IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jworld/v6y2025i1p32-d1603339.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Irrigation Water and Security in South African Smallholder Farming: Assessing Strategies for Revitalization

Author

Listed:
  • Variety Nkateko Thabane

    (School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa)

  • Isaac Azikiwe Agholor

    (School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa)

  • Ndomelele Ndiko Ludidi

    (School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa)

  • Mishal Trevor Morepje

    (School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa)

  • Lethu Inneth Mgwenya

    (School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa)

  • Nomzamo Sharon Msweli

    (School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa)

  • Moses Zakhele Sithole

    (School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa)

Abstract

The precipitation pattern in South Africa is unpredictable and irregularly distributed across the nine provinces. Water resources support agriculture, mining activities, and other social and economic activities in the country. Nevertheless, South Africa is a water-scarce country prompting the urgent need for revitalization to increase water availability. There are major issues with irrigation water security in South Africa’s agriculture sector. Water scarcity, exacerbated by population growth, climate change, and wasteful use, threatens smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. Smallholder farmers encounter difficulties obtaining water despite initiatives to enhance water management, such as poor infrastructure, a lack of funding, and exclusion from choices about water management. This study examines the current water security challenges faced by smallholder farmers in ensuring water security in South Africa. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative networks, inclusive water governance, and innovative irrigation technologies. The study highlights the need for programs and policies that promote cutting-edge irrigation technologies and support smallholder farmers’ participation in water management decisions. Effective solutions require a coordinated approach, involving government, NGOs, and the private sector. Addressing these challenges can improve water security, promote sustainable agricultural development, and enhance food security nationwide effectively and efficiently. Additionally, the study suggests that context-specific solutions be developed, considering the requirements and difficulties smallholder farmers face. This entails funding irrigation infrastructure, assisting and training farmers, and advancing water-saving innovations.

