SMALLHOLDER IRRIGATION REVITALISATION PROGRAMME

RAPID APPRAISAL REPORT

CHIKWARAKWARA IRRIGATION SCHEME

October 2017
List of Acronyms

SIRP Smallholder Irrigation Revitalisation Programme

ZINWA Zimbabwe National Water Authority
Agritex Agricultural Technical and Extension Services
DoI Department of Irrigation
IMC Irrigation Management Committee
NGO Non-Governmental Organisation
FGD Focus Group Discussion
GPS Global Position Systems
GAP Good Agricultural Practices
O&M Operations and Maintenance
CA Conservation Agriculture
DDF District Development Fund
PSIP Public Sector Investment Project
FFS Farmer Field School
RBZ Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
GMB Grain Marketing Board
Table of Contents
List of Acronyms ........................................................................................................................ 2
1.0 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Objectives of the Rapid Appraisal ............................................................................... 5
2.0 Methodology ................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Sampling Procedure ..................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Survey Implementation................................................................................................ 7
3.0 Background Information ................................................................................................. 7
4.0 Agriculture Production and Productivity ........................................................................ 9
4.1 Crop Production ........................................................................................................... 9
4.2 Livestock Production ................................................................................................. 10
4.3 Good Agricultural Practices ...................................................................................... 11
4.4 CA.............................................................................................................................. 11
4.5 Post-Harvest Management. ........................................................................................ 11
4.6 Training and Capacity Development Gaps ................................................................ 12
5.0 Agricultural Marketing .................................................................................................. 12
5.1 Output Markets .......................................................................................................... 12
5.2 Inputs Market ............................................................................................................. 13
5.3 Value Addition .......................................................................................................... 14
6.0 Access to Agricultural Finance ..................................................................................... 14
7.0 Water Issues .................................................................................................................. 14
7.1 Water Sources and Distribution ................................................................................. 14
7.2 Water Management.................................................................................................... 15
8.0 Irrigation Infrastructure ................................................................................................. 15
8.1 Headworks ................................................................................................................. 15
8.2 Water Conveyance ..................................................................................................... 18
8.3 Infield Distribution .................................................................................................... 19
8.4 Scheme Fence ............................................................................................................ 19
8.5 Scheme Infield Roads ................................................................................................ 20
8.6 Key Infrastructure Interventions ................................................................................ 20
9.0 Scheme Operations, Maintenance and Management .................................................... 20
9.1 Scheme Management ................................................................................................. 20
9.2 Scheme Operation and Maintenance ......................................................................... 21
10.0 Gender Dynamics .......................................................................................................... 22
11.0 Natural Resources Management, Environment and Health .......................................... 23
11.1 Environmental challenges ...................................................................................... 23
11.2 Health Issues .......................................................................................................... 24
11.3 Soil and water conservation ................................................................................... 24
11.4 Water Harvesting ................................................................................................... 24
11.5 Micro-catchment protection plans ........................................................................ 24
12.0 Institutional Support ...................................................................................................... 24
12.1 Extension/ Advisory Services ................................................................................ 24
12.2 Mechanisation ........................................................................................................ 24
12.3 Other Developmental Projects ............................................................................... 25
13.0 Key Findings and Recommendations ............................................................................ 26
13.1 Summary of Findings ............................................................................................. 26
13.2 Key Recommendations .......................................................................................... 27
Annex 1: Chikwarakwara Irrigation Scheme Constitution ...................................................... 30
List of Tables

Table 2.1: Methods Used for Data Collection............................................................................ 6

Table 4.1: Major Crops grown in the Scheme ........................................................................... 9
Table 4.2: Average Area Committed to Different Crops under Irrigation and Rainfed
Conditions. ................................................................................................................................. 9
Table 4.3: Potential Crops for Introducing in Irrigation and Dry land Farming Systems ........ 10
Table 4.4: Livestock Species, Uses and Average Numbers per Household ............................ 11
Table 5.1: Types of Crops and Marketing Arrangements at Chikwarakwara .......................... 12
Table 9.1: Institutions and their Roles in O & M .................................................................... 21
Table 9.2: Contributions towards O &M expenses .................................................................. 22
Table 10.1: Gender disaggregated tasks in the irrigation scheme ............................................ 22
Table 10.2: Gender Distribution in the IMC and its Sub-Committees..................................... 23

List of Figures

Figure 1: Chikwarakwara Smallholder Irrigation Scheme Layout ............................................ 8

Figure 2: Traditional granary at Mr Ndou’s homestead ........................................................... 12
Figure 3: Layout of Infrastructure at Chikwarakwara Irrigation Scheme ................................ 15
Figure 4: Sand Abstraction System at Chikwarakwara ............................................................ 16
Figure 5: Chikwarakwara Boreholes Sites ............................................................................... 17
Figure 6: Site and infrastructure left at Borehole 1 .................................................................. 17
Figure 7: Newly drilled Borehole under PSIP ........................................................................ 18
Figure 8: Scheme Conveyance System .................................................................................... 19
Figure 9: Infield Distribution Canal ......................................................................................... 19
Figure 10: Machinery and Equipment supplied under the More Food for Africa Programme 25
1.0 Introduction

This report details key findings of the rapid appraisal exercise conducted for Chikwarakwara
Irrigation scheme in Beitbridge district. Chikwarakwara irrigation scheme is one of the “Low
Hanging Fruit” irrigation schemes identified for rehabilitation in the initial phase of the
Smallholder Irrigation Revitalisation Programme (SIRP). Other “Low Hanging Fruit” schemes
identified for rehabilitation during this phase are Sebasa (Gwanda), Musikavanhu (Chipinge),
Exchange (Kwekwe), and Rupangwana (Chiredzi)

SIRP plans to revitalise approximately 125 smallholder irrigation schemes (6,100 ha) in the
provinces of Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland South and Midlands. The Programme will
contribute to the resilience of smallholder farming communities in Zimbabwe by reducing their
vulnerability to food and nutrition insecurity, climate change effects and economic shocks.
SIRP will benefit a large number of poor smallholder farmers and poorer members of
communities in the schemes and the surrounding rain-fed areas, including approximately
15,000 households with access to irrigation, 12,500 households with no access to irrigation in
the adjacent rain-fed areas, 2,000 youth and 500 extension and technical service providers.
SIRP will sustainably increase rural households’ incomes in programme supported schemes
and adjacent rain-fed areas by rehabilitating and/or expanding targeted irrigation schemes and
supporting these and surrounding rain-fed areas to increase productivity, production and
income, as well as improving access to agricultural markets and financial services.

