1. THE IMPACTS OF IRRIGATION FOR SMALL FARMERS IN MALAWI
Naomi Taylor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Mississippi State University
INTRODUCTION
 80% of Malawians live in rural areas, 80% of exports are agricultural produce and
tobacco is the main export; however, mainly subsistence farming - maize is the main
crop for household consumption
 Malawi only has one rainy season from November to April, when 95% of precipitation
occurs; therefore, single planting season
 Had a severe drought in 2004 that led to a national food security crisis
 April 1, 2008 FAO implemented the Improving Food Security and Nutrition Policy and
Program Outreach Project in the Kasungu and Mzimba Districts to improve food
security, nutrition, and capacity building
IRRIGATION PROJECT OBJECTIVES
 Have multiple cropping seasons by creating irrigation schemas to be utilized during the dry season
 Buffer the impacts of drought
 Solve several problems:
Low crop yields
Low crop diversity
Food insecurity
Insufficient income
Malnutrition
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
 Collect information from beneficiaries regarding the impacts on
overall welfare of the farming families
 Capture the challenges of irrigation implementation faced by FAO, government extension workers, and the
beneficiaries
 Give recommendations on solutions to these challenges
METHODS
 Conducted 4 surveys to evaluate irrigation clubs, non-irrigating
communities, FAO district managers, and government extension
workers
 Collected data from 17 clubs and 5 non-irrigating communities in
Kasungu and Mzimba chosen by FAO
 Focus group discussion approach; collaborative responses
 Survey questions asked clubs for impacts and challenges with
irrigation
Program Implementation
 Project area and beneficiary selection based on land and water availability, soil and
water quality, low standard of living and willingness to participate
 Beneficiary, government extension worker, and lead farmer training
 Provision of irrigation equipment
Crop Diversity: An increase in crop diversity is
evident.
 All irrigating clubs surveyed now have maize
year-round.
 All clubs now have multiple crop harvests.
 Surprisingly low increase (from 0 to 2 clubs) in
cassava cultivation.
Training: 2 irrigation clubs reported receiving no
training on irrigation.
 3 out of 5 clubs trained on pest and disease
management reported a decrease in pests and
disease.
 All clubs desire additional training or refresher
courses.
 FAO provided only 2 clubs with materials for
reference or to continue studying, and only 3
groups stated they took notes during trainings.
Irrigation Equipment: There is a major shortage of
equipment.
 Only 1 out of 17 clubs stated they have
sufficient equipment.
 Of the 13 clubs provided treadle pumps, 8 had
complaints that the delivery pipes are not
durable and spare parts are scarce.
 14 clubs specified they want more chemical
sprayers for their efficiency and safety.
Water Sources: The water sources are not always
reliable.
 Small dams are old and not maintained well.
 Poor, unlined structure of gravity canals allows
erosion and leaching of water.
 7 irrigation clubs said low water holding
capacity of the soil is an issue.
 8 stated water sources dry up before crops
reach full maturity.
 10 have the constraint of the water source
being too distant.
Other Impacts:
 Increased income, food, and nutrition in the
household.
CONCLUDING RECOMMENDATIONS
 Continue the push of cassava cultivation
 Provide training in pest and disease management
 Provide materials to beneficiaries and extension workers for reference
 Encourage note-taking by club members at trainings
 Train on maintaining equipment and establish a better source for spare parts
 Encourage beneficiaries to use improved varieties of seed
 Encourage water conservation practices, such as mulching
 New methods of water collection should be introduced
 FICA-FAO budgeting needs to be improved
KEY RESULTS
Acknowledgments: FAO Internship Program, MSU International Institute, MSU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences