MSCAEC / Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness

This study provides an overview of the impact of small scale irrigation on food security using the case study of Inkosikazi irrigation scheme in the Bubi District of Zimbabwe. The study discovers a set of political, economical, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors that are holding the district under food insecurity. The communities have been relying on food aid from international NGOs like World Vision, the Catholic Relief Services and Care International. This dependence has further crippled them into more vulnerability and poverty as their productive capabilities cannot be explored. The communities of Wards 4 and 5 established the Inkosikazi irrigation scheme with the assistance of World Vision with the sole objective of improving their nutritional status. Even though the project took six years to complete, it would also cater for improved income levels of the communities. This study assesses the impact of the Inkosikazi irrigation scheme using the activities of 240 irrigation farmers on landholding plots of 0.25ha each. No doubt the establishment of the irrigation scheme has contributed to new life improvement perspectives for a community that was once perceived as vulnerable, poor, fragile, exposed and incapacitated. The project stands out as one of the lasting initiatives to reduce the food trap in the district and indicates similar initiatives can be applied for other communities in Zimbabwe in general for the same reasons. / Development Studies / M.A. (Development Studies)

This study provides an overview of the impact of small scale irrigation on food security using the case study of Inkosikazi irrigation scheme in the Bubi District of Zimbabwe. The study discovers a set of political, economical, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors that are holding the district under food insecurity. The communities have been relying on food aid from international NGOs like World Vision, the Catholic Relief Services and Care International. This dependence has further crippled them into more vulnerability and poverty as their productive capabilities cannot be explored. The communities of Wards 4 and 5 established the Inkosikazi irrigation scheme with the assistance of World Vision with the sole objective of improving their nutritional status. Even though the project took six years to complete, it would also cater for improved income levels of the communities. This study assesses the impact of the Inkosikazi irrigation scheme using the activities of 240 irrigation farmers on landholding plots of 0.25ha each. No doubt the establishment of the irrigation scheme has contributed to new life improvement perspectives for a community that was once perceived as vulnerable, poor, fragile, exposed and incapacitated. The project stands out as one of the lasting initiatives to reduce the food trap in the district and indicates similar initiatives can be applied for other communities in Zimbabwe in general for the same reasons. / Development Studies / M. A. (Development Studies)

M.Sc.(Geography) / This study aimed at examining the social and economic impact of rural irrigation schemes with a particular focus on the Lower Gweru Irrigation scheme. The general objective of this study was to assess if rural irrigation schemes can act as livelihood security assets in transforming rural livelihoods, reduce poverty and attain food security in light of climate change. Results are based on findings from self-administered questionnaires directed at farmers and irrigation stakeholders, and face to face interviews involving farmers and stakeholders. Using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Microsoft excel and Health 24 web BMI calculator it was concluded that; Lower Gweru schemes, is a source of livelihood security securing food security, reduce poverty and creates rural employment. Regardless of various challenges faced by rural irrigation farmers, irrigations act as poverty and climate change buffers, providing an opportunity for communities to raise their Human Development Index and attain sustainable development. / Department of Geography

This study aimed at examining the social and economic impact of rural irrigation schemes with a particular focus on the Lower Gweru Irrigation scheme. The general objective of this study was to assess if rural irrigation schemes can act as livelihood security assets in transforming rural livelihoods, reduce poverty and attain food security in light of climate change. Results are based on findings from self-administered questionnaires directed at farmers and irrigation stakeholders, and face to face interviews involving farmers and stakeholders. Using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Microsoft excel and Health 24 web BMI calculator it was concluded that; Lower Gweru schemes, is a source of livelihood security securing food security, reduce poverty and creates rural employment. Regardless of various challenges faced by rural irrigation farmers, irrigations act as poverty and climate change buffers, providing an opportunity for communities to raise their Human Development Index and attain sustainable development. / Geography / M.Sc.(Geography)