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Exploring the factors causing the poor performance of most irrigation schemes in post-independence sub-Saharan Africa

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  • Vibeke Bjornlund
  • Henning Bjornlund
  • André F. van Rooyen

Abstract

This article explores the factors causing the current poor performance of most government irrigation schemes in sub-Saharan Africa. The literature review finds that the poor performance is not primarily caused by socioeconomic and biophysical conditions inherent to sub-Saharan Africa. African farmers have adapted to diverse biophysical conditions and expanded or contracted their area under agricultural water management in response to market signals. Rather, this poor performance is predominantly linked to the production systems introduced during colonialism and developments since independence, such as agricultural policies restraining rural economic development, unsuitable irrigation technologies and agricultural practices, and international lending practices and trade arrangements.

Suggested Citation

  • Vibeke Bjornlund & Henning Bjornlund & André F. van Rooyen, 2020. "Exploring the factors causing the poor performance of most irrigation schemes in post-independence sub-Saharan Africa," International Journal of Water Resources Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(S1), pages 54-101, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:cijwxx:v:36:y:2020:i:s1:p:s54-s101
    DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2020.1808448
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Vibeke Bjornlund & Henning Bjornlund & André Rooyen, 2022. "Why food insecurity persists in sub-Saharan Africa: A review of existing evidence," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 14(4), pages 845-864, August.
    2. Berhe, Gebremeskel Teklay & Baartman, Jantiene E.M. & Veldwisch, Gert Jan & Grum, Berhane & Ritsema, Coen J., 2022. "Irrigation development and management practices in Ethiopia: A systematic review on existing problems, sustainability issues and future directions," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 274(C).
    3. Magidi, J. & van Koppen, Barbara & Nhamo, L. & Mpandeli, S. & Slotow, R. & Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe, 2021. "Informing equitable water and food policies through accurate spatial information on irrigated areas in smallholder farming systems," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 1-13(24):36.
    4. Simpson, G. B. & Jewitt, G. P. W. & Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe & Taguta, C. & Badenhorst, J., 2023. "An African perspective on the water-energy-food nexus," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 1-13:16842..
    5. Nigo, Ayine & Gibogwe, Vincent, 2023. "Impact of financial resources on agricultural growth in Sub-Saharan Africa," MPRA Paper 116397, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 15 Feb 2023.
    6. Luxon Nhamo & Sylvester Mpandeli & Stanley Liphadzi & Tinashe Lindel Dirwai & Hillary Mugiyo & Aidan Senzanje & Bruce A Lankford & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, 2024. "Why Do Farmers Not Irrigate All the Areas Equipped for Irrigation? Lessons from Southern Africa," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-18, July.
    7. Hornum, Sebastian Toft & Bolwig, Simon, 2021. "A functional analysis of the role of input suppliers in an agricultural innovation system: The case of small-scale irrigation in Kenya," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 193(C).

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