This rapid appraisal was conducted as a diagnostic exercise to enable SIRP to have a quick
appreciation of the challenges and the basic needs and requirements for schemes rehabilitation
and performance enhancement. The assessment focused on technical aspects related to the
proposed rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure, Operations and Maintenance (O&M),
irrigation management, production patterns, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Conservation
Agriculture (CA), access to finance, access to market, Nutrition status, Gender, Post-Harvest
Management (PHM), and Natural Resources Management (NRM).

1.1 Objectives of the Rapid Appraisal

The main objective of the Rapid appraisal was to get an appreciation of the technical,
organisational, and socio-economic conditions of the Chikwarakwara Irrigation Scheme. More
specifically, the assessment examined:

i. Current scheme performance

ii. Challenges faced by the irrigation scheme and possible solutions
iii. Stakeholder and farmer views on scheme rehabilitation
iv. Training needs for both farmers and service providers

Information gathered through the assessment will be used for developing detailed Action Plans
for improving scheme performance.
 2.0 Methodology

The Rapid Appraisal team that carried out an assessment of the Chikwarakwara irrigation
scheme applied participatory methods for gathering qualitative and quantitative data necessary
to fulfil the objectives of the exercise and to inform decision making on the scheme
revitalisation process. The team also reviewed secondary data to get historical perspectives,
triangulate information and fill any gaps that might have been there on primary data collected
by the team. The Department of Irrigation (DoI) and the Department of Agricultural, Technical
and Extension Services (Agritex) supplied most of the secondary data used in the study. An
Irrigation infrastructure questionnaire was also used to collect data on the status and conditions
of existing infrastructure. Table 2.1 summarises the methods used for data collection, applied
tools, sources of information and the types of data collected.

Table 2.1: Methods Used for Data Collection

Methodology Collection Tools Target Group Data/ Information collected

Past project Historical data on scheme

Literature
reports from DoI, - establishment, performance and
Review
Agritex and NGOs rehabilitation efforts
Demographic characteristics,
Best, medium and low production performance, market
Structured
In-depth performing farmers on access to finances, access to
Household
Interviews both irrigation and mechanisation, crops grown, markets,
Questionnaires
dryland farming areas extension support services, post-
harvest technologies.
Irrigation scheme history, past
Village heads, IMC, performance, water management
Key – Informant Check-list of Extension workers, issues, crop production, marketing
Interviews questions DoI, Mechanisation, issues, access to finances post-harvest
Women Affairs technologies in the area, pests,
opinion on rehabilitation
Data triangulation on irrigation
Group comprising performance, viability, water
representatives of management issues, project impact at
Focus Group Check-list of
farmers from irrigation community level, key challenges
Discussions questions
and dry land farming facing irrigation and dry land farmers,
areas opinion on sustainable irrigation
revitalization
Infrastructure
Transect Walk Irrigation farmers Status of infrastructure
Questionnaires
2.1 Sampling Procedure
The exercise targeted both irrigators in the scheme and non-irrigators from the surrounding dry
land areas. The appraisal team conducted two Focus Group Discussions (FDGs) with 20-25
farmers (with more women participation than men), purposively sampled by an Agritex
extension worker. The participant selection process targeted both women and men as a strategy
for ensuring an inclusive approach in the development process and empowerment of women.

The appraisal team conducted Key Informant interviews with Village Heads, Irrigation
Management Committee members; and service providers drawn from Agritex, DoI,
Mechanisation and the Ministry of Women Affairs. The team also administered a structured
questionnaire to farmers in the best, medium and low performing categories; selected from both
irrigation and dry land areas.

2.2 Survey Implementation

Training on the use of study tools: Team members participating in the rapid appraisal were
trained to effectively administer household questionnaires and on the use of semi-structured
questionnaires for Key informant interviews and Focus Group Discussions.
Fieldwork and Report Writing: the appraisal team carried out fieldwork over a period of 5-
day period and devoted a week, following the fieldwork to report writing.

3.0 Background Information

Chikwarakwara irrigation scheme was established in 1965 and is located in Ward 1 of
Beitbridge District, in Matabeleland South Province. The scheme, which lies at an elevation of
233 m above sea level has the following coordinates - 22o 19’ 37.3” S and 031o 04’ 35.9” E.
The 65ha surface irrigation scheme located in Agro-ecological Zone V, currently benefits 113
beneficiaries (61 females; 52 males), each with a land holding of 0.4 ha. Major beneficiaries of
the scheme are people from Chikwarakwara village and surrounding villages. Plot ownership
is mainly per household basis with priority given to those from Chikwarakwara Village on a
joining fee of R200. Beneficiaries from other surrounding village are also welcome on a joining
fee of R400. The objective of scheme was mainly to improve livelihoods of local people through
improved incomes and food and nutrition security. The main crops grown in the scheme
includes green mealies, wheat and beans while maize and millet (for food security) and cash
crops such as cotton are grown in the greater scheme area. Crop yields in greater scheme area
are extremely low and the risk of crop failure is very high, with the probability of failure being
one in every three years (Rukuni and Eicher, 1994). Cattle and goat production are also major
livelihood activities in Chikwarakwara.

To access the irrigation scheme from Beitbridge, one has to travel 32km from Beitbridge town
and take a right turn at Lutumba Business Centre into Binya Road. From Lutumba Business
Centre, travel 134km along the gravel road and turn right at the signpost for Chikwarakwara
Government Clinic and Primary School. Drive past the clinic and school to the Business centre
and the Irrigation field is just behind the business centre.
Water for irrigation is abstracted from Limpopo River bed and its banks using sand abstraction
systems and from boreholes drilled into the riverbank, respectively. The Limpopo is a large
perennial water channel, which drains into the Indian Ocean. The River also serves as an
international boundary between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Diesel engines coupled to mono-
pumps drive water through buried pipelines to the field edge, where the water is discharged into
a stilling basin. The water then gravitates from the stilling basin to irrigation blocks via open
concrete lined trapezoidal channels.

