Redesigning production systems for water-use efficiency amongst smallholder farmers at Numbi, South Africa.

Abstract

The study sought to redesign production systems for water-use efficiency (WUE) using a quantitative approach to enhance food security and rural livelihoods. The study focused on water management practices, and challenges hindering the transition towards water efficient smallholder production systems. The study was guided by the following objectives: i) to examine production systems employed by smallholder farmers for WUE, ii) to assess the challenges in accepting formal water management systems iii) to determine the application of water-use efficiency approaches by smallholder farmers in the Numbi area, and iv) to determine the acceptance of formal water management systems at the study area. A structured questionnaire was administered to 141 farmers in the Numbi area of Mbombela Local Municipality, Mpumalanga province, South Africa. The analysis of the study's goals and objectives was carried out using various analytical tools including descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and the binary logistic regression model. The study findings reveal that farmers understand the WUE concept as they have adapted WUE approaches which align with their primary irrigation water sources and farming practices. The smallholder farmers have also demonstrated a cautious utilisation of the limited water resource. However, the rate at which these production systems adapt to the changing climate is reduced by resource constraints. These challenges encompass insufficient irrigation equipment, inadequate knowledge and skills in irrigation water management, the impact of climate change, limited access to financial institutions for funding, and modest returns from seasonal sales. Therefore, the study recommends that to redesign production systems for water-use efficiency (WUE), several factors such as socioeconomic considerations, collaborative efforts among farmers, long-term planning, awareness building and training, technology and infrastructure integration, climate-resilient farming practices, financial support mechanisms, as well as robust research and extension services have to be prioritised by stakeholders and policy makers.