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Women, youth, and tail-end users: improving the livelihoods of disadvantaged irrigators in southern Africa

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Tackling the inequalities that exist in sub-Saharan Africa is critical for sustainable development. In this paper we explore whether the ‘Transforming irrigation in southern Africa’ project’s interventions – Agricultural Innovation Platforms and soil monitoring tools – reduced inequity for women, youth and tail-end farmers on smallholder irrigation schemes. Our analysis focussed on access to plots, decision-making and economic well-being. We found evidence of equity improvements, though this was inconsistent across households and schemes, and complicated by COVID-19 disruptions. Equity can be an emergent outcome of complementary and participatory interventions that seek to improve profitability and functionality of irrigation schemes.

Source: International Journal of Water Resources Development

DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2024.2435988

Authors: Karen Parry, Henning Bjornlund, Makarius Mdemu, Thabani Dube, Miguel Tafula

Institutions: Australian National University, Ardhi University, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

Language: English

Topic: Agricultural Innovations and Practices

Subfield: General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences