Rapid rural appraisal of small irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe

Abstract

An attempt was made by the authors to apply some of the principles of Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) during visits to small irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe aimed at identifying each scheme's rehabilitation requirements. Thirty-two schemes were visited between late 1984 and early 1986, during two phases of the study. The RRA techniques that were adopted are presented, and the way in which each one was applied is discussed. The authors conclude that RRA was an appropriate methodology for the appraisal, given that the schemes were small, the total sum that could be justifiably spent on their rehabilitation was limited, and the time that could cost-effectively be spent on appraisal was also therefore very limited. The most valuable RRA techniques were judged to be self-imposed discipline, the use of checklists, careful organisation and the use of existing information before visiting the schemes.