Strategies for increasing water productivity among farmers in Taung irrigation scheme of North West province, South Africa

Oladele O.I and Tekana, S.S

Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Mmabatho, South Africa

oladimeji.oladele@nwu.ac.za

IntroductionAgriculture accounts for a high proportion of the GDP in South African economy

South Africa is not only self-sufficient in food, but a net exporter.

Very low average rainfall and high variability within and between seasons, predispose vulnerability to drought.

IntroductionThe North West Province is located in the semi-arid and arid regions with predominant agricultural activities

The prevailing climatic conditions stressed the need for irrigation

Two irrigation schemes were located in the province

Taung Irrigation Scheme

Taung irrigation scheme was established in 1939 and covers1054 ha

Almost 200 farmers used the plots for subsistence crops production

About 75% is under centre pivot and about 25% irrigated by conventional sprinkler system

South African irrigation policy

Much of South Africa’s past water legislation was largely oriented towards irrigated commercial agriculture.

In 1998, the system of allocation of water rights based upon the riparian principle was replaced by permissible uses, general authorizations and licenses.

Ground water potential

Water transfers

Water transfers

The Problem

In 1994, the Taung irrigation scheme was reported to have deteriorated and some farms had been abandoned.

Farmers had to make decisions regarding the use of the scheme themselves.

There was a major shift in government support/services to the scheme.

In view of these some of the participating farmers could not cope.

Objective and Methodology

To determine the interventions strategies for increasing water productivity among farmers in Taung irrigation scheme of North West Province, South Africa

A qualitative approach (Focus Group Discussions) was used to elicit information from farmers

Focus group discussions were held with 5 farmers groups with 10 farmers in each group

Results I

The strategies for increasing water productivity include:

• Socio-economic characteristics - Training on input use, record keeping and computer use

• Forming farmers into cooperatives such that farmers on the irrigation scheme are relating their production more closely to market demand and organizing effective supply markets

• Contract farming scheme used by agribusiness firms and retailers to secure supply of agricultural commodities from farmers

Results II

• Allocation of extension officers -Farmers in the irrigation scheme are benefiting from the National Extension recovery implementation plan through the facilitation of access to extension

• Micro-Agricultural Finance initiative of South Africa (MAFISA) Farmers on the irrigation scheme were organized to benefiting from MAFISA services.

• Provision of ICT: Training on the use of computers had been conducted and computers made available for their use by the Department of Agriculture Conservation and Environment through the extension section .

Conclusion

The interventions described above have led to better access to the once neglected land on the irrigation scheme and there is a renaissance of the original purposes for the establishment of the scheme.

These strategies had helped to improve the productivity of water from the irrigation scheme and the farmers are better for it

Thanks for your attention