Plot Size Constraints and Functionality Perceptions in Smallholder Irrigation Schemes: Evidence from Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe

Despite the substantial investments made towards smallholder irrigation schemes in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is an observable difference between the expectations and reality, without any knowledge of how the farmers perceive functionality and the gap that exists between development objectives and farmers' needs. The research focuses on identifying the needs, perception of benefits, and utility attributes of irrigation schemes to smallholder farmers in the Masvingo Province of Zimbabwe, with emphasis on limitations posed by plot sizes and their influence on income generation and scheme sustainability. Utilising principles of the pragmatist research philosophy and ethnographic methods, data were collected from 181 randomly selected farmers across 14 irrigation schemes in Masvingo Province via semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were computed to check the internal consistency (α = 0.791), and multiple regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between plot size and income earnings. Thematic analysis was done to find out how farmers view irrigation scheme functionality. Farmers mainly had 0.5ha plots, combining both mixed crop production and household consumption. 81% of farmers considered schemes operational when the water reached their plots, while only 57% considered that more than 50% of the provincial irrigation area functioned, due to varied stakeholder definitions of what constitutes functionality. Multiple regression had detected a significant positive correlation (p<0.001, R²=0.596) between plot size and income earnings. Farmers with plots of <1ha gained ≤USD1,300 annually, for the most part, to meet food needs.