Latest news : Gravity fed small scale drip irrigation
A pilot drip irrigation
project proposal has been prepared to revive drip kits in Matabeleland.
The kits were
distributed with a great flurry of enthusiasm in 2003/4 but training
and back-up by most distributors was often inadequate. We are
convening a meeting at Hlekweni to see what lessons have been
learned and to chart the way forward so that many more households can
get the benefit of the simple technology with proper training and
support.
(More than 20 organisations are expected to attend including ICRISAT
which is undertaking a national research programme into the use of
small scale drip irrigation. LEAD is assisting us and a small amount of
funding is being provided by the German Development Service (DED)).
UPDATE - August 06
A survey on the use of drip kits was carried out in May in wards 13 and 14 of Gwanda (Matabeleland South). 150 respondents were selected at random.
It was disappointing to note that only 4 were using kits all year round, 74 were using them seasonally and 72 were not using them at all.
Five organisations had distributed kits. Those who were using the kits were all Hlekweni trained and supported.
Funds are now being sought to revive the programme and so that the benefits of this simply operated technology are fully appreciated by households and small-scale farmers.
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