Exploring the factors causing the poor performance of most irrigation schemes in post-independence sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This article explores the factors causing the current poor performance
\nof most government irrigation schemes in sub-Saharan
\nAfrica. The literature review finds that the poor performance is not
\nprimarily caused by socioeconomic and biophysical conditions
\ninherent to sub-Saharan Africa. African farmers have adapted to
\ndiverse biophysical conditions and expanded or contracted their
\narea under agricultural water management in response to market
\nsignals. Rather, this poor performance is predominantly linked to
\nthe production systems introduced during colonialism and developments
\nsince independence, such as agricultural policies restraining
\nrural economic development, unsuitable irrigation technologies
\nand agricultural practices, and international lending practices and
\ntrade arrangements.