Farmers at the scheme practise the border strip type of surface irrigation by siphoning water
from canals using HDPE (polypipe) pipes and introducing the water at the head of a strip of
cropped land. Water applied at the head of a strip gravitates to the other end of the strip from
where excess water is discharged into some drainage system.

The Government, through the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement
(MLARR), manages Chikwarakwara irrigation scheme through the scheme Irrigation
Management Committee (IMC). Members of the IMC are beneficiaries of the scheme voted
into office by other members of the scheme. The IMC and the scheme extension worker are
responsible for coordinating scheme activities including the O&M of the scheme. O&M is
governed by by-laws developed and adopted by all beneficiaries and policies promulgated by
Government. The Ministry of Water Resources Development and Climate, through ZINWA
and Lower Mzingwane Sub-Catchment Council, manage the water source.

Chikwarakwara irrigation scheme is currently down due to dysfunctional pumps. The pumps
were affected by floods that damaged both irrigation infrastructure and crops, in 2012. Works
to rehabilitate the scheme were initiated in 2016, and are currently on-going with funding from
the Government, under the PSIP. However, progress has been very slow due to financial
constraints.

Figure 1: Chikwarakwara Smallholder Irrigation Scheme Layout

 Farmers in adjacent rainfed areas grow maize, sorghum and pumpkins. However, floods and
droughts (coupled with high temperatures) affect crop production most of the times, resulting
in poor harvests and food insecurity in the area. Fertiliser use is minimum as soils are generally
fertile due to low leaching and nutrient build up because of flooding and deposition of rich silts
in the River valley.

4.0 Agriculture Production and Productivity

4.1 Crop Production

At the time of the Rapid Appraisal, Chikwarakwara irrigation scheme had been non-functional
for close to 5 years. Table 4.1 shows crops grown in the scheme at the time that it was still
operational.

Table 4.1: Major Crops grown in the Scheme

Major Crop Reason for Cropping
Green Mealies Grown for the markets and home consumption
Sugar beans Grown for commercial and home consumption purposes
Wheat Grown for commercial and food security reasons.

Green mealies, sugar beans and wheat are the main crops used to be grown in the irrigation
scheme, at a cropping intensity of three crops per year. When in operation, the entire scheme
used to grow one crop at a time and rotates the three crops. Tomatoes and vegetables are mostly
grown for home consumption and local sales, and these take the least space in the irrigation
scheme. Farmers minimize tomato and vegetable production due to unavailability of lucrative
markets and high perishability nature of these crops. Farmers consider sugar beans and wheat
as their most profitable crops among all crops grown in the scheme. In the greater scheme area,
Maize and sorghum are widely grown for subsistence purposes. Maize is the major staple
crop for the area. Table 4.2 shows areas committed to different crops under irrigation and rain
fed conditions and estimated production levels, by different levels of farmers.

Table 4.2: Average Area Committed to Different Crops under Irrigation and Rainfed
Conditions.
Crop Best Farmer Average Farmer Below Average Farmer
Area (Ha) Prodn (Mt) Area (Ha) Prodn (Mt) Area (Ha) Prodn (Mt)
Maize (Irrigated) 0.4 - - - - -
Maize (Dryland) 1.5 4.9 2 2.1 1 0.5
Wheat 0.4 - - - - -
Sugar Beans 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.15
Sorghum 1 1 - - - -

Key challenges faced in crop production:

 a. Wild animals destroying crops and irrigation scheme infrastructure (elephants and
monkeys)
b. High pests and diseases prevalence, particularly the fall armyworm
c. High cost of diesel to pump water for irrigation
d. High cost and inaccessibility of inputs (seed, fertilizers and chemicals)
e. Inadequate financial resources to support production
f. Unavailability of profitable output markets
g. Lack of tillage services
h. Dilapidated fence
i. Erratic rainfall patterns
j. Flooding due to stream bank cultivation.

Farmers indicated that they are keen to introduce new crops shown in Table 4.3 which they
believe can be profitable and can do well in the area. These crops include the following:

Table 4.3: Potential Crops for Introducing in Irrigation and Dry land Farming Systems
Irrigation Dry Land
Crop Reason Crop Reason
Tomatoes Profitable if proper market research Cotton Profitable and suitable soils
is done. Increasing demand from
Beitbridge
Vegetables Growing demand in the ward and Tobacco Profitable but not sure whether
Beitbridge the crop can grow well
Onions Profitable if proper market research Sugar beans Potential market in boarding
is done schools around

Farmer Field Schools (FFS)

SIRP’s extension strategy includes promoting FFS to improve smallholder agriculture

production and productivity in both irrigation and dry land farming systems. Results from focus
group discussions and key informant interviews show that the FFS extension strategy is not
widely used in Chikwarakwara irrigation scheme and the surrounding communities. The most
common approach adopted to demonstrate the efficacy of technologies is the use of demo plots.
However, the impact of this approach is in doubt as only a few farmers have shown interest in
attending these demonstrations. As an alternative, the University of Zimbabwe and Caritas
have launched a programme called Farmer Learning Centre which is targeted on bringing
farmers together to facilitate peer to peer learning.

4.2 Livestock Production

Livestock rearing is also a major agriculture activity in the Chikwarakwara community and
Table 4.4 shows livestock species that are common and their average numbers per household
together with their uses
Table 4.4: Livestock Species, Uses and Average Numbers per Household
Livestock Species Major Use Average household No
Cattle Draught power and sale 10
Goats Home consumption and for sale 15
Donkey Transport and Draught power 3
Chicken Home consumption and local sales 15-25

Key challenges faced by farmers include

 Livestock and wildlife conflicts

 High prevalence of animal pests and diseases

4.3 Good Agricultural Practices

Irrigators indicated that they practise a number of GAPs, including crop rotations, use of
manure, CA and integrated pest management (IPM), involving use of GAPs, biological control,
and correct use of pesticides and herbicides. These GAPs trainings are provided by government
extension workers and other NGOs who come with different programmes on the scheme.

