Kamwamba-Mtethiwa, JeanWeatherhead, E. K.Knox, Jerry W.2017-03-062017-03-062016-03-16Jean Kamwamba-Mtethiwa, Keith Weatherhead and Jerry Knox. Assessing performance of small-scale pumped irrigation systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from a systematic review. Volume 65, Issue 3, July 2016, pp308–3181531-0353http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ird.1950http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/11570Small-scale irrigation (SSI) has significant potential to increase crop productivity in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). Pumped irrigation systems are one of the technologies increasingly being used by smallholder farmers. The aim of this study was to systematically review evidence on the performance of SSI pumped systems, including motorized, treadle, rope and washer, solar and wind pumps. The study revealed a lack of standardization and use of a wide range of indicators to assess performance. Most evidence related to motorized pumps, these studies confirmed mixed levels of performance; studies relating to other types of pumped system mostly reported a positive impact, although the method of assessment used was critical. Studies reporting positive impacts tended to be those that used socio-economic based factors such as yield and profitability, whereas studies reporting mixed performance tended to be those that relied more on technically based indicators such as pumping and irrigation system efficiency. The analysis highlights the sensitivity of interpreting findings from different studies, and how caution should be exercised when comparing performance within and between different types of irrigation system. The implications for supporting policy development and identifying future research gaps are discussed.enAttribution-Non-Commercial 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC 3.0) You are free to: Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format, Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material. The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms. Under the following terms: Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. Information: Non-Commercial — You may not use the material for commercial purposes. No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.Small pumpsimpacttechnologyagricultureperformance factorsArticle