Application Techniques for Small-Scale Farmers

Abstract

Key points: Small-scale irrigation can promote rural food • security, poverty alleviation and adaptation to climate change. It enables households to generate more income, increase their resilience, and in some cases transform their livelihoods. The poorest households do not benefit much directly, however, and require other support to build up their assets. However, small farmers face high costs and risks • when entering markets, which severely limit the returns from irrigation. Irrigation has the potential to stimulate rural growth and generate new employment opportunities, but not without parallel investment in market infrastructure. Irrigation development should be based on • sustainable use of sources which are themselves resilient to climate variability, and schemes need to be proofed against weather-related hazards. Equitable mechanisms for water distribution and benefit sharing are critical.