The Key challenges faced in the adoption of GAPs is lack of information on improved
agricultural practices, problem of brown ants during implementation of CA, lack of irrigation
technologies that effectively save water. Farmers requested GAP trainings and support in the
following areas:

a. Correct use of agrochemicals

b. Correct use of farmer learning centres
c. Look and learn tours
d. Soil and water conservation methods
e. Post-harvest management techniques

4.4 CA
CA is one of the recommended farming method that conserves the environment and improves
crop production in the face of climate change. Farmers indicated that they were aware and
familiar with CA, and they were practising CA techniques such as zero/minimum tillage,
mulching although they faced challenges of brown ants in fields treated with mulch. Another
challenge constraining the adoption of CA is the high labour input required to implement and
manage the innovation. . Farmers participating in the rapid appraisal advocated for provision
of machinery designed and adapted for use under smallholder setting.

4.5 Post-Harvest Management.

PHM is a critical component for successful agriculture enterprise development, reduction of
post-harvest losses and achieving profitability and competitiveness at farm level.
Chikwarakwara Irrigation scheme has built a facility to store and market some of its agriculture
products and is currently being rented as a shop. However, the scheme has no specific strategies
for managing post-harvest loses and effecting value addition for some of their agricultural
products. This has also limited the choices of crops grown in the scheme. For crops grown under
rain fed conditions, most farmers use cribs to dry maize and traditional granaries to store
untreated maize and sorghum. Granaries are then air proofed by sealing tightly with mud to
create anaerobic conditions, hence controlling the activity of pests. Figure 2 is a prototype of
the traditional granary used in the Chikwarakwara community.

Figure 2: Traditional granary at Mr Ndou’s homestead

4.6 Training and Capacity Development Gaps

Farmers identified the following training and capacity development gaps that need to be
addressed to assist them to improve their scheme/ farm management skills:

 Scheme Governance
 Value Addition
 Market intelligence and Research
 Seed Multiplication

Farmers also requested for Look and learn tours to facilitate peer-to-peer learning.

5.0 Agricultural Marketing

5.1 Output Markets

Table 5.1 shows crops and market type and marketing arrangements for each of the identified
crops:

Table 5.1: Types of Crops and Marketing Arrangements at Chikwarakwara

Crop Market Type Marketing Arrangement

Maize (Irrigated) Farm gate Collective

Maize (Dryland) Local market Individual
 Wheat Grain Marketing Board Collective
Beans Grain Marketing Board and Collective and Individual
local markets
Sorghum Local market Individual

Irrigation farmers used to market their produce in groups targeting the Beitbridge market, which
is 164 km from the scheme. The connecting road is gravel and was in a bad state at the time of
the appraisal. At the time that Chikwarakwara was fully operational, buyers used to come and
purchase agricultural products (especially green mealies) from the farm gate, hence transport
was not a major problem for the farmers. Farmers further indicated there willingness to their
collective marketing relationship once scheme becomes operational. The shop owner who is
currently operating the shop indicated that he is not actively involved in agro dealer section but
sometime buy grain from local people, store and resell to the community. Maize and wheat is
normally sold to GMB. Care International also participated in maize market in the area in 2012.

5.2 Inputs Market

The major suppliers of inputs for Chikwarakwara irrigation scheme are in Beitbridge which is
164km from the scheme. These markets supply seeds, chemicals, fertilisers and farming
equipment. Major suppliers includes N Richards, supermarkets and other small wholesalers.
Companies like are not available in Beitbridge. Irrigators have in the past practiced collective
purchase of inputs to achieve economies of scale, whilst rain fed area farmers have traditionally
procured inputs individually. NGOs and Government has also provided seeds and fertilisers to
both scheme and greater scheme area. A local shop owner who had set up an agro-dealer section
in his shop to service the local market has since closed agro dealer section following suspension
of production activities at the scheme and escalation in transport costs. Another enterprising
former agricultural extension worker in the locality is intermittently selling a few packs of
maize seeds, depending on how often he travels to Beitbridge for other business and personal
activities.

Major marketing challenges identified for both output and inputs markets include:

a. Lack of reliable transport network and high transport costs

b. Poor access and availability of inputs
c. Long distance to markets
d. High cost of inputs
e. Low producer prices
f. Lack of marketing information

Agritex supplies most of the Marketing information to the marketing committee under the IMC,
although this is not always on time. Farmers indicated that they were not aware of any mobile
marketing information since mobile networks are a perpetual challenge. The community mainly
use MTN, a South African mobile network which has no links to the internal mobile marketing
information systems.
5.3 Value Addition
Farmers indicated that they are generally practising minimum value addition to their
agricultural products. The most common form of value addition for farmers producing sorghum
under rain fed conditions involves processing sorghum into sorghum meal and using this for
brewing traditional beer. In previous years, farmers from the irrigation scheme used to grade
their green mealies before selling them at farm gate. The community indicated that they are not
aware of too many value addition techniques that they could employ to improve the quality of
their agricultural products to enable them to compete effectively on the market.

