Constraints and opportunities for smallholder irrigation development in South Africa: a review

Abstract

Smallholder irrigation is critical in ensuring food security and reducing poverty, yet it has been typically neglected throughout Africa. This study draws on relevant policy, government documents and scholarly literature to investigate the biophysical and socioeconomic constraints and opportunities for smallholder irrigation development in South Africa. South Africa is one of the countries in Africa which is susceptible to climate change, and smallholder farmers are mostly affected by it. Using a coherent review method, the paper highlights restricted access to land, insufficient availability of irrigation water and infrastructure, drought impacts, and agronomic-related parameters as the biophysical constraints restricting smallholder irrigation development. Inadequate implementation of water policy and unfavourable financial systems, as well as technological limitations, worsened by a lack of knowledge and skills in irrigated farming, were some of the socio-economic factors influencing the development of smallholder irrigation. However, despite these limitations, there are opportunities for smallholder irrigation development if agrarian and land tenure reforms are considered, including water rights, innovative agricultural practices, technological advancements, institutional partnerships, and knowledge and skills development. These have implications for the development of smallholder irrigation in South Africa and Africa broadly.