“Sustainable Local Management of Smallholder Irrigation”

South Africa has invested substantially in smallholder irrigation, particularly in the former homeland areas. In Limpopo Province alone, there are 171 irrigation schemes with assets valued at R4 billion. However, most of these irrigation schemes are not performing optimally. As a result, the original objective of generating employment and reducing rural poverty through the establishment of these schemes has not been achieved in many instances. This study was undertaken with the objective of contributing to rural poverty alleviation by improving productivity, profitability, gender equity and environmental sustainability of smallholder irrigation. The specific objectives of the study were to (a) to assess productivity and profitability of smallholder irrigation and the potential for achievement of food security; (b) identify cropping and irrigation management practices; (c) determine the effects of irrigation practices on soil salinity; and (d) examine the institutional and organizational arrangements affecting smallholder irrigation. The study was undertaken in six irrigation schemes in the Olifants River Basin o