What is the irrigation potential for Africa? A combined biophysical and socioeconomic approach

Abstract

, the Discussion Paper series within each division and the Director General's Office of IFPRI were merged into one IFPRI-wide Discussion Paper series. The new series begins with number 00689, reflecting the prior publication of 688 discussion papers within the dispersed series. The earlier series are available on IFPRI's website at http://www.ifpri.org/publications/results/taxonomy%3A468. 2 IFPRI Discussion Papers contain preliminary material and research results. They have been peer reviewed, but have not been subject to a formal external review via IFPRI's Publications Review Committee. They are circulated in order to stimulate discussion and critical comment; any opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of IFPRI.

Exploring ways to increase public investments in agricultural water management and irrigation for improved agricultural productivity in Southern Africa

“…The contribution of investments in irrigation adapted to changing socio-economic and environmental conditions is expected to remain critical for future food production across the world (Magistro et al, 2007;Turral et al, 2010;World Bank, 2007;You et al, 2011). You et al (2011 found significant profitable irrigation potential for small-scale and large-scale systems in Africa.…”

“…This means that more efforts are required to ensure investments in irrigation are aligned with developmental priorities/goals/policies of the countries (Turral et al, 2010), including ensuring that changes in water scarcity and quality are integrated in the planning and implementation of irrigation investments. In addition, there is a need for improved knowledge of niche areas that have greatest potential for irrigation, as part of efforts to expand the area under irrigation in Africa (You et al, 2011).…”

“…Furthermore, irrigation remains one of the many deficient productivity-improving capital investments and technological inputs in Africa, together with fertilisers, improved seed delivery systems, post-harvest processing facilities, and access to markets (Svendsen et al, 2009;You et al, 2011). Therefore, public investments in irrigation in Southern Africa would require complementary investments in productivityenhancing factors such as use of fertilisers, and hybrid seeds.…”

“…However, despite its potential to improve productivity (You et al, 2011) and a number of initiatives indicated above, irrigation does not currently play a significant role in Southern…”

Global Experiences on Wastewater Irrigation: Challenges and Prospects

“…To decrease hunger the outputs in agriculture will need to increase, and thus the water use. The data has been calculated for developing countries with minimum set of calories (Stockholm Environment Institute 2005 ) Furthermore, developed irrigation potential is more than 100 % -Algeria (112 %), Barbados (152 %), Cyprus (109 %), Libya (175 %), and Malta (160 %) and it may apply for other countries in the future based on considerable growth of this index in recent years (FAO 2013 ;You et al 2011 ). Therefore, compared to the decrease in agricultural water withdrawal (Fig.…”