14 research outputs found
Sustainable irrigation development: the adoption of small-scale pumped irrigation in Malawi
There has been an increased interest on small-scale pumped irrigation (SSPI)
in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA), however little is known on the adoption processes
behind this technology. Moreover, the conditions for successful SSPI adoption
remain largely unexplored. This research aims to achieve a deeper
understanding of the present adoption processes to inform future policy. The
thesis was framed around the diffusion of innovations model (Rogers 2003),
using the systematic review methodology and field surveys. Interviews involving
212 farmers and 25 other stakeholders were conducted between 2013 and
2014 within 3 districts in Malawi. The responses were analysed using
descriptive statistics and content analysis.
The systematic review revealed that evidence relating to pump performance in
SSA was limited, lacked standards and confined within particular regions. The
field surveys identified that four different pumped systems have been adopted
by farmers in Malawi; group treadle, individual treadle, group motorized and
individual motorized. Farmers generally prefer individually managed pumps that
are easy to operate and fit in with their existing farming practices. Adoption is
driven either by the attributes of self-motivated farmers or by incentives such as
free or subsidized pumps. While adoption by self-motivated farmers is
consistent with Rogers (2003) model, adoption due to incentives shows
differences.
The research proposes a modification to the Rogers (2003) model and revised definition of success in SSPI adoption, leading to a new framework
showing pathways of success. This framework identifies the routes taken by
farmers who successfully adopt or discontinue using pumps. Incentive farmers
are typically the poorer; these need continued external support to survive the
learning curve. For self-motivated farmers, their higher socio-economic status
supports successful adoption. To ensure sustainability, SSPI promoters need to
offer continued support to incentive farmers and/or reduce barriers to accessing
the pumps for self-motivated farmers
Assessing performance of small-scale pumped irrigation systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from a systematic review
Small-scale irrigation (SSI) has significant potential to increase crop productivity in Sub Saharan
Africa (SSA). Pumped irrigation systems are one of the technologies increasingly being used by
smallholder farmers. The aim of this study was to systematically review evidence on the
performance of SSI pumped systems, including motorized, treadle, rope and washer, solar and
wind pumps. The study revealed a lack of standardization and use of a wide range of indicators
to assess performance. Most evidence related to motorized pumps, these studies confirmed mixed
levels of performance; studies relating to other types of pumped system mostly reported a positive
impact, although the method of assessment used was critical. Studies reporting positive impacts
tended to be those that used socio-economic based factors such as yield and profitability, whereas
studies reporting mixed performance tended to be those that relied more on technically based
indicators such as pumping and irrigation system efficiency. The analysis highlights the
sensitivity of interpreting findings from different studies, and how caution should be exercised
when comparing performance within and between different types of irrigation system. The
implications for supporting policy development and identifying future research gaps are
discussed
Diffusion of small-scale pumped irrigation technologies and their association with farmer-led irrigation development in Malawi
The adoption of small-scale pumped irrigation technologies was evaluated using field surveys in Malawi. Four pumped systems were identified, distinguished by ownership (group versus individual) and technology (treadle versus motorized). Farmer access to pumps was either through organizational support (incentivized) or privately (self-motivated), with progression depending on the mode of access and farmers’ attributes. Self-motivated farmers had better socioeconomic status and access to knowledge supporting the pumps’ continued use. Conversely, incentives drive the uptake of other pumps, and the provision of continued external support reinforced their continued use. Farmers need to be supported beyond affordability by safeguarding the availability and maintenance of pumps
Treadle pump irrigation in Malawi: adoption, gender and benefits
As part of their irrigation strategy, the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Malawi are actively promoting the use of treadle pumps in smallholder irrigation. The positive impact of treadle pumps on food security and poverty reduction in Malawi and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa is well documented. However, few studies have analysed the adoption dynamics and dissemination approaches of treadle pumps. This study uses a logit model to analyse the factors influencing treadle pump adoption among a stratified random sample of 100 adopters and 100 non-adopters in two districts in Malawi. The results indicate that relatively well-off farmers have a significantly higher probability of adopting the treadle pumps than poor farmers. This raises questions about dissemination approaches and targeting, because treadle pumps are typically geared towards poor smallholders. The study further indicates differences between male and female adopters. Female adopters are more likely to pay for subsidized treadle pumps in cash. Male adopters mostly acquire their pumps through a loan. Women tend to spend the additional income on food for the household while men tend to spend it mostly on non-food items. It is therefore likely that treadle pump adoption by women will positively impact on household food security, though it also adds to women's workload
Treadle pump irrigation in Malawi: adoption, gender and benefits
As part of their irrigation strategy, the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Malawi are actively promoting the use of treadle pumps in smallholder irrigation. The positive impact of treadle pumps on food security and poverty reduction in Malawi and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa is well documented. However, few studies have analysed the adoption dynamics and dissemination approaches of treadle pumps. This study uses a logit model to analyse the factors influencing treadle pump adoption among a stratified random sample of 100 adopters and 100 non-adopters in two districts in Malawi. The results indicate that relatively well-off farmers have a significantly higher probability of adopting the treadle pumps than poor farmers. This raises questions about dissemination approaches and targeting, because treadle pumps are typically geared towards poor smallholders. The study further indicates differences between male and female adopters. Female adopters are more likely to pay for subsidized treadle pumps in cash. Male adopters mostly acquire their pumps through a loan. Women tend to spend the additional income on food for the household while men tend to spend it mostly on non-food items. It is therefore likely that treadle pump adoption by women will positively impact on household food security, though it also adds to women's workload