The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) highlights the significant, yet underexploited, potential of irrigation to transform agriculture across Africa. Currently, irrigation, which could increase agricultural productivity by 50%, is minimally utilized, with the continent's agriculture primarily dependent on rainfall. FAO's data reveals that only 6% of Africa's cultivated land is irrigated, a stark contrast to the global average where irrigated land contributes to nearly 40% of agricultural production. This underutilization is attributed to inadequate water management infrastructure.
In Zimbabwe, the government's commitment to irrigation as a means to bolster agricultural resilience against climate change is evident. Through the Agricultural and Food Systems Transformation Strategy, Zimbabwe aims to expand its irrigated land to 350,000 hectares by 2025, seeking private sector partnerships due to the capital-intensive nature of irrigation development. The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) plays a crucial role in this initiative, emphasizing the importance of constructing water reservoirs for sustainable irrigation. Success stories, such as the Zvavachari Irrigation Scheme, underscore irrigation's potential to drive rural development and industrialization.
FAO advocates for a regional approach to water resource management, urging African countries to assess their irrigation potential for sustainable food production planning. This strategy requires collaboration within and among countries to ensure equitable water use.
Source: theexchange.africa