Small-scale irrigation for food security in sub-Saharan Africa

This study visit is largely the result of discussions held at a seminar on Private irrigation in sub-Saharan Africa – Regional seminar on Private sector participation and irrigation expansion in SSA, co-organised by the International Water Management Institute, FAO and CTA in Accra, Ghana, on 22–26 October 2001. These discussions called for smallholder farmers to ‘…be allowed access to simple and affordable technologies and thus be in a better position to combat poverty and exclusion’. Sixteen experts in the field of irrigation, representing government, small-scale WUAs and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were selected to attend the workshop. The participants came from six countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia. These countries share similar problems in irrigation, and as a consequence, the study visit provided an excellent opportunity for them, to exchange views and learn from each other. Further, the study visit allowed the participants, to see firsthand various types of irrigation schemes in Ethiopia – the successes and problems that they face. The participants also had the opportunity to discuss the various problems they face as well as develop strategies to overcome these challenges.This study visit is largely the result of discussions held at a seminar on Private irrigation in sub-Saharan Africa – Regional seminar on Private sector participation and irrigation expansion in SSA, co-organised by the International Water Management I