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International Journal of Food Science and Agriculture

ISSN Online: 2578-3475 ISSN Print: 2578-3467 CODEN: IJFSJ3
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ArticleOpen Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijfsa.2025.12.017

Assessment of Agricultural Water Management Practices Under Rain-fed and Farmer-led Irrigated Systems in South Africa

E. J. Mwendera1,*, L. S. Mudau2, F. Onyando3, G. M. Senyolo2, B. Serote2, N. B. Nemakonde2, N. M. Mamogobo3, L. Nhamo4

1Clovita Consulting Services, Pretoria 0184, South Africa.

2Faculty of Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.

3Department of Agricultural and Rural Engineering, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa.

4Water Research Commission of South Africa (WRC), Lynnwood Manor, Pretoria 0081, South Africa.

*Corresponding author: E. J. Mwendera

The research was funded by the Water Research Commission of South Africa (Project No.: C2023/2024-01240).
Published: January 22,2026

Abstract

An assessment of agricultural water management (AWM) practices was conducted in Gauteng and Limpopo provinces of South Africa. The study focused on AWM practices under rainfed farming and farmer-led irrigation systems. Data were collected using focus group discussions (FGDs), structured questionnaires, and a stakeholder workshop. It has been shown that there are promising investment opportunities in the country based on the AWM practices under rain-fed and irrigated systems. The rainfed farming system is a high-priority area for investment with potentially large benefits, as it involves the majority of the small-scale farmers in the country. The country should develop specific policies and implement long-term investment programmes to work with local communities to restore degraded landscapes and move to sustainable resource management. Farmer-led irrigation development (FLID) is a very important driver of increased food production, especially for urban markets. It requires very little financial investment by governments, as the input and output value chains are largely driven by the private sector. Individualised irrigation technologies are easier to target at women, youth, and others who otherwise may be left out in the other farming systems. The farmers can be supported through special subsidies and focused capacity strengthening, which requires consultations and experimentation with these farmers to make sure those targeted really benefit.

Keywords

Agricultural water management; rainfed farming; farmer-led irrigation; irrigation water sources; conservation agriculture

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How to cite this paper

Assessment of Agricultural Water Management Practices Under Rain-fed and Farmer-led Irrigated Systems in South Africa

How to cite this paper: E. J. Mwendera, L. S. Mudau, F. Onyando, G. M. Senyolo, B. Serote, N. B. Nemakonde, N. M. Mamogobo, L. Nhamo. (2025) Assessment of Agricultural Water Management Practices Under Rain-fed and Farmer-led Irrigated Systems in South Africa. International Journal of Food Science and Agriculture, 9(4), 430-440.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijfsa.2025.12.017

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