In the heart of Southern and Eastern Africa, where smallholder farmers often grapple with water scarcity, a promising shift is underway. The ‘Transforming Irrigation in Southern Africa’ (TISA) project, which ran from 2013 to 2023, has been a beacon of hope, demonstrating how integrating socio-institutional and technological innovations can lead to more resilient agricultural practices.
Henning Bjornlund, from the Fenner School of Environment and Society at The Australian National University, spearheaded this initiative, which introduced innovative approaches in irrigation management across Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. The project aimed to enhance farmers’ adaptive capacity, a crucial factor in the face of climate variability and changing water availability.
One of the standout features of TISA was the establishment of Agricultural Innovation Platforms. These platforms served as participatory forums, engaging farmers and stakeholders alike in a dialogue about irrigation practices and resource management. “When farmers have a seat at the table, they can share their insights and experiences, leading to solutions that are not only practical but also sustainable,” Bjornlund noted.
Moreover, the introduction of soil moisture monitoring tools has empowered farmers to make informed decisions about their irrigation practices. By understanding the water needs of their crops better, farmers have been able to significantly reduce their total water usage—by more than 50% compared to pre-TISA levels. This not only conserves a precious resource but also enhances the profitability of their operations.
The research highlights that sustained change is feasible when governments and policymakers actively listen to the needs of farming communities. Adjustments in institutional arrangements, such as refining water scheduling and modifying scheme constitutions, have fostered a more sustainable approach to irrigated agriculture. Bjornlund emphasizes, “It’s about creating a system where farmers feel supported and are part of the decision-making process.”
As the TISA project transitioned from an intensive research phase to operational management, the positive outcomes persisted. This underscores the importance of allocating adequate time and funding for both development and operational phases in future projects.
The implications of this research extend far beyond the immediate benefits to smallholder farmers. It offers a blueprint for policymakers and agricultural stakeholders looking to bolster food security and improve livelihoods in regions facing similar challenges. By adopting a participatory approach and implementing complementary interventions, the agricultural sector can pave the way for a more resilient future.
Published in ‘Agricultural Water Management,’ this research not only sheds light on the effectiveness of innovative irrigation strategies but also serves as a call to action for the agriculture sector to embrace change. As the landscape of farming continues to evolve, the lessons learned from TISA could very well shape the next generation of sustainable agricultural practices across the globe.