The use of wetlands (dambos) for micro-scale irrigation in Zimbabwe

Micro-scale irrigation on wetlands or dambos has been practised in Zimbabwe for over 100 years with, at present, an estimated 20,000 ha under cultivation in the communal areas. The results of recent research indicate that there is great potential for increasing the area and the intensity of such cultivation. The advantages of micro-scale irrigation are discussed and it is argued that this scale of irrigation should be considered when formulating policy and allocating resources for irrigation.Abbreviations Communal areas Areas in Zimbabwe historically reserved for blacks and distinguished from the commercial farming areas with better resources