Smallholder irrigation and poverty reduction in developing countries: a review
Several studies have been conducted on the impacts of smallholder irrigation on food security, agricultural productivity, livelihoods, and poverty. However, little attention has been placed on the nexus between smallholder irrigation and poverty reduction. This study intends to close this gap by...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Other Authors: | |
| Format: | research article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2023
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/5389 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13341 |
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| Summary: | Several studies have been conducted on the impacts of smallholder irrigation on food security,
agricultural productivity, livelihoods, and poverty. However, little attention has been placed on
the nexus between smallholder irrigation and poverty reduction. This study intends to close this
gap by identifying and reviewing contemporary published evidence to examine the nexus be-
tween smallholder irrigation and poverty reduction in developing countries in general and
Zimbabwe in particular. A systematic review of literature was conducted. The AGRICOLA, PubAG
and Google Scholar databases were used to search for relevant literature. A multi-stage screening
process was used to select relevant literature. The literature reviewed included research publi-
cations in peer-reviewed journals, dissertations and reports from world institutions published
between 1994 and 2021. The findings show that there are inconsistencies in terms of the
contribution of smallholder irrigation to household food security, livelihoods, and poverty
reduction. This could be attributed to the methodological and contextual differences. Despite the
inconsistencies, it was noted that investments in smallholder irrigation remain a key strategy to
enhance agricultural productivity, food security, and livelihoods and reduce poverty in rural
communities. Therefore, the study recommends that policies supporting investments in small-
holder irrigation development and rehabilitation should be encouraged in developing countries to
reduce poverty. |
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