6.0 Access to Agricultural Finance

Access to production financing is critical in supporting production, marketing and capital
investment processes in smallholder irrigation and rain fed farming systems. In Chikwarakwara,
farmers from both farming systems never accessed commercial loans mainly because they did
not have information on available commercial loans, who offers them and what are the
requirements for one to access the loans. The village head, Mr Zava reiterated that they have
never explored any potential opportunity of getting finances for production. However, the
scheme accessed CAMPFIRE funds (USD1 500) in support of carrying out irrigation activities.
Apart from this form of financing, community based financial institutions like Mukando
(Village Savings and Lending) do exist in the community on a limited scale and is mostly
dominated by women. However, these local financial institutions usually prioritize loaning to
daily essentials like buying food and hospital fees over farming activities. The scheme also
raises money through scheme shop rentals which is used for scheme activities

Other CBFI operating in the area include

 Chatiala Project- ISAL

 Hlanganani Project – ISAL (Pass on ) part of the money is used to purchase livestock

7.0 Water Issues

7.1 Water Sources and Distribution
Water is available all year round even in drought years at Chikwarakwara irrigation scheme.
The irrigation scheme has a total of 6 boreholes, of which 4 are functional and the other two
have collapsed. These boreholes have been drilled in the Limpopo River Basin, they are prolific
and they are located inside the scheme. Prior to the collapse of the scheme, water distribution
is said to have been good and plot holders used to equitably access water, and timely. Water
from the boreholes is only for irrigation, hence, there is no competition from other potential
users. Water is also abstracted from Limpopo River through a system of wells and conveyance
pipes that serve in place of canals. The scheme has no night storage reservoir which limit
farmers to irrigate at any time. Following the collapse of other boreholes and breaking down of
engines, farmers were forced to grow crops on 0.2ha in 2012-13 to ensure adequate access to
all farmers. Participants recommended construction of a night storage reservoir to improve on
efficiency distribution.
7.2 Water Management
The community owns boreholes in the scheme while ZINWA and the Lower Mzingwane Sub
Catchment council manage the water. Farmers are still confused as to who actually manages
the water, but they are paying bills to ZINWA.

7.3 Water Uses

There is limited competition for water use Chikwarakwara. Primary use of water is irrigation.
Water from Limpopo River is also used by livestock and wild animals, and this does not even
affect supply for irrigation. People around the community also use river water for washing
clothes and bathing. Water from boreholes is specifically for irrigation only.

8.0 Irrigation Infrastructure

Figure 3 shows the layout of infrastructure at Chikwarakwara irrigation scheme.

8.1 Headworks

Figure 3: Layout of Infrastructure at Chikwarakwara Irrigation Scheme

8.1.1 Sand Abstraction System

The first method used to abstract water from the Limpopo River is the sand abstraction
technique. This technique was first established in 1965, when the irrigation scheme was
constructed. Sand abstraction works through a system of two well points constructed in the river
sand bed, which collect water. Collected water is then gravitated to a concrete lined sump dug
into the riverbank. Water moves from the wells via buried pipes linked by a common manifold,
and then discharge into the sump.

From the sump, water is pumped to the field edge by a diesel powered 150hp (Leister Engine
TS3) monopump that is immersed into the sump. The sump and the pumping unit are housed
in a pump house constructed on the riverbank. The Government of Zimbabwe replaced the
pump in 1981, which is the only time that the pump has been replaced. However, the system is
currently dormant due to low volumes of water available from well points in the river sand bed.
The community at the scheme suspects that the well points have silted up with sand and/ or
mud and need desilting or replacement. Figure 4 shows part of the sand abstraction system at
Chikwarakwara.

Figure 4: Sand Abstraction System at Chikwarakwara

The Government of Zimbabwe is currently financing construction of a new sand abstraction

system through the PSIP. Works began in year 2016, with two new well points being
constructed in the river sand bed and linked to a manifold directing water to the river bank. A
pit for the water sump is currently under construction.

The existing pump house has over the years been subjected to seasonal floods from the Limpopo
River. The pump house structure is now fragile and in need of rehabilitation. Funding is
required to complete construction of the second sand abstraction system.

8.1.2 Boreholes

Figure 5 shows Chikwarakwara borehole sites.

Figure 5: Chikwarakwara Boreholes Sites

The second method of water abstraction uses boreholes drilled in the Limpopo River bank. At
initial scheme development, in 1965, two boreholes were drilled and equipped with
monopumps driven by Leister diesel engines. The two pumps are energized by fuel supplied
from a tank installed underground. The pumps lift water to the field edge and discharge the
water into the same sump as receives water from the sand abstraction system.

The Government of Zimbabwe also replaced pumps for the two boreholes in 1981. Currently
only one borehole is functional, whilst the other one ceased. In year 2016, the Government of
Zimbabwe drilled two new boreholes through PSIP. The new boreholes are still to be equipped
and brought into use.

Borehole 1

Figure 6 shows the site for borehole 1 and what remains of its infrastructure.

Figure 6: Site and infrastructure left at Borehole 1

The borehole was drilled in 1965 and fitted with an 8-inch steel casing. It is located on GPS
coordinates; 22o 20’ 01.2” S and 031o 04’ 16.1” E, at an elevation of 234m above sea level.
The borehole has collapsed and thus not functional, with both pump and diesel engine missing.
When established, the borehole was equipped with a BH450 monopump and a 150hp Leister
TS3 diesel engine. This borehole requires replacement by a new one, and the new hole should
be equipped with a new pump and prime mover.

Borehole 2

Borehole 2 was drilled in 1965 and fitted with an 8-inch steel casing. It is located on GPS
coordinates; 22o 20’ 07.3” S and 031o 04’ 19.9” E at an elevation of 231m above sea level. The
borehole is functional although both pump and diesel engine are missing. The borehole was
equipped with a BH500 monopump and a Leister TS3 diesel engine. Interview with the IMC
chairperson and vice chairperson revealed that it was the best yielding boreholes of the initial
two holes drilled in 1965. This borehole requires a new pump and prime mover.

Borehole 3 and Borehole 4

Figure 7: Newly drilled Borehole under PSIP

Boreholes 3 and 4 are new, and were drilled in 2016 by DDF and financed by the Government
of Zimbabwe through PSIP. The boreholes were fitted with 6-inch PVC casing but are yet to
be equipped with pumps and prime movers. The boreholes will augment water supplies from
the sand abstraction system and also replace BH1 which is no longer functional.

8.2 Water Conveyance

Water is conveyed from the source via buried pipelines in both sand and borehole abstraction
systems. The conveyance pipelines in both systems are functional, though not currently
operating. Flow meters, control valves and non-return valves in both systems need replacement.
The size of the conveyance pipelines is 250mm A.C for the two boreholes and 300mm A.C for
the sand abstraction system respectively. Each borehole has its own independent conveyance
pipeline. Conveyance pipelines for water from the three water sources (two boreholes and the
sand abstraction system) discharge into one stilling basin for energy dissipation. Water then
gravitates from the stilling basin to crop fields via concrete lined open channels.

