Irrigation Water and Security in South African Smallholder Farming: Assessing Strategies for Revitalization

Variety Nkateko Thabane (), Isaac Azikiwe Agholor, Ndomelele Ndiko Ludidi, Mishal Trevor Morepje, Lethu Inneth Mgwenya, Nomzamo Sharon Msweli and Moses Zakhele Sithole
Additional contact information
Variety Nkateko Thabane: School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa
Isaac Azikiwe Agholor: School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa
Ndomelele Ndiko Ludidi: School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa
Mishal Trevor Morepje: School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa
Lethu Inneth Mgwenya: School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa
Nomzamo Sharon Msweli: School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa
Moses Zakhele Sithole: School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa

World, 2025, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: The precipitation pattern in South Africa is unpredictable and irregularly distributed across the nine provinces. Water resources support agriculture, mining activities, and other social and economic activities in the country. Nevertheless, South Africa is a water-scarce country prompting the urgent need for revitalization to increase water availability. There are major issues with irrigation water security in South Africa’s agriculture sector. Water scarcity, exacerbated by population growth, climate change, and wasteful use, threatens smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. Smallholder farmers encounter difficulties obtaining water despite initiatives to enhance water management, such as poor infrastructure, a lack of funding, and exclusion from choices about water management. This study examines the current water security challenges faced by smallholder farmers in ensuring water security in South Africa. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative networks, inclusive water governance, and innovative irrigation technologies. The study highlights the need for programs and policies that promote cutting-edge irrigation technologies and support smallholder farmers’ participation in water management decisions. Effective solutions require a coordinated approach, involving government, NGOs, and the private sector. Addressing these challenges can improve water security, promote sustainable agricultural development, and enhance food security nationwide effectively and efficiently. Additionally, the study suggests that context-specific solutions be developed, considering the requirements and difficulties smallholder farmers face. This entails funding irrigation infrastructure, assisting and training farmers, and advancing water-saving innovations.

Keywords: climate adaptation; water management; smallholder farmers; water security; collaborative networks; innovative irrigation technologies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: G15 G17 G18 L21 L22 L25 L26 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 R51 R52 R58 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4060/6/1/32/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4060/6/1/32/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jworld:v:6:y:2025:i:1:p:32-:d:1603339

Access Statistics for this article

World is currently edited by Ms. Cassie Hu

More articles in World from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().