The case for distributed irrigation as a development priority in sub-Saharan Africa
Jennifer A Burney1, Rosamond L Naylor, Sandra L Postel
1School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093, USA. jburney@ucsd.edu
Summary
Investing in distributed irrigation systems for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa can enhance water productivity, improve nutrition and rural development, and reduce income disparities.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Engineering
- Water Resource Management
- Development Economics
Background:
- Distributed irrigation systems, privately managed at the point of use, contrast with large-scale centralized systems.
- Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces challenges in water resource utilization and rural development.
- Smallholder farmers are key actors in the agricultural landscape of SSA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the potential of distributed smallholder irrigation technologies in sub-Saharan Africa.
- To demonstrate how these systems can improve water productivity and rural livelihoods.
- To explore the role of irrigation in addressing nutritional outcomes and income inequality.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on smallholder farmers and distributed irrigation in SSA.
- Analysis of land and water resource availability across sub-Saharan Africa.
- Economic and developmental impact assessment of irrigation technology investments.
Main Results:
- Distributed irrigation can significantly increase water use efficiency in SSA.
- Investments are linked to improved nutritional outcomes and broader rural development.
- These technologies show potential for narrowing income gaps in the region.
Conclusions:
- Distributed smallholder irrigation is a viable strategy for sustainable development in SSA.
- Targeted investments can unlock greater agricultural potential and improve food security.
- Addressing irrigation access is crucial for equitable economic advancement and hunger reduction.
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