Initially, water from the sand abstraction system was conveyed to the field edge via a 500mm
base concrete lined trapezoidal open channel. This conveyance method was abandoned and
substituted with a buried pipeline to avoid mechanical damage caused by elephants.
Figure 8: Scheme Conveyance System

8.3 Infield Distribution

Water for irrigation is distributed to irrigation blocks via concrete lined open channels of sizes
500mm base, 300mm base and 250mm base for the main, secondary and tertiary canals
respectively. The flow of water is controlled by division/distribution boxes from canal to canal
and rubberised check plates from canal to the crop field. Check plates are used to raise water
depth in the tertiary canal, hence enabling siphoning of water from the canals using HDPE 3mm
pipes.

Figure 9: Infield Distribution Canal

8.4 Scheme Fence

A diamond fence protects the scheme around its perimeter with a height of approximately
1.5m. The condition of the scheme fence can be ranked as fair on a rank of good, fair and bad.
There is need for touch up repairs for the fence as some poles have fallen of due to elephants
trampling and flooding.

8.5 Scheme Infield Roads

The scheme had a good infield gravel road network and drainage system although they are both
in bad state and need rehabilitation. Since the scheme last operated 5 years ago, trees, bushes
and long grass have already grown on roads, fields and drainage system.

8.6 Key Infrastructure Interventions

The scheme is considered viable when operational although this viability is threatened by the
high cost of diesel. Key interventions identified for enhancing viability are replacement of
existing engines with new ones (5 more engines required) that are more efficient, converting
the scheme to a solar powered system to reduce pumping costs, supporting farmers with start-
up input packs; rehabilitating canals and scheme fence, and 4 additional toilets.

9.0 Scheme Operations, Maintenance and Management

9.1 Scheme Management
Chikwarakwara irrigation scheme has a functional IMC that oversees all schemes activities to
enable successful functionality of the scheme. Its main role is scheme governance focusing
more on ensuring smooth operation of scheme activities, monitoring of efficient water
allocation, enforcement of rules and regulations and coordinating activities like input
procurement, fence maintenance and O&M. The IMC, which meets once a month, is comprised
of 7 members (4 male and 3 woman) and are led by a chairperson who is male. The other
members of the committee include the vice chairperson, secretary, vice secretary, treasury and
two committee members. The scheme operation and governance is guided by a constitution (see
appendix 1) and was last revised in August 2016. Constitution provisions can be amended
whenever it is necessary to do so. Elections to put in place a new committee are conducted after
every three years, with the last election having been done in August 2016. Modalities to elect
new members start by farmers nominating potential members and followed by votes. On a rank
of 1 to 3 where 1 is ineffective and 3 being most effective, the IMC was ranked 3although there
were some reservation on the overstaying of the chairperson in power. Generally, bye=laws
were being well observed when the scheme was functional.

Sub committees also exists to support the IMC and these include:

i. Agronomy Committee: The agronomic committee is comprised of 5 members (2

women; 3 men), including a chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, vice secretary and
one committee member. The committee trains and advises other irrigators on
appropriate agronomic practices to enhance increased crop production and productivity.
The committee also sources for external experts to train irrigators in agronomic areas
where the committee’s skills set falls short.
ii. Maintenance committee: As with the agronomic committee, the maintenance
committee is made up of five members (however, all male), including a chairperson,
vice chairperson, secretary, vice secretary and one committee member. The committee
oversees all O&M issues of scheme infrastructure.
 iii. Marketing Committee: The marketing committee is also a 5-member committee with
one woman occupying the vice secretary position. This committee is responsible for
both inputs and output marketing. The committee gathers market information and
advises farmers on best marketing options with potential for yielding greater profit
margins for the irrigators.

The village head and extension worker are responsible for the day to day running of the scheme
and they give direction to all activities in the scheme. The overall rating of the IMC on a scale
of most effective, effective and ineffective was effective.

Key challenges faced by the scheme management and possible solutions:

 Lack of Mobility: The scheme should consider purchasing bicycles to improve the
mobility of IMC members
 Lack of allowances for IMC members: The scheme should agree on allocating an
allowance for its management committee.
 Political interference from the local leaders: The IMC should engage the political
leadership in the area so that they are given sufficient room for them to execute their
mandate.

Conflict resolution Mechanisms

The IMC is responsible the first level of conflict resolution at scheme level. If the IMC fails to
reach consensus, the matter will be handed over to the village head who applies village laws
and regulations to resolve the issue. If this fails still, then the matter is referred to the police for
arbitration. However, there has been no such case where one was referred to police.

9.2 Scheme Operation and Maintenance

The Maintenance Committee oversees operations and maintenance of scheme infrastructure.
The committee assigns specific duties to farmers who will carry out key operations and
maintenance works in the scheme. Farmers used to contribute to pay for diesel, lubricants and
water bills. The committee in agreement with the community also hires an engine operator who
is paid by the scheme. When major breakdowns occur, the committee calls every member of
the scheme to contribute labour. Table 9.1 shows a list of institutions that worked with the
scheme on O &M in previous times.

Table 9.1: Institutions and their Roles in O & M

Institution Role
ZINWA Water bills (Although there is confusion between
farmers on roles of ZINWA and Lower
Mzingwane Sub-catchment Council, water bills
are currently being paid to ZINWA)
Lower Mzingwane Sub-catchment Water supply
IMC Coordination of scheme activities
AGRITEX and Mechanisation Extension services and advice
 Farmers pay 350 Rands per season to offset water bills. Farmers’ perceptions are that the rate
is too high and they would want this reduced. The scheme had an O&M fund that was being
managed by the scheme maintenance committee, with oversight from the IMC. The scheme
had an outstanding bill of USD103 at the time of survey. Farmers will have to contribute to pay
this outstanding fees but currently have no capacity since there are no income generating
activities. Table 9.2 shows a summary of contributions towards O and M costs of the scheme
during the last year of scheme operation.

