THE IMPACTS OF IRRIGATION FOR SMALL FARMERS IN MALAWI Naomi Taylor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Mississippi State University

INTRODUCTION 80% of Malawians live in rural areas, 80% of exports are agricultural produce and

tobacco is the main export; however, mainly subsistence farming - maize is the main crop for household consumption

Malawi only has one rainy season from November to April, when 95% of precipitation occurs; therefore, single planting season

Had a severe drought in 2004 that led to a national food security crisis April 1, 2008 FAO implemented the Improving Food Security and Nutrition Policy and

Program Outreach Project in the Kasungu and Mzimba Districts to improve food security, nutrition, and capacity building

IRRIGATION PROJECT OBJECTIVES Have multiple cropping seasons by creating irrigation schemas to be utilized during the dry season Buffer the impacts of drought Solve several problems: Low crop yields Low crop diversity Food insecurity Insufficient income Malnutrition

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Collect information from beneficiaries regarding the impacts on

overall welfare of the farming families Capture the challenges of irrigation implementation faced by FAO, government extension workers, and the

beneficiaries Give recommendations on solutions to these challenges

METHODS Conducted 4 surveys to evaluate irrigation clubs, non-irrigating

communities, FAO district managers, and government extension workers

Collected data from 17 clubs and 5 non-irrigating communities in Kasungu and Mzimba chosen by FAO

Focus group discussion approach; collaborative responses Survey questions asked clubs for impacts and challenges with

irrigation

Program Implementation Project area and beneficiary selection based on land and water availability, soil and

water quality, low standard of living and willingness to participate

Beneficiary, government extension worker, and lead farmer training

Provision of irrigation equipment

Crop Diversity: An increase in crop diversity is evident. All irrigating clubs surveyed now have maize

year-round. All clubs now have multiple crop harvests. Surprisingly low increase (from 0 to 2 clubs) in

cassava cultivation. Training: 2 irrigation clubs reported receiving no training on irrigation. 3 out of 5 clubs trained on pest and disease

management reported a decrease in pests and disease.

All clubs desire additional training or refresher courses.

FAO provided only 2 clubs with materials for reference or to continue studying, and only 3 groups stated they took notes during trainings.

Irrigation Equipment: There is a major shortage of equipment. Only 1 out of 17 clubs stated they have

sufficient equipment. Of the 13 clubs provided treadle pumps, 8 had

complaints that the delivery pipes are not durable and spare parts are scarce.

14 clubs specified they want more chemical sprayers for their efficiency and safety.

Water Sources: The water sources are not always reliable. Small dams are old and not maintained well. Poor, unlined structure of gravity canals allows

erosion and leaching of water. 7 irrigation clubs said low water holding

capacity of the soil is an issue. 8 stated water sources dry up before crops

reach full maturity. 10 have the constraint of the water source

being too distant. Other Impacts: Increased income, food, and nutrition in the

household.

CONCLUDING RECOMMENDATIONS Continue the push of cassava cultivation Provide training in pest and disease management Provide materials to beneficiaries and extension workers for reference Encourage note-taking by club members at trainings Train on maintaining equipment and establish a better source for spare parts Encourage beneficiaries to use improved varieties of seed Encourage water conservation practices, such as mulching New methods of water collection should be introduced FICA-FAO budgeting needs to be improved

KEY RESULTS

Acknowledgments: FAO Internship Program, MSU International Institute, MSU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences