SMALLHOLDER IRRIGATION REVITALISATION PROGRAMME

RAPID APPRAISAL REPORT FOR SEBASA IRRIGATION SCHEME

GWANDA DISTRICT

MATABELELAND SOUTH PROVINCE

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Table of Contents List of acronyms ........................................................................................................................ 4

1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 5

1.1 Objectives of the rapid appraisal...................................................................................... 5

2. Methodology ...................................................................................................................... 5

2.1 Methods used for primary data collection ....................................................................... 5

2.2 Tools used to collect Primary data ................................................................................... 6

3. Background to the Scheme ................................................................................................ 7

4. Crop and Livestock Production ......................................................................................... 8

4.1 Crop production ............................................................................................................... 9

4.2 Good Agricultural Practices ............................................................................................. 9

4.3 Conservation Agriculture ............................................................................................... 10

4.4 Post-harvest management. ............................................................................................. 10

5. Marketing ......................................................................................................................... 10

5.1 Inputs.............................................................................................................................. 10

5.2 Output markets ............................................................................................................... 11

5.3 Value addition ................................................................................................................ 12

5.4 Marketing challenges ..................................................................................................... 12

6. Access to Finance ............................................................................................................ 12

7.Water sources and distribution .............................................................................................. 12

7.1 Water management ........................................................................................................ 13

7.2 Water Uses ..................................................................................................................... 13

7.3 Challenges ...................................................................................................................... 13

8. Irrigation Infrastructure ........................................................................................................ 13

8.1 Head works .................................................................................................................... 13

8.2 Conveyance system ........................................................................................................ 14

8.3 Infield system ................................................................................................................. 14

8.4 Fencing ........................................................................................................................... 15

8.5 Storeroom ....................................................................................................................... 15

8.6 Siphons ........................................................................................................................... 16

8.7 Access roads and drains ................................................................................................. 16

9. Operations, Maintenance and Management ......................................................................... 16

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9.1 Scheme Management ..................................................................................................... 16

9.2 Operation and Maintenance ........................................................................................... 16

7. Gender Issues ................................................................................................................... 16

8. Natural Resources Management and Environment and Health ....................................... 17

11.1 Environmental challenges ...................................................................................... 17

11.2 Soil and water conservation works ........................................................................ 18

11.3 Water harvesting .......................................................................................................... 18

11.4 Health Issues ................................................................................................................ 18

9. Institutional Support and other developmental programmes ........................................... 18

12.1 Service providers ......................................................................................................... 18

12.2 Developmental programmes ........................................................................................ 18

10. Major Findings .............................................................................................................. 19

11. Recommendations ......................................................................................................... 20

Annex1: Rapid Appraisal team members ................................................................................ 22

Annex 2: Attendance register IMC meeting ............................................................................ 23

Annex 3: Irrigators FGD Attendance register .......................................................................... 24

Annex 4: Dryland FGD Attendance register ........................................................................... 25

List of tables

Table 1: Primary data collection tools…………………………………………………………5

Table 2: Last cropping programme…………………………………………………………….9

Table 3: Inputs available at agro-dealer shop………………………………………………....11

Table 4: Livestock production statistics………………………………………………………11

Table 5: Boreholes on site……………………………………………………………………13

Table 5: Common Roles and responsiblities of men and women……………………………17

List of figures

Figure 1: Participants at the dryland focus group discussion .................................................... 6

Figure 2: Current state of scheme .............................................................................................. 8

Figure 3: An irrigation engineer inspecting the remains of a borehole ................................... 14

Figure 4: Infield canals ............................................................................................................ 15

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List of acronyms

ADRA Adventist development and Relief Agency

AGRITEX Agricultural Technical and Extension Services

DDF District Development Fund

DoI Department of Irrigation

FGD Focus Group Discussion

GAP Good Agricultural Practice

MAMID Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation development

IMC Irrigation Management Committee

O&M Operation and Maintenance

PCU Project Coordinating Unit

RDC Rural District Council

SIRP Smallholder Irrigation Revitalisation Programme

SISP Smallholder Irrigation Support Programme

ZESA Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority

ZINWA Zimbabwe National Water Authority

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1. Introduction

The rapid appraisal for Sebasa irrigation scheme was conducted from the 16th to 21st October

2017. The appraisal was carried out by officials from the Department of Irrigation, AGRITEX

and the Project Coordinating Unit.

1.1 Objectives of the rapid appraisal

The main objective of the rapid appraisal was to assess the technical, organizational and

socioeconomic conditions of the scheme. Specifically, the assessment sought to:

Assess scheme performance

Diagnose key constraints affecting scheme performance and possible interventions

Capture stakeholders and farmer views on rehabilitation

Assess training needs

Formulate actions plans to increase scheme performance

2. Methodology

The rapid appraisal made use of both primary and secondary data. It targeted potential

beneficiaries and stakeholders of the Smallholder Irrigation Revitalisation Programme (SIRP),

and these include dryland and irrigating farmers, key informants and service providers. The

key informants interviewed are from the departments of AGRITEX, Irrigation, Mechanisation,

District Development Fund (DDF), Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), and

Ministry of Health and Child Care. Primary and secondary data was collected through the use

of various tools developed by the implementing partners together with the PCU. Secondary

data was collected through review of literature availed by the departments of AGRITEX,

Irrigation and Mechanisation.

2.1 Methods used for primary data collection

Various methods were used to collect data so as to verify issues on the ground. The methods

used to collect primary data are outlined below:

2.1.1 Focus Group discussions

Four separate focus group discussion were held with irrigators, dryland farmers, local leaders

and the IMC (please refer to table 1 for more details). Focus group discussions helped to collect

information on scheme history and performance, agricultural production, water issues, gender

dynamics, access to markets, access to finance, scheme management, training gaps and major

production challenges.

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Figure 1: Participants at the dryland focus group discussion

2.1.2 In-depth Interviews

A household questionnaire was administered to the lowest, medium and best performing

agricultural households to assess production levels, input use and market access.

2.1.3 Observations

Observations were also used to assess the status of infrastructure and activities at the scheme.

2.2 Tools used to collect Primary data

Primary data was collected using tools given in Table 1.

Table 1: Primary data collection tools

Tool Target Number of

participants

Irrigators Focus Group guide Irrigators 10 (5males, 5females)

Dryland Focus group guide Dryland farmers adjacent to

the scheme

17 (9males, 8females).

7 kraal heads were also

present.

Province / District key informant

guide

AGRITEX, DoI, Department

of Mechanisation, ZINWA,

DDF, Ministry of Health and

the RDC.

Interviews targeted 9

heads of departments

Scheme level key informant

guide

Local leadership, Irrigation

Management committee and

extension worker

The councillor, local

extension worker and

IMC were interviewed.

5 members (1 male, 4

7

females) of the IMC

were interviewed.

Household questionnaire Irrigating farmers (high,

medium and low performers)

3 household

questionnaires were

administered to 3

irrigators for purposes

of collecting crop

production data

Service providers Agro-dealers One female agro-dealer

was interviewed

Infrastructure questionnaire Irrigation infrastructure

available

3. Background to the Scheme

Sebasa Irrigation scheme (21°46’S 29°71’E) lies at an altitude of 556m. It is located 150km

(60km tarred road and 90km gravel road) in ward 24, South of Gwanda town. Using the

Gwanda Beitbridge road one travels for about 10km to Mapani shopping centre. Turn right and

travel for about 110km to Patana turn off on the right and the road will lead to the irrigation

scheme after traveling a distance of 30km.

The irrigation project area falls under Natural Region V. This is an extensive farming zone

dominated by cattle ranching. Annual rainfall averages between 300mm and 400mm. The area

is subject to periodic seasonal droughts and severe dry spells during the rainy season

The scheme was established in 1968 with government assistance with the objective of

enhancing household and community food security. Sebasa irrigation scheme is surrounded by

4 villages namely Nhwali, Bolomelo, Patana and Stakeng with a total population of 1270

people.

The gross irrigable area is 65ha and net irrigable area is 56ha. Historical information shows

that at establishment, 100 beneficiaries were allocated plots in the scheme with an average plot

holding of 0.5ha. The scheme stopped operating during the liberation struggle in the 1970s,

only to be resuscitated with Government assistance in the 1980s. It was highly productive and

was irrigated using a sand abstraction system. The sand abstraction system involved five pumps

delivering water into two stilling boxes. From the stilling boxes, water flowed into the main

canal from where it was distributed in the field through a system of infield canals. Farmers

then siphoned water from the field canals into their plots. According to the Smallholder

Irrigation Support Program (SISP) report of 2001, the scheme malfunctioned with regular

breakdowns of engines and leakages in main and infield canals being experienced because of:

Degeneration during the war

Poor headworks maintenance

Poor water management

Low maintenance works by AGRITEX on infield works

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Poor definition of farmers’ roles in operation and maintenance

Poor marketing strategies by farmers

In 1995 Government agreed with the community to downsize the irrigated area from 56ha to

30ha in response to declining water supply due to increasing engine inefficiencies.

Correspondingly, the Government also reduced plot allocation from 0.5 ha to 0.3ha. The water

supply situation was exacerbated by the 2000 cyclone Eline phenomenon, which widened the

river, causing collapse of three pump stations.

In 2002, SISP rehabilitated the main and infield canals and replaced the boundary fence.

Farmers continued to produce but with constant engine breakdowns until a complete collapse

in 2005. In 2006/7, Operation Maguta intervened and tried to service and repair all the diesel

engines. They did not succeed because the engines were recommended to be un-serviceable

but needed a complete overhaul. The overall process could only be done in South Africa but

was very expensive therefore it was abandoned.

Currently, the scheme is not functioning and part of the formerly irrigated area (section C) is

now under dryland farming. To date, tree regrowth has reclaimed approximately 70% of the

scheme, in blocks A, C and D. In 2015, Dabane Trust assisted farmers to clear 10ha in block

A, drilled 3 boreholes; and 48 beneficiaries (27females; 21males) are earmarked to benefit from

the reclaimed land. In November 2016, Dabane Trust partially installed 3 sand abstraction

systems in the Tuli River to supply water to the scheme, but the work could not be completed

due to financial constraints. In 2017, Dabane Trust and Practical Action teamed up to supply

submersible pumps and extend the Mashaba solar grid system from Mankonkoni irrigation

scheme to Sebasa irrigation scheme. Installation of submersible pumps is still outstanding due

to the high-water table in the sand aquifer.

Figure 2: Current state of scheme

4. Crop and Livestock Production

Agriculture is the major source of livelihoods, with livestock having pre-eminence over

crops due to recurrent droughts in the area.

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4.1 Crop production

Currently, there are no crops grown under irrigation because the scheme is not functional.

Only a few farmers grow maize during the rainy season. In the 2016/17 season, average

maize production was 0.3tonnes/ha. When the scheme was functional, farmers used to grow

maize, wheat, sugar beans, tomatoes and leafy vegetables as the main crops, with only a

few farmers engaged with sweet potatoes, sugarcane and bananas. Farmers who owned

plots at the far end of the scheme are the ones who used to be involved with the minor

crops. The major reason for growing these crops at the far end of the scheme was to reduce

wastage of water. The typical crop programme that was followed is shown in table 2.

Farmers plan to irrigate maize, sugar beans and wheat in rotation, when the scheme is

rehabilitated. The other cash crops of interest include butternuts, carrots, groundnuts,

cabbages, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, Irish potatoes and watermelons.

Table 2: Last cropping programme

Crop Summer Early

winter

Late winter Percentage cropped%

Maize Mid

October

- - 100

Wheat - Mid May - 50

Sugar bean February - - 30

Vegetables 5

Total 185%

On dryland, main crops grown are sorghum, finger millet, groundnuts, bambara nuts and

cowpeas. Average yields for small grains in the ward are usually 0.1t/ha in drought years

and 0.3tonnes/ha when normal rains are received. An average area of 0.5ha per household

of finger millet and/ or sorghum is usually cropped every season, mainly for household

food security purposes. Farmers in Patana area have since stopped growing maize because

the rainfall pattern in the area does not sustain maize production. There are also no cash

crops produced under rainfed conditions.

Bambara nuts, groundnuts and cowpea are generally regarded as women’s crops and a

small area (0.05ha per household) is usually put under such crops.

4.2 Good Agricultural Practices

Farmers are practicing the following GAPs under dryland farming:

Farmers usually rotate cereals and legumes. They were assisted by FAO to get

cowpea and sorghum seed under the subsidized input scheme.

Winter ploughing for moisture conservation

Conservation agriculture. The most widely used CA technology are basins

(ugatshombo) and ripping (with and without residues)

Contour making and contour rehabilitation

Early weeding to prevent high disease and pest infestations in crops

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The challenge in practicing GAPs are limited capital to purchase inputs such as fertilizers and

certified seed, recurrent droughts and lack of draft power. The impact of draught power

shortages is felt at the start of the cropping season, as cattle and donkeys will still be too lean

and weak to be useful, due to limited grazing.

Training gaps

Farmers wish to be trained in:

Climate change related issues

Water harvesting techniques

Drought mitigation measures

Livestock diseases diagnosis and treatment

4.3 Conservation Agriculture

Conservation agriculture has been promoted in Zimbabwe as a way of conserving soil and

moisture in order to improve crop productivity and production. The most common methods

used by smallholder farmers are basins (ugatshombo) and ripping as these are deemed effective

at conserving both soil and moisture.

Main challenges in practising CA

Labour intensive so many farmers do not practise it

Stray animals destroy crops since the fields are not fenced. Farmers cannot use the same

basins used previously

Limited mechanised options so farmers rely on use of the hoe instead of other tillage

methods

Flash floods

Erratic and low rainfall patterns to such an extent that sometimes there is crop failure

even with conservation agriculture

4.4 Post-harvest management.

Maize and small grains are produced for household consumption and produce is traditionally

stored in 50kg bags. The 50 kg bags of maize and small grains are usually kept in separate huts

after treatment for weevils. A storeroom is available at the scheme but it is in a dilapidated state

with the roof leaking and has holes on the floor. Currently the storeroom is not being used.

5. Marketing

There is no meaningful crop production at the scheme, and not much surpluses are expected.

for sale from the scheme. Any surpluses would be quickly absorbed locally and there is no need

for organized markets.

5.1 Inputs

Farmers buy inputs from agro-dealers at Nhwali business centre (25km away), Gwanda

markets (about 150km away) and Impala seeds in Bulawayo (270km from the scheme).

Farmers buy inputs individually in small quantities (200g, 200ml, 2kg and 5kg packs are the

most common). The agro-dealer interviewed at Nhwali business centre said that such small

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quantities do not support creation of market linkages with farmers at irrigation schemes.

However, she gives inputs on credit to farmers whom she knows very well and trusts. Most

agriculture chemicals were available in the shop in small packs, which are appropriate for

farmers in the area. The agro-dealer purchases the agricultural chemicals and equipment on

demand from markets in Bulawayo. Table 3 below shows some of the inputs which were

available in the shop during the time of assessment. The prices fall within the range being

charged by other retailers in Gwanda town.

Table 3: Inputs available at the agro-dealer shop

Type of input Price ($)

200g carbaryl 5

200g Chicken dust 2

100ml red spider kill 3.50

200ml Flumethrin 4.50

200ml diazinon 5

10g Carrots seed 1

10g cabbage seed 1

Hoe 5

Ox-drawn plough wheel 8

5.2 Output markets

Farmers are not normally involved with marketing activities for crops as crops are normally

reserved for household consumption. Crops produced in the area do not usually last until the

next harvesting period.

Small and large stock livestock markets are located at Nhwali business centre (25 km from the

scheme) and Gwanda town (150 km from the scheme), and farmers market their livestock

individually. Table 2 shows livestock production statistics in the area.

Table 4: Livestock production statistics

Livestock species Average number per

household

Average price (USD)

Cattle 15 350

Goats 25 25

Sheep 20 40

Indigenous chickens 30 6

Donkeys 4 70

At the time of the appraisal, a 20-litre bucket of small grains and maize were selling at $6 and

$8, respectively. Potential markets are Manama boarding school, for sugar beans, GMB

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Manama for maize and wheat. Manama business centre is approximately 60km from the

scheme. Other markets can be sourced in Gwanda town and Bulawayo. There is also great

potential for farmers to explore markets in the neighbouring countries of Botswana and South

Africa, but this requires farmers produce quality products in sufficient quantities to be able to

compete on the regional markets.

5.3 Value addition

The main forms of value addition are cleaning and grading of produce. Farmers wish to have a

grinding mill at the scheme, and this will be used to process maize into maize meal which can

be sold to communities surrounding the scheme, where maize meal is on high demand.

5.4 Marketing challenges

Farmers face a number of challenges, including:

Limited access to lucrative markets for livestock

Limited capital to purchase stock feeds for animals when there is critical need.

Pests and diseases as well as limited grazing affect quality of animals and hence low

market prices

Poor road network to markets

6. Access to Finance

There is no formal financial institution providing finance to farmers. Farmers rely on livestock

sales, brick moulding, piece jobs at the nearby Mankonkoni irrigation scheme to finance their

farming. ISALs are also common in the area with members contributing amounts ranging from

$2 to $10 per month in groups of about 10 people. The groups lent money to their members

only at 10% interest to minimize risk, as they fear that non-members may not pay back loaned

monies. However, loans availed by ISALs are usually too little to support meaningful

livelihood activities. A member is allowed to borrow a minimum of $10 and maximum of $50

and pay within three months.

Farmers expressed interest in borrowing money from financial institutions that are willing to

finance their livelihood activities, but there are no ready sources of financing that are willing

to avail loans to them.

7.Water sources and distribution

The main source of irrigation water is the Tuli River, located about 50m from the scheme.

Submersible BH 400 diesel powered mono pumps were used to extract water through sand

abstraction methods when the scheme was functional. All the five pumping stations initially

installed to supply water to the irrigation scheme are currently down. Water from the Tuli River

is abundant, and available throughout the year, even in drought years. The major problem,

which farmers are facing currently, is pumping and conveying of water to their plots. Dryland

farmers get their water from boreholes, which dry off from October to the beginning of the next

rainy season.

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7.1 Water management

ZINWA is responsible for managing water supplies to the scheme, and are, therefore,

responsible for repair and maintenance of the water conveyance system.

7.2 Water Uses

Other uses for the water include drinking for both humans and livestock, brick moulding and

washing. The same river also supplies water to the neighbouring Mankonkoni irrigation

scheme, which is about a km away.

7.3 Challenges

The main challenge confronting farmers when the scheme is in operation is limited energy to

pump water to the scheme due to inability of the solar system to supply energy. Plot holders at

Mankonkoni irrigation scheme are facing a similar challenge as they are failing to fully utilize

the scheme due to limited electricity generated by the solar system installed to supply energy

for the operations of the scheme.

8. Irrigation Infrastructure

8.1 Head works

Head works consist of: -

A 50Kva transformer, a High-tension line, a Low-tension line and 3 starter boxes.

Electricity is available from the 100 KW Mashaba Mini-Solar Grid system located

10km away. However, the energy supplied from this source is not enough as the solar

system supports two irrigation schemes,2 Business centres, 1 school and a clinic. Only

10ha can be irrigated. There is need to put more generators to power the other 50ha.

