Modern Irrigation Technologies
For smallholders in Developing Countries
This output presents experiences from a number of countries where modern irrigation technologies have been used on small-scale developments. The circumstances in which the technologies were introduced are identified, and the relative success or otherwise of the initiatives are summarised. The report identifies seven pre-conditions that must be satisfied before smallholders in developing countries are likely to adopt modern irrigation technologies. It also reviews the range of irrigation hardware that is available and indicates the types of equipment that are most likely to meet the needs of the smallholder sector in the developing world.
Background
"Modern Irrigation Technology" is taken to mean any system involving pressurised distribution of water by pipeline at the farm or field level. It embraces large-scale irrigation machines such as centre pivots and linear move systems; drag-hose sprinkler systems; drip & mini-sprinkler systems and simple piped distribution networks. Many of these technologies were developed to meet the needs of large, commercial agricultural enterprises with the key objectives of reducing labour demand and operating costs. While these objectives may be shared to some degree by smallholders in developing countries there is a danger of mis-matching hardware, developed for one set physical and socio-economic conditions, with the circumstances in an entirely different environment, if technologies are promoted without careful evaluation of need.

The report
The report outlines the potential role of modern irrigation methods against the background of increasing water scarcity and continuing food shortages, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. While it acknowledges the potential technical benefits derived from modern technologies it cautions against any approach that fails to take account of the economic, social and institutional constraints faced by many smallholders.

The range of modern irrigation technologies are reviewed and classified and the technical characteristics making them more or less suited for use by smallholder irrigators are set out in detail.

  The report then reviews the experiences of smallholders with modern irrigation technologies in a range of economic and ago-ecological conditions and summarises the conditions faced by smallholders that determine their willingness to adopt and maintain modern irrigation technologies.

A series of conclusions are set out regarding the types of equipment that are likely to be appropriate and the wider economic, social and policy issues that must be addressed before smallholders are likely to exploit the potential benefits of modern technologies.

An extensive bibliography on the theme of modern irrigation methods and their adoption by smallholder farmers is provided at the end of the report.

Contributors
HR Wallingford Ltd, UK

Intended users
The output is aimed at technical advisors employed by donors and implementing agencies, responsible for policy formulation, planning and development of smallholder irrigation.

It will also be of value to those engaged in the training of irrigation engineers and extension agents.

Cornish, G. 1998. Modern Irrigation Technologies for Smallholders in Developing Countries. ITDG Publishing, London. ISBN 1 85339 457 2.

For a hard copy of the report contact:
ITDG publishing, 103/105 Southampton Row, London, WC1B 4HL, UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 7436 9761, Fax: +44 (0)20 7436 2013, Website: http://www.itdgpublishing.org.uk/