Socio-economic considerations in smallholder irrigation development and experiences in Kenya

Abstract

The paper describes Kenyan experience with smallholder irrigation, and draws from: (i) an evaluation of socio-economic aspects of smallholder irrigation rice schemes in Nyanza Province; (ii) a survey of the role of irrigation in a smallholder farming system in Baringo District; and (iii) a performance-monitoring survey of some smallholder irrigation schemes, also in Baringo District. Policy implications concerning the need for suitable evaluation before intervening in irrigation development are drawn from examination of the various socio-economic factors which may have led to the success or failure of the selected smallholder irrigation schemes in Kenya. These results could form part of the basis for a checklist of socio-economic factors appropriate to the design of sustainable smallholder irrigation schemes in Sub-Saharan Africa.