was
performed. The literature review provided information on the factors affecting the
adoption of irrigation technologies.
Selected technologies, namely, various low-cost, manual pumps and drip irrigation
kits were then imported and evaluated under local conditions. The evaluation process
was divided into two sections. Qualitative evaluations were carried out on farms and
by farmers themselves and quantitative evaluations were carried out in laboratories
and closely monitored field trials. A South African prototype pump was then designed
and built following the knowledge gained from testing the imported pumps. The
prototype was tested and then refined and rebuilt.
The qualitative test results showed a very positive reaction from farmers towards the
pumps. The drip irrigation kits were often not used as a result of a lack of
understanding by the farmers. The laboratory test phase highlighted the more critical
components of the pumps. A recommended introduction strategy was then
developed and is presented. This evaluation process and introduction strategy could
in future be used as a guideline when developing other suitable technologies for
small-scale farmers.I wish to certify that the work reported in this dissertation is my own unaided work
except where specific acknowledge is made. In addition I wish to declare that this
dissertation has not been submitted for a degree in any other university.
Description
Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.
Keywords
Irrigation efficiency--South Africa., Irrigation farming--South Africa., Farms, small--South Africa., Theses--Bioresources engineering and environmental hydrology.