LESSONS FROM THE ECONOMIC HISTORY OF IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT FOR SMALLHOLDER SETTLEMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA

Gerhard Backeberg and Jan A. Groenewald

Agrekon, 1995, vol. 34, issue 4

Abstract: The processes of both irrigation development and policy fonnulation are influenced by complex interactions and environmental changes. A holistic, systematic description and analysis indicates a gradual shift of emphasis from individual to co-operative to public irrigation schemes. For all schemes, variable availability of water and quality of soil presented limitations. The adaptation of extensive or intensive farming practices, viable saes of fanning units, and unrealistic expectations reflected in high land prices, created problems. Following a learning process, it is clear that attention to marketing opportunities, managerial ability and access to capital must be stressed. These factors must definitely be incorporated in current refonn initiatives for land settlement In the case of small-scale irrigation farming, priority must be given to improved utilization of existing schemes, preceded by feasibility studies and accompanied by investment in human capital. Entrepreneurial initiative in the market process must therefore be supported and facilitated by government authorities.

Keywords: Agricultural and Food Policy; Environmental Economics and Policy; Resource/Energy Economics and Policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1995
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:agreko:267835

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.267835

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