3 boreholes located in the Tuli River bed, each with capacity to discharge 30m3/hr of

water. The boreholes, which are in the middle of the river, have a depth ranging between

6 and 10m. The boreholes are cased with a perforated 315mm PVC pipe and are

equipped with 2 x 5kw submersible pumps with a discharge 30m3/hr

Table 5: Boreholes on site

Borehole Number Size of motor (kw) discharge (m3/hr)

1 5kw 30m3/hr

2 5kw 30m3/hr

3 5kw 30m3/hr

Six sets of well points for sand abstraction and one borehole (BH 4) were washed away

by Cyclone Eline floods, which occurred in 2000. From records examined, only 2 well

points are working (BH1 and 5). BH 2 (close to the bridge) need new well points whilst

the conditions of BH 3 and BH 6 are not known. When in full operation, the 6 well

points were equipped with BH 400 mono pumps, and these pumps are all down.

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Source of power for mono pumps were the TS3 diesel engines. The engines are no

longer available, and records show that they need replacement. They belonged to

ZINWA were collected by ZINWA since they were no longer serviceable.

Figure 3: Mr. S. Mpotegwa inspecting the remains of a borehole

8.2 Conveyance system

BH mono pumps deliver water via asbestos (AC) pipelines to two stilling basins with a

total dynamic head of 25m. BH 1 and 2 have a separate line, and water is delivered

through a 150mm AC pipe. The other pumps downstream pump into 400mm AC pipes,

and these two-conveyance systems discharge into one stilling basin.

From the stilling basin water is conveyed to blocks A, B, C and D via a 1000 m long,

450mm main canal. The main canal requires reapplication of expansion joint compound

along the entire canal. Some sections and panels need to be replaced. The stilling basin

needs re-plastering, and division boxes need to be redesigned and replaced.

8.3 Infield system

The 450mm main canal supplies water into infield canals (350mm secondary and

250mm tertiary) of blocks A, B, C and D. The total length of infield canals is 7200m,

and 40% of the canals need to be redone. The nature of damage on the canals include

cracks on some panels, some were trampled by animals and collapsed; and some were

destroyed by flash floods and flowing water. The entire 7200m of canal length needs

resealing at the joints with bitumen expansion joint compound.

There is need to redesign and replace 20 division boxes. They are outdated. It is just a

mere placement of canal gates.

There is need to redo storm drain barrages and revamp existing roads and drainage

systems. The total length of road and drainage system is 6000m (6km).

Trees and bushes have reclaimed parts of blocks A, C and D; whilst some sections of

Blocks B and C have been converted to dry land farming.

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Figure 4: Condition of Infield canals at Sebasa Irrigation Scheme

8.4 Fencing

The boundary fence at Sebasa irrigation scheme is composed of 3500m x 1.2m pig mash and

3 strands of barbed wire of equal length. The pig mash is still intact except in a small section

of approximately 200 m, where it is badly damaged. However, several rolls of barbed wire are

needed as approximately 4000m of the 3-strand wire are missing. There is need to put new

fencing posts as the existing ones are now rotten, and their poor condition has contributed to

sagging of the fence.

8.5 Storeroom

The storeroom is not being used as it is in a bad state, with a leaking roof and holes on the

floor. There is an urgent need to construct a warehouse, a shed a house for the extension worker

and offices for extension workers and IMC. Figure 5 shows the storeroom in two parts: the

photo on the left shows beneficiaries standing in front of storeroom and the photo on the right

shows part of the inside of the storeroom. It was used to store all irrigation equipment and

agricultural inputs when the scheme was functional.

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Figure 5: Storeroom at Sebasa Irrigation Scheme

8.6 Siphons

Siphons are 3mx63mm/75mm LDPE pipes. Currently, 15 siphons are available but are in bad

shape because they were damaged by rats. Each block requires 20 siphons giving a total

requirement of 80 siphons for the whole irrigation scheme.

