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nology (research, extension and fertilizer use by small-scale commercial farmers);
(ii) further priorities such as irrigation, finance, mechanization, agro-processing
and access to markets; and also (iii) strong articulation with other sector initiatives,
such as Big Results Now (BRN) and the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of
Tanzania (SAGCOT).
The National Irrigation Policy of 2010 provides a baseline for a focused development of the irrigation sector in Tanzania. The Policy covers the activities and interventions required for the sector to effectively contribute towards enhancement of
production and productivity in the agriculture sector (URT 2010a, b). The NIP (section 2.4), among other areas, highlights the need for the development and management of irrigation schemes and the need to maximize use of available water
resources.
1.3 Micro-irrigation Technologies and Water Access by
Smallholder Farmers
Improving access to water resources is among the prerequisites for enhancing
smallholder farming in the face of the existing challenges. Of importance to increasing the agricultural productivity of smallholder farmers is access to affordable and
efficient irrigation technologies. Previous studies (Kashaigili 2007; SWMRG 2005)
revealed the increasing challenges facing the agriculture sector, which include:
rapid population growth, decreasing availability of land and competition for scarce
water resources. Owing to decreasing investments and declining performance of
many large-scale irrigation schemes, interest has been developing in recent years in
seeking ways to improve the productivity and livelihoods of the world’s small-scale
farmers (Frausto 1999). Low-cost micro-irrigation technologies such as concrete
pedal pump, bush pumps, rope and washer pumps, rower pumps, treadle pumps,
pitcher pot systems, drag-hose sprinklers, hydraulic ram pumps, micro-irrigation
systems, windmills, water harvesting techniques and a host of other technologies
with mixed success have been developed. These offer a breakthrough in the efforts
to use technology to increase smallholder irrigation potential. Nevertheless, despite
the mushrooming of such technologies, the low adoption rate largely contributed by
limited capital, markets and marketing skills, and lack of extension services
(Kashaigili 2007) has been a major challenge.
While that has been noted, studies by McCartney et al. (2007) and Kashaigili
(2007) indicate that smallholders are capable of managing irrigation systems efficiently, provided they have access to affordable technologies that are easy to operate, maintain and repair. It is important to note that small-scale systems and
technologies are attractive because they put the operation, maintenance and management of systems directly in the hands of the individual farmers, thus eliminating
any need for centralized control or management. Smallholder farmers are thus
empowered because they are able to apply water when and where they need it
Smallholder Farming in Mara and Iringa Regions, Tanzania: Current Practices…
nology (research, extension and fertilizer use by small-scale commercial farmers);
(ii) further priorities such as irrigation, finance, mechanization, agro-processing
and access to markets; and also (iii) strong articulation with other sector initiatives,
such as Big Results Now (BRN) and the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of
Tanzania (SAGCOT).
The National Irrigation Policy of 2010 provides a baseline for a focused development of the irrigation sector in Tanzania. The Policy covers the activities and interventions required for the sector to effectively contribute towards enhancement of
production and productivity in the agriculture sector (URT 2010a, b). The NIP (section 2.4), among other areas, highlights the need for the development and management of irrigation schemes and the need to maximize use of available water
resources.
1.3 Micro-irrigation Technologies and Water Access by
Smallholder Farmers
Improving access to water resources is among the prerequisites for enhancing
smallholder farming in the face of the existing challenges. Of importance to increasing the agricultural productivity of smallholder farmers is access to affordable and
efficient irrigation technologies. Previous studies (Kashaigili 2007; SWMRG 2005)
revealed the increasing challenges facing the agriculture sector, which include:
rapid population growth, decreasing availability of land and competition for scarce
water resources. Owing to decreasing investments and declining performance of
many large-scale irrigation schemes, interest has been developing in recent years in
seeking ways to improve the productivity and livelihoods of the world’s small-scale
farmers (Frausto 1999). Low-cost micro-irrigation technologies such as concrete
pedal pump, bush pumps, rope and washer pumps, rower pumps, treadle pumps,
pitcher pot systems, drag-hose sprinklers, hydraulic ram pumps, micro-irrigation
systems, windmills, water harvesting techniques and a host of other technologies
with mixed success have been developed. These offer a breakthrough in the efforts
to use technology to increase smallholder irrigation potential. Nevertheless, despite
the mushrooming of such technologies, the low adoption rate largely contributed by
limited capital, markets and marketing skills, and lack of extension services
(Kashaigili 2007) has been a major challenge.
While that has been noted, studies by McCartney et al. (2007) and Kashaigili
(2007) indicate that smallholders are capable of managing irrigation systems efficiently, provided they have access to affordable technologies that are easy to operate, maintain and repair. It is important to note that small-scale systems and
technologies are attractive because they put the operation, maintenance and management of systems directly in the hands of the individual farmers, thus eliminating
any need for centralized control or management. Smallholder farmers are thus
empowered because they are able to apply water when and where they need it
Smallholder Farming in Mara and Iringa Regions, Tanzania: Current Practices…