Gender-based analysis of agricultural water security in Luvhada Community, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Women and men use water differently. A significant number of rural women and men rely on natural water resources for farming in irrigated schemes, as a key and common economic activity. Women undertake farming either together with men or alone (for example, when widowed or when the men migrate to look for greener pastures elsewhere). This suggests that more rural women are involved in farming than men and assumes a potential gender variations in water use and agricultural activities practiced by women, hence, differences in the impact on water security. Luvhada, the location for this study is between the Nzhelele River and Mphephu Resort; the Lulumba fountains are perennial and the main source of agricultural water for the irrigation scheme. The scheme comprises approximately of 79 associates, and the main crops grown include maize, beans, sweet potatoes and groundnuts. This study aimed to explore gender-based aspects of agricultural activities on water security in Luvhada. Data was collected from a sample size of 60 small-scale farmers in the Luvhada area and a telephone survey was used to collect data. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected simultaneously guided by the convergent research design together with closed and opened-ended questionnaires. Exploratory data were analysed thematically using Atlas Ti version 4.8.1 while quantitative data were descriptively analysed using SPSS Version 26. The results of the study indicated that female farmers own smaller pieces of land compared to their male counterparts, a fact that might influence their productivity. Also, a lack of equipment to pump water and to canals at the scheme pose a huge problem for accessing and delivery of water to the users. Farmers were also cultivating other crops for both marketing and household consumption and that the quantity of water supply is not matched by the time pattern of crop needs. Majority of the farmers revealed that the area experiences months without access to water; findings also shed light on gender-specific farming practices and water usage ways for rural farmers relying on irrigation. The results should be useful in devising and intervention strategies to address the challenge of agricultural water insecurity in the area. Improved irrigation systems and intensification techniques could drastically increase women farmers' productivity and the overall benefits of agricultural production in Luvhada.