Evaluation of water governance systems for improved operation of selected small-holder irrigation schemes in Nzhelele Area, South Africa

Abstract

Throughout the world, small-holder irrigation schemes are viewed as a key strategy for increasing agricultural productivity, sustaining rural livelihoods, adapting to climate variability and change, and reducing poverty in rural areas. South Africa prioritises the establishment, rehabilitation and revitalization of small-holder irrigation schemes due to their potential in poverty reduction and enhancing food and nutrition security in rural areas. However, many of these irrigation schemes have failed to achieve their intended objectives for increasing agricultural productivity due to a slew of challenges including irrigation water governance. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the existing water governance systems of selected irrigation schemes in Nzhelele area, South Africa. A survey-underpinned by sequential exploratory mixed methods research design was adopted. Twenty-four farmers were purposefully selected to participate in a qualitative study via face-to-face semi-structured interview guide. Correspondently, census sampling method was used to purposefully select 56 famers to collect quantitative data through a 5-point Likert-type scale questionnaire ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (Strongly agree). Qualitative data was analysed using ATLAS.ti version 8.0 software to perform thematic content analysis. The IBM Statistical Package for the Social Science version 26.0 software was used to analyse quantitative data. Descriptive statistics was carried out to provide the general features of the data. The findings of the study showed there were more female farmers than males on the studied schemes. Three quarter of the respondents were married. Moreover, half of the respondents in all the three schemes had acquired secondary education. The study further revealed that there were various water governance institutions within the schemes. These included scheme committee, Water Users Association, Informal water institutions, Department of Water Affairs, Cooperatives, Government Water Schemes, Irrigation Board and the traditional leadership. The results further revealed that farmers in selected irrigation schemes were faced with water governance related challenges which included ineffective irrigation water governance institutions, vandalizing of irrigation water infrastructure, blockage of main canals to disrupt the flow of irrigation water, lack of irrigation water due to unregistered farming, poor agricultural produce and poor adherence to irrigation schedule. In line with this, the study proposed imposing heavy fines, hiring an overseer, registering unregistered farmers, and accountability by those found guilty of vandalising as some of the strategies which can be used to address irrigation water governance challenges in the schemes. In addition, government institutions need to play their roles in irrigation iii schemes. Farmers need to be made aware about rules, roles and responsibilities of government institutions. Furthermore, an understanding of the factors which determine the participation of women in farming should be explored.