Journal of Food Processing & Technology

Challenges and opportunities for revitalizing smallholder irrigation schemes in South Africa

Global Food Security and Sustainability Conference

September 05-07, 2016 Beijing, China

Morris Fanadzo

Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Wellington, South Africa

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Food Process Technol

Abstract:

South Africa is the 30th driest country in the world, and is classified as water scarce. The country depends on agriculture for food production with the irrigation sector being the largest consumer of water, accounting for about 62% of water utilization, but also losing 30-40%. With the advent of drought and the climate change threat, efficient irrigation systems have become a necessity especially in the smallholder farming sector where most losses occur. The objectives of this review were to assess challenges facing smallholder irrigation schemes (SIS) and explore opportunities for revitalizing the schemes. The focus was on government policy and strategies to support the smallholder farmers. The SIS were developed to improve rural livelihoods through sustainable food production for food security and poverty alleviation, but the development objectives remain largely unfulfilled. Dilapidated irrigation infrastructure, low yields caused by poor management of crop enterprises, limited access to arable land and lack of markets are among the main causes of poor performance. These findings point to the need to balance the soft and hard components of the irrigation schemes for sustainability, and yet the core focus of government has largely been on repairing irrigation infrastructure. It is therefore evident that the government needs to review its priorities in revitalization of SIS. Evidence also indicates that extension officers lack support skills, particularly in irrigation water management. Land tenure policies allowing increased access to arable land need urgent developed together with alternative cropping systems which are not labour intensive.

Biography :

Email: mfanadzo@gmail.com