Testing scenarios on the viability of smallholding irrigation schemes in South Africa : A participatory and information-based approach

Perret Sylvain. 2002. Testing scenarios on the viability of smallholding irrigation schemes in South Africa : A participatory and information-based approach. In : International Farming Systems Association, 17th Symposium, November 17 - 20, 2002, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA. IFSA, University of Florida. Belle Glade : University of Florida (USA), 9 p. Symposium of the International Farming Systems Association (IFSA). 17, Buena Vista, États-Unis, 17 Novembre 2002/20 Novembre 2002.

Communication sans actes

Prévisualisation

Version publiée - Anglais
Utilisation soumise à autorisation de l'auteur ou du Cirad.
document_512382.pdf
Télécharger (30kB) | Prévisualisation

Résumé : Government smallholder irrigation schemes were developed in former homeland areas of South Africa during the apartheid era. Although experiencing serious financial, technical, and institutional problems, most of them are now earmarked for rehabilitation and transfer to water users' associations. Transfer operators find it difficult to evaluate the potential for viability, then to organise the transfer accordingly. The paper refers to a multi-disciplinary, action-research approach that has been proposed to address such issues. It has been implemented in a case study scheme of the Northern Province in 2001. A simulation tool has been developed. Its main features involves simulations and scenario-testing on the costs incurred by scheme management, the possible contributions by farmers to cover these costs, the possible charging system to be set up, and finally the impact of certain measures or decisions, or certain farmers' strategies on the financial viability of the scheme. The paper mainly presents and discusses some principles of the approach, especially the need for a sustained and multi-disciplinary partnership during scenario development and discussion, including farmers and transfer operators. Such an approach shows huge potential for information and decision-making support towards transfer operators, for training, and for farmers' participation.

Mots-clés Agrovoc : programme d'irrigation, petite exploitation agricole, groupe d'intérêt, utilisation de l'eau, gestion des eaux, prise de décision, modèle

Mots-clés géographiques Agrovoc : Afrique du Sud

Mots-clés complémentaires : Recherche-action, Participation des populations, Association d'usagers de l'eau

Classification Agris : F06 - Irrigation
U10 - Informatique, mathématiques et statistiques

Auteurs et affiliations