An evaluation of the performance of six smallholder irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe

Informal and formal survey procedures were used to assess the performance of six smallholder irrigation schemes. The predominant crops grown at the schemes were maize (Zea mays) in summer and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in winter. Average crop yields range from 2.7 to 7.4 t/ha for maize and 0.4 to 2.4 t/ha for beans at the lowest and highest yielding schemes respectively. There was also a large gap between the lower and higher producing farmers at each scheme. Only one out of the six schemes realized a profit margin of more than ZWD 223 per month per plotholder (the minimum wage rate for agriculture workers) after operating and maintenance costs (currently met by government) were deducted. Major constraints on the schemes included limited cash for input purchases, unreliable water supplies for winter cropping, limited market outlets and poor roads. Ways of alleviating some of these constraints to improve overall scheme performance are proposed.