8.7 Access roads and drains

The roads are in a bad state. Some bridges are partly broken down and impassable during rainy

season. Some portions (edges) on two bridges were completely swept away and top surface

eroded. Drains are blocked by logs and trees which have grown inside.

9. Operations, Maintenance and Management

Maintenance of irrigation machinery and equipment is critical for sustainability of the scheme.

Most schemes have malfunctioned due to lack of maintenance by farmers as they fail to

appreciate their role in irrigation asset maintenance. Good governance and management is also

important for survival of the scheme. A new IMC was elected in 2015. Some members are now

idle and have begun the process of re-registering.

9.1 Scheme Management

The scheme is led by a functional and effective IMC made up of 7 members (4 females; 3

males). The current committee was elected through secret ballot in 2015 and their period of

tenure is 3 years. The IMC meets weekly, on Tuesdays, to discuss issues affecting the scheme.

Scheme governance is guided by a constitution, which was formed in 2015.

The following subcommittees are in place, although they are not functional due to limited

activities at the scheme:

marketing subcommittee

disciplinary subcommittee and

Security subcommittee

9.2 Operation and Maintenance

The scheme is currently not functional, and, therefore, there are no operation and maintenance

activities. Farmers however had an initial plan to contribute $1 per plot holder per month to go

towards O&M, and this translates to a total of $576 per annum. On further discussions, the

irrigators agreed that the amount was too little and would not be adequate to support repairs, in

the event of major breakdowns. Beneficiaries finally agreed to contribute $2 per plot holder

per month. Farmers unanimously agreed that they will contribute $100 per ha if it is to be used

for O&M when scheme has been rehabilitated. Currently, there are no utility bills being paid

since the scheme is not functional. When the scheme was functional the IMC and AGRITEX

assisted in operation and maintenance.

7. Gender Issues

Generally, there is equal participation and equal benefits by both males and females in

irrigation schemes. Women dominate in the IMC and hold positions of influence, with the Vice

chairperson and treasurer being females. Females also outnumber males in terms of plot

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ownership, as are 27 females and 21 males make the mix of plot holders with plots registered

in their names.

Women also keep the money after livestock sales; although decisions on use of the money are

done jointly after which, men will lead the process of procuring productive inputs. Purchase of

household goods is a task for women. It was clear from analysis of tasks performed at

household level that some tasks are the responsibility of women while others are reserved for

men.

Table 3 shows productive and reproductive roles, which are defined as those roles that bring

income to the household and those roles which do not bring income to the household but are

essential for survival, respectively.

Table 6: Common Roles and responsibilities of Men and Women

Productive roles Reproductive roles

Task Men Women Task Men Women

Land preparation X Washing X

Weeding X Cooking X

Planting X Fetching firewood X

weeding x X Fetching water X

Fencing X

The results in Table 3 show that women have more tasks when compared to men because most

reproductive roles are the responsibility of women. Women, therefore, would have less leisure

time when compared to men due to the high number of tasks they have to perform in a day.

However, other gender analysis tools would be required to confirm this position.

Women are free to seek extension advice from experienced men and extension workers on

their own. Generally, youth are not keen on agriculture, preferring to seek menial jobs in

neighbouring Botswana and South Africa.

8. Natural Resources Management and Environment and Health

11.1 Environmental challenges

The main environmental challenges faced by farmers are

Overgrazing. Farmers agreed that destocking could have positive impacts on the

environment although it is very difficult to implement, as livestock rearing is a major

livelihood activity for the majority people in the area.

Deforestation is mainly a result of cutting down trees for poles required for fencing

homesteads. Alternative types of fencing are being encouraged to minimize

deforestation.

Soil erosion and gully formation

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11.2 Soil and water conservation works

There are no contours in the scheme, neither is there a micro catchment plan in place. However,

gabions have been put in place in some sections of the scheme to curb problems of gullies.