Table 9.2: Contributions towards O &M expenses

Item Total amount contributed by Farmers Annual Total Paid Proportion of
(USD) (USD) farmers who paid

Summer Winter
Repair and Maintenance 1 330 665 1 995
Fuel 6 780 3 390 10 170
Water 206 103 309
Labour Costs
Total 8 316 4 158 12 474

Farmers indicated that they are willing to contribute towards O &M expenses. They also
committed themselves to pay a USD100/ha as commitment fee for Operation and Maintenance
of the scheme

Major O & M Challenges

 Budgetary constraints; farmers indicated that the scheme has not been able to maintain
engines since 2013 as a result of budgetary constraints
 Wild animals (especially elephants) are regularly destroying canals
 No qualified mechanics for engines repairs
 No extension worker in the village, extension support comes from the extension worker
servicing the neighbouring village.

10.0 Gender Dynamics

Gender equality and equity is a contemporary issue in modern development and practices.
Understanding roles and responsibilities for both women and men has a strong bearing on
equality in development and women empowerment. The FGD with women only outlined that
the irrigation technology being used is appropriate to them and they can use it without any
challenges. Table 10.1 shows Gender disaggregated tasks in the irrigation scheme.

Table 10.1: Gender disaggregated tasks in the irrigation scheme

Men Women
Starting engines to pump water Irrigating the fields
Purchasing inputs (Collective buying) Chasing elephants from fields
Repairing canals Repairing canals
 Ploughing Planting and Weeding
Marketing Harvesting
Infrastructure repairs Assisting men in infrastructure repairs

On gender issues, women normally take a leading role in deciding what to grow in the fields,
although they have to consult with their husbands to get final approval. Results also show that
women keep income from produce sales but women consult men to make decisions on use.
Women also indicated that they are now taking major roles in infrastructure operations and
maintenance, but they get guidance from men.

Gender analysis from the community also indicated that it is not common for women to seek
agriculture technical assistance from fellow male farmers or extension workers. The reason why
this is taboo is that their cultural norms emphasize that married women should concur with their
husbands first before seeking advice from other male advisers.

FGDs also indicated that there are no major limiting factors to the participation of women/youth
/vulnerable groups in scheme activities. The main reason why these groups fail to participate in
scheme activities is lack of finance and limited interest in farming by youth. Elderly farmers
indicated that new schemes targeted at youth since elderly people have been the major
beneficiaries of Chikwarakwara irrigation scheme. There is need to improve mechanisation,
change the constitution to encourage women participation in the scheme and agriculture at
large. Table 10.2 shows the gender spread in the IMC and its sub committees.

Table 10.2: Gender Distribution in the IMC and its Sub-Committees

DESIGNATION GENDER DISTRIBUTION
IMC Agronomy Marketing Maintenance
Chairperson Male Male Male Male
Vice Chairperson Male Female Male Male
Secretary Male Male Male Male
Vice Secretary Male Female Female Female
Treasurer Female
Committee member Female Male Male Male
Committee member Female

11.0 Natural Resources Management, Environment and Health

11.1 Environmental challenges
The scheme and its surroundings rain fed areas face major environmental challenges, including
flooding and veldt fires. The area also faces vegetation destruction from elephants since the
area is in the game park corridor. However, issues of overgrazing are not a challenge. Tree
cutting inhibiting by laws also buttress strong vegetation in the area.
11.2 Health Issues
The community indicated that open defecation is widely practiced in the area and there are few
homesteads with sanitary facilities such as Blair toilets. Chikwarakwara irrigation scheme has
two Blair toilet which is inadequate to meet the needs of 113 plot holders in the scheme. Farmers
advocated for four additional toilets for the scheme. The major source of water for the
community is boreholes, which are perennial and adequate. Major disease faced by the
community is malaria and is more prevalent during rainy season and when there is flooding in
the area. The community has access to a clinic sited in the area. At the time of the appraisal,
UNICEF was carrying out a campaign of spraying mosquitos in and around households to
reduce incidence of malaria.

11.3 Soil and Water conservation

Although soil erosion is happening in that area, it is not a major challenges since the area is
generally flat.

11.4 Water Harvesting

Farmers in the irrigation scheme and around the scheme indicated that they are not using any
water harvesting techniques mainly because they are not aware of any.

11.5 Micro-catchment protection plans

The community indicated that they intend to intensify restriction on tree cutting to save the
environment and potential increase in erosion. They also highlighted plans to introduce
conservation measures aimed at reducing potential increase in soil erosion, and this will in turn
reduce siltation in the Limpopo River. Other interventions suggested to enhance conservation
of the environment include introduction of projects such as apiculture

12.0 Institutional Support

12.1 Extension/ Advisory Services
Both the irrigation scheme and the greater scheme area were being serviced by one extension
worker. However, this extension worker is no longer available and the one currently giving
service to the scheme is from another ward. The extension worker plays a major role,
particularly in the irrigation scheme where s/he has oversight of key activities implementation
and technical conflict resolution. The extension worker used to visit the scheme twice a week
when the scheme was operational.

12.2 Mechanisation
The scheme received mechanisation equipment under the More Food for Africa programme.
Equipment received under this programme includes a tractor, a planter, a disc harrow and a
plough. The scheme had earlier received another tractor through the RBZ Mechanisation
Facility. The tractor under the RBZ Mechanization Facility was not functional at the time of
the rapid appraisal exercise due to a broken down front wheel. The tractor provided through the
More Food for Africa programme is used for land preparation in the irrigation scheme and in
the greater scheme area at a cost of USD60/ ha (dry rate) and beneficiaries of the service have
to supply 40 litres of diesel per ha ploughed. Farmers have raised concerns over the cost of
tillage, which they say is on the higher side. Farmers also indicated that the Department of
Mechanisation has not been paying the tractor driver for services rendered. Farmers were also
keen to know the total cost of equipment under the More Food for Africa Programme.

