Women in irrigation
Case studies of schemes in the Gambia, Kenya and South Africa
There is little information available that describes separately the activities of men and women on smallholder irrigation schemes in Africa. Many of the views that are expressed about women in irrigation are based on small and intensive studies of a sociological nature where the focus is on the economic status of women. The report presents a series of broader, investigative tools developed to identify gender roles in irrigation and describes their findings in twelve case studies in The Gambia, Kenya and South Africa.
Background
Women provide the majority of the human effort, which underpins the production of irrigated agriculture in much of sub-Saharan Africa. The Women in Irrigation study aimed to collate information about the role of women in existing schemes, so that measures could be taken to assist them in improving performance.

The book
Case studies from the Gambia, Kenya and South Africa were conducted to determine the role of women in irrigated farming. Opinions from men and women farmers were obtained from twelve sites, chosen to represent smallholder irrigation typical of the region. Three of the twelve schemes were women only developments and a further two had adopted policies to favour women. The other seven schemes lacked any specific gender policy. Although all schemes are smallholder schemes, a variety of irrigation methods were employed, different institutional arrangements are represented and a wide range of cropping systems included.

What it covers
The report presents the investigative tools developed and describes the findings in twelve case studies. The case study findings are presented on a country basis to provide data for use in those countries. Where possible, the field information gathered has been augmented with existing information. Further, background information can be found in the Appendices.

  The results are presented in an easy to follow manner with the aid of tables that give a summary of important data. Each country section ends with a discussion of the findings and a series of key conclusions.

Contributors
HR Wallingford Ltd, UK; Ministry of Agriculture, Gambia. Irrigation and Drainage Branch, Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya.

Intended users
The report describes a research methodology and findings relating to gender roles in irrigation. It will therefore be of value to researchers, designers, field staff in government agencies, NGOs or private consultants involved in system design and rehabilitation. The conclusions describe the benefits and dangers associated with different pro-women policies.

Chancellor, F, 1996. Women in Irrigation: Case studies of Schemes in the Gambia, Kenya and South Africa. HR Wallingford, UK. Report no OD/TN 82.


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