Diffusion of small-scale pumped irrigation technologies and their association with farmer-led irrigation development in Malawi

Abstract

Adoption of small-scale pumped irrigation technologies were evaluated using field surveys in Malawi.Four pumped systems were identified, distinguished by ownership (group vs individual) and technology (treadle vs motorized). Farmer access to pumps was either through organizational support (incentivised) or privately (self-motivated) with progression depending on the mode of access and farmers attributes.Self-motivated farmers had better socio-economic status and access to knowledge supporting the pumps' continued-use. Conversely, incentives drive the uptake of other pumps and the provision of continued external support reinforced their continued-use. Farmers need to be supported beyond affordability by safeguarding the availability and maintenance of pumps.

Does External Shock Influence Farmer’s Adoption of Modern Irrigation Technology?—A Case of Gansu Province, China

“…From model (1) (RS→TA), it can be seen that the external shock has a significant negative impact on the modern irrigation technology adoption by farmers, and the regression coefficient is −0.0762, which indicates that the external shock will inhibit the modern irrigation technology adoption by farmers. The results are parallel with Koundouri et al [66] and Alcon et al [5]. So, based on this assumption, hypothesis one (H1) is verified.…”

“…At the beginning of introducing agricultural technology, its characteristics are not "transparent" to all users [64,65]. Farmers exchange and learn from many adopters in the informal risk-taking network, gradually revise their evaluation of new technology, effectively reduce the uncertainty of potential benefits, and speed up the process of technology adoption [44,66]. Narayan and Pritchett [67] found that informal risk-taking networks based on clan networks and village trust can reduce transaction costs and disperse external impact on farmers, thus promoting the extension of agricultural technology and the transmission of technical information.…”

Addressing Challenges in Delivering Sustainable Rural Water Provision Using Solar Water Pumping in Malawi: A Stakeholder Analysis

“…Motorised pumps were introduced by the government and distributed freely to smallholder farmers. However, most of these became non-functional due to farmers' inability to meet fuel and maintenance costs [7,9].…”

“…Motorised pumps were introduced by the government and distributed freely to smallholder farmers. However, most of these became non-functional due to farmers' inability to meet fuel and maintenance costs [7,9]. With limited grid electricity connections in most rural areas [10,11], and the disadvantages associated with fuel systems, renewable energy technologies (RETs) can provide a viable option for solar water pumps (SWP).…”