Abstract:
There has been an increased interest on small-scale pumped irrigation (SSPI)
in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA), however little is known on the adoption processes
behind this technology. Moreover, the conditions for successful SSPI adoption
remain largely unexplored. This research aims to achieve a deeper
understanding of the present adoption processes to inform future policy. The
thesis was framed around the diffusion of innovations model (Rogers 2003),
using the systematic review methodology and field surveys. Interviews involving
212 farmers and 25 other stakeholders were conducted between 2013 and
2014 within 3 districts in Malawi. The responses were analysed using
descriptive statistics and content analysis.
The systematic review revealed that evidence relating to pump performance in
SSA was limited, lacked standards and confined within particular regions. The
field surveys identified that four different pumped systems have been adopted
by farmers in Malawi; group treadle, individual treadle, group motorized and
individual motorized. Farmers generally prefer individually managed pumps that
are easy to operate and fit in with their existing farming practices. Adoption is
driven either by the attributes of self-motivated farmers or by incentives such as
free or subsidized pumps. While adoption by self-motivated farmers is
consistent with Rogers (2003) model, adoption due to incentives shows
differences.
The research proposes a modification to the Rogers (2003) model and revised definition of success in SSPI adoption, leading to a new framework
showing pathways of success. This framework identifies the routes taken by
farmers who successfully adopt or discontinue using pumps. Incentive farmers
are typically the poorer; these need continued external support to survive the
learning curve. For self-motivated farmers, their higher socio-economic status
supports successful adoption. To ensure sustainability, SSPI promoters need to
offer continued support to incentive farmers and/or reduce barriers to accessing
the pumps for self-motivated farmers.
