2- Irrigation In Africa: Intensive freshwater use or small-scale irrigation?

Irrigation current situation of Africa

In this blog, I will delve into the pivotal role of irrigation in bolstering food security across the African continent. Building upon the former discussion regarding the criticality of water resources and food safety, our focus will shift towards the strategies employed in the provision and administration of water. It is imperative to acknowledge the spatiotemporal variability of freshwater resources among various African regions and nations. Accordingly, this blog will present an examination of the current irrigation practices deployed for food production in Africa, taking into consideration regional and seasonal variances. Such an exploration is essential for understanding the complexities and nuances of water resource management in the context of African agriculture.

In Africa, a surprising fact stands out: only about 4% of the land is under irrigation. Now, some might argue that this figure doesn't fully capture the reality, but it does give us a glimpse into a significant issue – the underutilization and, perhaps, the less advanced methods of water resource management on the continent. Digging deeper, especially in the sub-Saharan region, we find that the majority of farms rely heavily on rainwater for their irrigation needs. This reliance becomes even more critical when you consider the economic backdrop. In sub-saharh countries, small-scale farmers usually accounts for over a half of their economics(FAO 2001). This challenging situation underscores the need for more efficient water management solutions in these regions.

Fluctuating annual rainfall patterns pose a significant risk to local agriculture in Africa, particularly during periods of drought. These droughts, far from being rare, have had devastating effects, as evidenced between 2020 and 2023 in Eastern Africa, where countries like Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia experienced severe droughts. The United Nations reports that this drought impacted the daily lives of 36 million people, with 20.6 million facing acute food insecurity.

Small-scale irrigation in Africa.
small-scale irrigation are usually carried out by indivirual farmer

How small-scale irrigation becomes a better solution?

This rainfall-depending scenario prompts an evaluation of innovative irrigation methods to address these food production challenges. The key is to increase the proportion of irrigated land, thereby reducing reliance on rainwater. Artificially irrigated land can provide greater food certainty. Comparing intensive freshwater use, small-scale irrigation are more effective for contributing to food security. The method is to improve existing irrigation methods, such as changing water sources to rainwater harvesting (It is proved that the method of rainwater harvesting can provide a stable water source during dry season) or sub-surface dam. Small-scale irrigation. is not only simple but also effective, enabling the rapid expansion of irrigation practices across more areas.

Recent studies indicate a growing consensus on the ineffiency of large-scale irrigation. Research conducted by the University of Manchester reveals a notable disparity in the outcomes of large-scale irrigation projects over the past five decades, with only 16% of the targeted area actually benefiting from such initiatives. More articles are saying these large schmes neither fit for their intended purpose nor successful in implementation. Various factors contribute to these limitations, including the high costs of implementation, scarcity of water resources, and a deficit in requisite expertise. In contrast, those area with small-scale irrigation were found with a lower rate of malnutrition, since their food are more secured. 

Further analysis by scholars at the FAO highlights specific challenges in countries like Kenya, where there is a noticeable reluctance among farmers to engage in collective water pump usage for irrigation purposes. This hesitancy underscores a crucial aspect of agricultural practices in sub-Saharan Africa: the predominance of smallholder farmers. The findings suggest that large-scale irrigation schemes may not be the most viable solution in regions characterized by small-scale farming, since they often requiring significant capital and cooperative management. We are going to conclude this blog by E.F. Schumacher's sentence- 'Small is beautiful.'