What is it about?
In many parts of the world, farmers rely on irrigation to grow their crops, especially in regions with unpredictable rainfall. However, irrigation systems don’t always work efficiently, and some farmers struggle to get enough water for their fields. One possible solution is to involve farmers more in managing these irrigation systems. This study looks at a small irrigation system in Uganda to see whether farmers who take an active role in managing water use perform better than those who do not. The researchers found that farmers who participated in irrigation management—such as helping to maintain water canals, adjusting water flow based on crop needs, and working together with other farmers—had higher crop yields and made more profit from their farms. The findings suggest that when farmers are more involved in irrigation management, they can improve both their productivity and income. This can be especially important in areas where agriculture is the main source of food and income. Encouraging more farmer participation in irrigation management could help make farming more efficient and support local communities.
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Why is it important?
This study examines how farmers’ participation in irrigation management affects productivity and profitability in Uganda. Using a new Farmers’ Participation Index (FPI), the research shows that active involvement—such as maintaining canals and adjusting water flow—significantly improves yields and income. With climate change and water shortages increasing, these findings are timely, highlighting a low-cost, effective solution for struggling irrigation systems. Unlike large-scale reforms, this study provides practical, data-driven insights for smallholder farmers. Encouraging farmer-led irrigation management could enhance food security, boost incomes, and create more sustainable agricultural practices in developing regions.
Perspectives
As a researcher, I find this study particularly exciting because it provides concrete, data-driven evidence that small, practical changes in irrigation management can have a significant impact on farmers' livelihoods. Too often, large-scale reforms overlook the power of local engagement, but this research highlights how empowering farmers to manage their own water resources leads to measurable improvements in productivity and income. Given the growing challenges of climate change and water scarcity, I believe this work offers timely insights that can shape policies and programs to support more resilient, sustainable, and community-driven agriculture in developing regions.
Professor Imre Fertő
Eotvos Lorand Tudomanyegyetem
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Evaluating the Effect of Farmers’ Participation in Irrigation Management on Farm Productivity and Profitability in the Mubuku Irrigation Scheme, Uganda, Water, November 2019, MDPI AG,
DOI: 10.3390/w11112413.
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