Figure 10: Machinery and Equipment supplied under the More Food for Africa
Programme

Figure 11: Non-Functional Tractor supplied through the RBZ Mechanization Facility

12.3 Other Developmental Projects

There have been efforts by other organisations to rehabilitate the scheme and to promote
increased agricultural production and productivity in the greater scheme area. Table 12.1 show
programmes and organisations that have worked with the scheme in the past.
 Table 12.1: Programme and Organizations that have worked with the scheme in the past

Programme/ Organization Nature of Support When

Care International Supported the scheme with land clearing, fence rehabilitation
,cement used for canal rehabilitation, seeds
More Food for Africa The scheme received a tractor, a planter, a disc harrow and a 2016
Programme plough under this programme
Maguta The programme has supplied inputs to both the scheme and 2007-10
greater scheme area farmers (maize seed, fertilisers, and agro-
chemicals)

RBZ Mechanization Facility Provided a tractor to the scheme 2009

CRS/Caritas Introduced e-extension through the Farmer Learning Centres

concept
CESVI Conducted an inventory on scheme infrastructure for possible 2017
rehabilitation

PSIP Drilling of boreholes and supply of pipes 2012

13.0 Key Findings and Recommendations

13.1 Summary of Findings
 Chikwarakwara irrigation scheme has been non-functional for the past 5 years mainly due
to broken down diesel engines.
 The scheme is 65ha in extent and the average allocation per plot holder is 0.4ha, giving a
maximum of 162 possible beneficiaries. Currently there are 113 plot holders (61 women;
52 male) due to pull-out by some members.
 The scheme uses flood irrigation system. Its water sources are the sand beds of the Limpopo
River and boreholes drilled on the riverbanks of the river and these sources adequately
supply the scheme throughout the year, even in drought years.
 Diesel engines power the scheme.
 The scheme has a functional IMC, which is effective.
 The scheme has a constitution, which needs strengthening for effective governance of
scheme operations.
 Major crops grown include green mealies, sugar beans and wheat and potential markets are
the GMB for sugar beans and wheat. Green mealies are mostly sold at farm gate.
 Irrigation farmers practiced collective input and output marketing to achieve economies of
scale; whereas the greater scheme area farmers procured inputs and sold their commodities
as individuals.
 The nearest input and output markets are in Beitbridge which is 154km from the scheme,
and connected by a bad gravel road.
 Irrigation and greater scheme area farmers were not well versed with GAPs and the FFS
approach. However, all farmers were exposed to demos, although these demos are not
effective due to poor participation by farmers.
 The scheme received a tractor, planter, disc harrow and plough; and a tractor only from the
More Food for Africa Programme and RBZ Mechanization Facility, respectively. The
tractor from the RBZ Mechanization Facility was not operational at the time of the rapid
appraisal.
 Farmers in both irrigation and greater scheme area have challenges in accessing finance for
production and this is mainly due to lack of information on where and how to access loans.
Community Based Financing Institutions like Mukando are available in the community but
do not lend money for farming activities.
 .There are no post-harvest management technologies adopted in the scheme. Dry land
farmers uses cribs and traditional granaries for drying and storage, respectively.
 The scheme used to operate an O & M Fund when the scheme was operational and they are
comfortable in paying a commitment fee of $100/ha when this is required.
 The major environmental challenges in the scheme and dry land are floods and veldt fires
 There are adequate toilets in both the greater scheme area and the scheme. Drinking water
is from boreholes and is safe. Malaria is the major disease affecting the area mainly due to
floods and high temperatures.

13.2 Key Recommendations

1. Prioritise Rehabilitation of the Scheme
There is need to prioritise rehabilitation of Chikwarakwara irrigation scheme since it is the main
economic activity of the community and it contributes significantly to food and nutrition
security, and livelihoods of the community. In addition, the scheme was allocated
mechanisation equipment under the More Food for Africa programme, and this machinery and
repayment of this loan is still outstanding. Repayment of the loan is only possible if the
irrigation scheme is resuscitated.
 2. Conversion of the Irrigation scheme to solar system

Irrigation farmers have been complaining a lot on the viability of the scheme powered by diesel.
This has been very expensive for them and it also raises production costs given that the diesel
is only purchased about 160km away from the scheme connected by a gravel road. Electricity
lines are also about 80km away from the scheme, making it more expensive to put in place
electricity infrastructure to the scheme. Therefore, this irrigation scheme was a very good
opportunity for piloting solar irrigation system also given that it’s Region V where sunlight is
abundant.

3. Converting the Irrigation Scheme from Flooding to sprinkler/drip system

Pumping water and then flood it does not make much economic sense especially during this era
where resources have become scarcer. Flood irrigation is more appropriate where water is
conveyed by gravity. Therefore, to improve viability of this irrigation scheme to be able to
increase farmers’ profits and incomes while conserving water, there is need to consider
converting the scheme from the current flooding system to either to centre pivot, drip irrigation
and or sprinkler system.

4. Capacity Building for Farmers

There is a need to prioritise capacity building for farmers in both irrigation and dry land. Most
farmers are not aware of the modern farming methods that fall under GAP hence there
production potential is limited.

5. Linking Farmers to Markets a Priority for Scheme Sustainability

Markets have been a major challenge for Chikwalakwala irrigation scheme resulting in the
scheme to grow grain crops that can be sold to GMB. For the scheme to diversify to other high
profits cropping enterprises there is a need to organise definite markets for the scheme or
introduce contract farming to the scheme.

6. Improve Irrigation Constitution

This will enable effective governance of the scheme so as to improve viability and effective
functionality.

7. Replace Canals with Pipes

To improve water use efficiency and reduce water wastage and possible infrastructure damage
by elephants, there is need to substitute canals with pipes.

8. Allocate Extension Worker specifically for the Scheme.

To improve scheme viability, it is ideal to allocate an extension worker for the scheme to reduce
overburdening of the current extension who oversees other farmers in the greater scheme area.

9. Operation and Maintenance Fund

There is a great need to strengthen issues concerning contribution to O &M fund to improve
future sustainability of irrigation scheme.

10. Post-harvest Management Technologies

Post-harvest losses have been the major reason why farmers in the irrigation scheme have not
been diversifying to other high value crops but highly perishable hence there is need to assist
farmers in investing in post-harvest technologies.
Annex 1: Chikwarakwara Irrigation Scheme Constitution