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Irrigation water value for potato farmers in the Mooi River Irrigation Scheme of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A residual value approach

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  • Muchara, B.
  • Ortmann, G.
  • Mudhara, M.
  • Wale, E.

Abstract

Explaining variation of smallholder irrigation water values is a critical element in water allocation and management. However, it has been hampered by data deficiencies at smallholder level. Both primary and secondary data were used to estimate the value of irrigation water for smallholder farmers in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. The paper applied the residual value method to estimate water values among smallholder farmers, focusing on the potato crop. The results indicated that, on average, farmers in the Mooi River Irrigation Scheme applied less water (61.4%) to their potato crop when compared to the irrigation crop water requirements, ranging between 14% and 174%. Crops with relatively low gross margins like maize and dry beans yielded lower water values of US$0.12/m3 and US $0.10/m3 respectively, while tomatoes yielded US $1.07/m3. The average water value for potatoes was US$0.01/m3, ranging from −US$1.67/m3 to US$1.13/m3. Location of the irrigated plot along the main canal significantly influenced variability in water value, which accounted for 12.5% of variation. The number of irrigation cycles and education level of the farmer explained 5.8% and 5.9% of variation in water values, respectively. The paper illustrates that where water is provided free of charge to a large group of users, unequal distribution, poor management and inefficient use of water are common. Negative water values also revealed under-performance of smallholder farmers. A paradigm shift toward cost recovery mechanisms to encourage effective irrigation water management and water-use efficiency might need to be considered for smallholder farmers. This can also be coupled by strengthening policies and approaches that encourage user participation in water management.

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  • Muchara, B. & Ortmann, G. & Mudhara, M. & Wale, E., 2016. "Irrigation water value for potato farmers in the Mooi River Irrigation Scheme of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A residual value approach," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 164(P2), pages 243-252.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:164:y:2016:i:p2:p:243-252
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2015.10.022
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    1. Liboster Mwadzingeni & Raymond Mugandani & Paramu Mafongoya, 2020. "Localized Institutional Actors and Smallholder Irrigation Scheme Performance in Limpopo Province of South Africa," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-17, September.
    2. Laurencia Govender & Kirthee Pillay & Muthulisi Siwela & Albert Modi & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, 2016. "Food and Nutrition Insecurity in Selected Rural Communities of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa—Linking Human Nutrition and Agriculture," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-21, December.
    3. Eliaza Mkuna & Edilegnaw Wale, 2022. "Explaining Farmers’ Income via Market Orientation and Participation: Evidence from KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-16, October.
    4. Ziolkowska, Jad R., 2018. "Profitability of Irrigation and Value of Water in the Southern High Plains," 2018 Annual Meeting, August 5-7, Washington, D.C. 274355, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.

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