LESSONS FROM THE ECONOMIC HISTORY OF IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT FOR SMALLHOLDER SETTLEMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA / LESSE UIT DIE EKONOMIESE GESKIEDENIS VAN BESPROEIINGSONTWIKKELING VIR KLEINBOERVESTIGING IN SUID-AFRIKA

Abstract

The processes of both irrigation development and policy formulation are influenced by complex interactions and environmental changes. A holistic, systematic description and analysis indicates a gradual shift of emphasis from individual to Cooperative to public irrigation schemes. For all schemes, variable availability of water and quality of soil presented limitations. The adaptation of extensive or intensive farming practices, viable sizes of farming units, and unrealistic expectations reflected in high land prices, created problems. Following a learning process, it is clear that attention to marketing opportunities, managerial ability and access to capital must be stressed. These factors must definitely be incorporated in current reform initiatives for land settlement. In the case of small-scale irrigation farming, priority must be given to improved utilization of existing schemes, preceded by feasibility studies and accompanied by investment in human capital. Entrepreneurial initiative in the market pr...