Suggested Citation

  • Variety Nkateko Thabane & Isaac Azikiwe Agholor & Ndomelele Ndiko Ludidi & Mishal Trevor Morepje & Lethu Inneth Mgwenya & Nomzamo Sharon Msweli & Moses Zakhele Sithole, 2025. "Irrigation Water and Security in South African Smallholder Farming: Assessing Strategies for Revitalization," World, MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jworld:v:6:y:2025:i:1:p:32-:d:1603339
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4060/6/1/32/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4060/6/1/32/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Confidence Ndlovu & Mfundo M. Masuku, 2021. "The Efficacy of Agricultural Cooperatives Towards Enhancing Food Security in Rural Areas: Mbombela Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 21(1), pages 661-674, July.
    2. Litha Magingxa & Zerihun Alemu & Herman van Schalkwyk, 2009. "Factors influencing access to produce markets for smallholder irrigators in South Africa," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 26(1), pages 47-58.
    3. Domenico Dentoni & Verena Bitzer & Greetje Schouten, 2018. "Harnessing Wicked Problems in Multi-stakeholder Partnerships," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 150(2), pages 333-356, June.
    4. Rasmus Heltberg, 2002. "Property Rights and Natural Resource Management in Developing Countries," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 16(2), pages 189-214, April.
    5. Phakathi, Sandile & Sinyolo, Sikhulumile & Marire, Juniors & Fraser, Gavin, 2021. "Farmer-led institutional innovations in managing smallholder irrigation schemes in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces, South Africa," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 248(C).
    6. Matchaya, Greenwell & Nhamo, Luxon & Nhlengethwa, Sibusiso & Nhemachena, Charles, 2019. "An overview of water markets in southern Africa: an option for water management in times of scarcity," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 11(5):1-16..
    7. Hwang, Yeong-Dong & Lin, Yi-Ching & Lyu Jr., Jung, 2008. "The performance evaluation of SCOR sourcing process--The case study of Taiwan's TFT-LCD industry," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 115(2), pages 411-423, October.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Maryono, Maryono & Killoes, Aditya Marendra & Adhikari, Rajendra & Abdul Aziz, Ammar, 2024. "Agriculture development through multi-stakeholder partnerships in developing countries: A systematic literature review," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 213(C).
    2. Srivardhini K. Jha & E. Richard Gold & Laurette Dubé, 2021. "Modular Interorganizational Network Governance: A Conceptual Framework for Addressing Complex Social Problems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-21, September.
    3. Margareet Visser & Matthew Alford, 2024. "Governance and Power Across Intersecting Value Chains: The Case of South African Apples," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 189(1), pages 69-86, January.
    4. Awad, Mohamed Hassan, 2023. "Everything, all the time: Engaging the social problem of homelessness in entrepreneurship research and practice," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 20(C).
    5. Lea Stadtler & Luk N. Wassenhove, 2023. "Between Intensity and Diversity: Leveraging the Role of Place in Cross-Sector Partnerships," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 184(4), pages 773-791, May.
    6. Hameeda A. AlMalki & Christopher M. Durugbo, 2023. "Systematic review of institutional innovation literature: towards a multi-level management model," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 73(2), pages 731-785, June.
    7. Reyes, René & Nelson, Harry & Zerriffi, Hisham, 2021. "How do decision makers´ ethnicity and religion influence the use of forests? Evidence from Chile," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    8. Wei Wang & Xin Luo & Chongmei Zhang & Jiahao Song & Dingde Xu, 2021. "Can Land Transfer Alleviate the Poverty of the Elderly? Evidence from Rural China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-15, October.
    9. Ralph Hamann & Lulamile Makaula & Gina Ziervogel & Clifford Shearing & Alan Zhang, 2020. "Strategic Responses to Grand Challenges: Why and How Corporations Build Community Resilience," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 161(4), pages 835-853, February.
    10. Angelika Zimmermann & Nora Albers & Jasper O. Kenter, 2022. "Deliberating Our Frames: How Members of Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives Use Shared Frames to Tackle Within-Frame Conflicts Over Sustainability Issues," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 178(3), pages 757-782, July.
    11. Phatela Raleting & Ajuruchukwu Obi, 2015. "An Analysis of Institutional Factors Influencing Vegetable Production amongst Small-Scale Farmers in Six Vegetable Projects of the Nkonkobe Local Municipality," Journal of Agricultural Science, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 7(6), pages 184-184, May.
    12. Onesmo Z. Sigalla & Madaka Tumbo & Jane Joseph, 2021. "Multi-Stakeholder Platform in Water Resources Management: A Critical Analysis of Stakeholders’ Participation for Sustainable Water Resources," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-16, August.
    13. Marcel Bursztyn & Luiz Antonio Ferraro Junior, 2008. "Managing the Remaining Commons: Challenges to Sustainability in the Brazilian Northeast," CID Working Papers 28, Center for International Development at Harvard University.
    14. Hussein Luswaga & Ernst-August Nuppenau, 2020. "Participatory Forest Management in West Usambara Tanzania: What Is the Community Perception on Success?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-24, January.
    15. Oskam, A.J. & Komen, M.H.C. & Wobst, P. & Yalew, A., 2004. "Trade policies and development of less-favoured areas: evidence from the literature," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 29(4), pages 445-466, August.
    16. Aurélien Décamps & Oihab Allal-Chérif & Anne Gombault, 2021. "Fostering Knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals in Universities: The Case of Sulitest," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-17, November.
    17. Manyise, Timothy & Dentoni, Domenico, 2021. "Value chain partnerships and farmer entrepreneurship as balancing ecosystem services: Implications for agri-food systems resilience," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 49(C).
    18. Ntabe, E.N. & LeBel, L. & Munson, A.D. & Santa-Eulalia, L.A., 2015. "A systematic literature review of the supply chain operations reference (SCOR) model application with special attention to environmental issues," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 310-332.
    19. Qin, Ming & Lin, Wensheng & Li, Jing & Yu, Zhou & Wachenheim, Cheryl, 2020. "Impact of land registration and certification on land rental by Chinese farmers," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    20. Bethlehem Tamiru Gizaw & Alev Taskin Gumus, 2016. "Humanitarian Relief Supply Chain Performance Evaluation: A Literature Review," International Journal of Marketing Studies, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 8(2), pages 105-120, April.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jworld:v:6:y:2025:i:1:p:32-:d:1603339. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.