The contested future of irrigation in African rural livelihoods – analysis from a water scarce catchment in South Africa

Water Policy ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Hope ◽  
J. W. Gowing ◽  
G. P. W. Jewitt
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Water Allocation ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Convincing Evidence ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Smallholder Irrigation

Agricultural improvement is seen as essential for economic growth, poverty reduction and food security in Africa. However, with new and priority demands for water agricultural allocations have come under closer scrutiny, particularly under water scarcity. In post-apartheid South Africa equitable water allocation has become an emblematic policy goal consistent with the imperative to create a fairer society. Catchment managers are now responsible for water allocation decisions across multiple and competing social, economic, environmental and political priorities. This analysis explores these challenges based on a study in the Luvuvhu catchment, Limpopo Province, which comprised (i) socio-economic evaluation of people's livelihoods across 10 communities, (ii) hydrological modelling studies, and (iii) a detailed performance evaluation for one typical smallholder irrigation scheme. Findings from this study indicate that water allocation for smallholder irrigation provides expected income and food benefits for those with secure irrigation access. However, while increasing water allocation for smallholder irrigation may be argued to redress current inequitable distribution within the national irrigated agricultural sector, there is no convincing evidence to support allocating more water to smallholder irrigation schemes when viewed within the wider development challenges in the Luvuvhu catchment. It is argued that catchment managers should rather consider the hydrological and social benefits associated with improvements in dryland farming for increasing food security under water scarcity.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Smallholder Irrigation and Household Food Availability and Dietary Diversity in Greater Tzaneen Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thinah Moyo ◽  
Charles L. Machethe
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Household Food Availability ◽  
Smallholder Irrigation

Irrigation farming has the potential to address household food security challenges in developing countries. This paper examines household food availability, consumption and dietary diversity for irrigating and non-irrigating households in Greater Tzaneen municipality of Limpopo Province of South Africa. The paper uses primary data collected from 180 households comprising of irrigation scheme irrigators, independent (non-scheme) irrigators, and non-irrigating households. Data analysis employed descriptive analysis and analysis of variance to compare food security components of the different types of households. Results provide sufficient evidence that smallholder irrigation farming contributes significantly to household food security through improved food availability and dietary diversity. However, since most households are net food buyers, it is essential to have policies that are formulated with an understanding that household food security is not only a function of the food that farming households produce for their own consumption but more so a function of total household income. The results inform agrarian reform debates on whether South Africa should continue investing in smallholder irrigation farming for improved household welfare. An integration of smallholder irrigation farming in strategies for growing the rural economy and contributing to improved livelihoods and poverty reduction is, therefore, recommended.

scholarly journals Enhancing rural livelihoods in Tanza-nia : A small-holder farmers’ perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abel Kinyondo ◽  
Joseph Magashi
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Sustainable Livelihood ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
The Past ◽  
Small Holder Farmers ◽  
The Government ◽  
Small Holder

Poverty reduction has been a difficult milestone for Tanzania to achieve despite recording remarkable economic growth over the past decade. This is because the attained growth is not inclusive, in that sectors contributing to this growth employ fewer people. Given the fact that agriculture continues to employ the majority of people in Tanzania, efforts to improve livelihoods should necessarily be geared towards transforming the sector. It is in this context that using a sample of 3,000 farmers from 13 regions of Tanzania; this Tanzania, this study set out to examine challenges facing farmers and their respective solutions following the sustainable livelihood framework. Findings show that improving farmers’ livelihoods would entail concerted efforts by the government to avail to farmers, quality and affordable seeds, fertilizer, agricultural infrastructures, subsidies, extension services, markets, information alert, affordable loans, and areas for pastures. This implies that the government needs to allocate enough funds to the agricultural sector if farmers’ needs are to be met. We note, however, that government’s allocation to the sector has alarmingly generally been exhibiting a declining trend for the past four years. It is against this background that we strongly recommend that the government rethinks its position and prioritize the agricultural sector in its budget.

the Sustainable Harvesting of Edible Insects in South Africa, with Reference to Indigenous Knowledge, African Science, Western Science and Education

2007 ◽  
Vol 36 (S1) ◽  
pp. 145-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rob Toms
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Knowledge Systems ◽  
Food Plants ◽  
Western Science ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Sustainable Harvesting

AbstractIn our ongoing research on edible insects in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, we have found evidence of the unsustainable harvesting of edible insects and the food plants of certain insects. The decline in the edible insect industry, together with the need for food security provides a strong incentive to investigate possible causes of problems using different knowledge systems. Any solution to these problems needs to take Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into account if it hopes to be successful and sustainable. We have found that different communities have different explanations for the same phenomena. Some of these explanations correspond with the explanations for the same phenomena in Western science. Where areas of overlap between IKS and Western science exist, these can be used in education in such a way that recommendations for sustainable harvesting can be developed with reference to African science. In this process, the area of overlap between the systems may grow as information from one system is incorporated in another. In this contribution the overlapping roles of IKS, African science and Western science are explored in the teaching of the sustainable harvesting of Indigenous resources for food security and conservation. This creates opportunities to teach relevant science in such a way that the concerned communities can benefit through better food security and the conservation of culturally important plants and animals.

scholarly journals Food security in rural areas of Limpopo province, South Africa

Food Security ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. De Cock ◽  
M. D’Haese ◽  
N. Vink ◽  
C. J. van Rooyen ◽  
L. Staelens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Limpopo Province

scholarly journals Agricultural resilience under increasing water security threats: insights for smallholder farming in Limpopo Province, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 849-862
Author(s):  
Simbarashe Kativhu ◽  
Marizvikuru M. Mwale ◽  
Jethro Zuwarimwe
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Water Security ◽  
Environmental Water ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Smallholder Farming ◽  
Vision 2030 ◽  
Zero Hunger ◽  
Agricultural Resilience

Abstract Smallholder farmers in South Africa are facing increased pressure to manage water use due to growing scarcity and environmental water demand. This prompts the need to build resilient irrigation systems particularly for smallholder farmers. Building resilience is more pertinent in Limpopo province, where crop and animal production is hampered by water scarcity. Currently, there is an array of generic adaptation strategies for attaining resilient irrigation schemes in South Africa and beyond. However, the effectiveness and feasibility of these resilience measures at farm level, particularly among smallholders in marginalised areas, are not well researched in Limpopo Province. The current paper draws lessons from adaptation mechanisms in Southern Africa, indicates areas that require further studies and recommends ways for enhancing smallholder resilience against water scarcity. The article contributes to efforts for enhancing water security and fulfil the targets set in sustainable development goal 2 of zero hunger, South Africa Vision 2030, and the government's food security mandate, particularly through suggesting ways for enhancing smallholder farmer resilience and water security.

scholarly journals Contribution of Natural Forest Products to Rural Livelihoods at Mavunde and Sambandou Villages, Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4252
Author(s):  
Mwazvita T. B. Dalu ◽  
Ashley W. Gunter ◽  
Mulweli Makatu ◽  
Gregory M. Dowo ◽  
Farai Dondofema ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Forest Products ◽  
Natural Forest ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Socio Economic Factors

With ~70% of the sub-Saharan population living in rural areas, more than 90% of rural African households depend on natural forest products. Although several studies in other parts of South Africa have looked into the use of natural forest products in poverty alleviation, little is known on the roles and relative contribution of natural forest products as daily and safety nets specifically within the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa. This study assessed the different roles played by natural forest products in households and the patterns of their relative contribution to households both as sources of income and direct consumption within differing household compositions as well as socio-economic factors. These included employment and income diversification role and the monetised value of natural resources in the rural livelihoods of households in Sambandou and Mavunde, Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study inter alia compared a wide use of natural resources by two villages and determined on which forest products they most relied for their economic welfare. Their relative contributions to livelihoods were assessed by identifying factors that affected their contributions. Findings of the study showed that Sambandou had a high number of people with formal jobs and females, and fewer old-age pensioners. Differences in employment and education between villages were observed. In all villages, the most frequently used or harvested resource was fuelwood, wild edible fruits, herbs, grass/shrub hand sweepers, insects for food, thatch grass/reeds and poles for fencing and housing. Overall, Mavunde village households were found to be more dependent on natural resource harvesting both for income and subsistence substitution. Findings suggest that this may have been a consequence of socio-economic factors such as income and employment, as well as general underdevelopment in the village. This study’s findings could contribute to further studies into how these results compare to other parts of the country and region, as well as their respective developmental implications.

E-Agriculture Development in South Africa

2010 ◽  
pp. 19-42
Author(s):  
Rachael Tembo ◽  
Blessing M. Maumbe
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Rural Poverty ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Online Marketing ◽  
Marginalized Communities ◽  
Agricultural Communities ◽  
Agriculture Development

The global development of information and communication technologies (ICT) has created a new agricultural development paradigm that promises to transform the performance of the agricultural sector and improve rural livelihoods in developing countries. Over the past five years, South Africa has witnessed a swift ICT-led transformation of its public service delivery with major innovations in key development sectors. The growth of e-agriculture is seen as an engine to accelerate agriculture and rural development, promote food security, and reduce rural poverty. This chapter examines e-agriculture initiatives in South Africa. It describes ICT applications in improving the quality of on-farm management decisions, agricultural market information system, e-packaging, product traceability, and online marketing to access lucrative global wine markets. The chapter also highlights key constraints, and identifies considerations to enhance the future prospects for e-agriculture. Given the strategic importance of agriculture in supporting the livelihoods of the majority rural population in South Africa, the successful deployment and effective utilization of ICT is pivotal for sustainable agriculture development and raising the standards of living of marginalized communities. The results of the paper demonstrate that South Africa has made significant strides in e-agriculture and tangible benefits have accrued to the agricultural communities.

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