11.3 Water harvesting

Dryland farmers get their water from boreholes, which are prone to drying from the month of

October to the beginning of the next rainfall season. Farmers also harvest water from rooftops

using buckets and dishes during the rainy season for use in their homes.

11.4 Health Issues

The most common diseases in the area are (i) Malaria which is prevalent in the months of

October and November; (ii) Severe headaches, commonly experienced during the hot season;

from September to November and (iii) Diarrhoea.

Blair toilets are available at homesteads and at the scheme. There are 8 functional blair toilets

in the irrigation scheme. Most households were assisted with cement through a government

program to construct toilets at their homesteads. However, some homesteads that remain

without toilets (approximately 20%) for two main reasons; either the owners were simply too

lazy to dig toilet pits when cement was being distributed by the government programme or the

homesteads are new. Temporary shelters used by farmers when they are carrying out operations

in the irrigation are also a potential health threat as they have no toilets. The nearest village

from the scheme is 10km away and the furthest is 25km away so farmers cannot operate from

their permanent homes they have to build temporary shelter near the irrigation scheme.

9. Institutional Support and other developmental programmes

There are several governmental and non-governmental organisations, which are assisting

farmers as follows:

12.1 Service providers

AGRITEX provides advisory services in crop and livestock production

The Department of Irrigation is responsible for irrigation planning, carrying out

feasibility studies, irrigation rehabilitation and capacity building of farmers in irrigation

management

The department of Veterinary services also assists farmers in animal health. They assist

in control of tick borne diseases, disease diagnosis for proper treatment of diseases.

The Department of Mechanisation provided farmers with a tractor and disc harrow

under the More Food program, in November 2016. Both dryland farmers and irrigators

can hire the tractor at a rate of $100/ha. The money generated from hiring of tractor is

used to pay back the loan under the Brazilian loan facility being managed by the

department of Mechanisation. In addition, the department trains farmers in conservation

works, provides tillage services and post-harvest management services.

12.2 Developmental programmes

Some of the developmental programmes/ organisations that operate in the area are:

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Dabane Trust - assisting farmers to convey water to the scheme to irrigate 10ha of the

scheme, which have been cleared of trees. Dabane staff members were available at the

scheme at the time of the rapid appraisal working on pumps to

convey water to the 10ha area. They are installing new pumps and rehabilitating infield

canals

Practical Action- assisted in developing a solar field with 400 solar panels. The

organization also installed an 8km grid to supply solar power to Mankonkoni and

Sebasa irrigation schemes; a nearby school and a clinic. However, there are technical

challenges, which require an electrical engineer to address in order to establish the

causes of electricity shortages in the area. Mankonkoni irrigation scheme is not being

fully utilised due to shortage of electricity to pump enough water into the scheme.

SNV – market linkages and solar electricity provision. Farmers were trained in

marketing and were assisted to do market research in Bulawayo and Gwanda.

Pro-Africa – Started a goat pass on project in 2014. They started with 10 goats for a

group of 10 people who were supposed to share offspring and pass on lambs to the next

group of 10. The second group has already benefited.

Adventist development Relief Agency (ADRA)- Gave 2 hens to each household in

2015. One of the farmers present has a total of 200 chickens now that have multiplied

after initially benefitting from the programme.

World Vision trained groups in ISAL formation in 2015.

Figure 6: Solar panels at Mashaba Figure 7: Members of Dabane Trust and

Farmers extracting water from Tuli River

sand bed

10. Major Findings

I. Sebasa irrigation scheme has not been functional for the past 13 years, and about 70%

of the scheme has been reclaimed by trees.

II. Lack of maintenance and poor definition of farmers roles in operation and maintenance

of the scheme contributed to the collapse of the irrigation scheme

20

III. Farmers are producing maize under dryland in some parts of section C of the scheme.

When the scheme was functional maize, wheat, sugar beans, tomatoes and leafy

vegetables were grown. Potential crops, as per farmers’ preferences, are maize, wheat,

sugar beans, potatoes and butternuts.

IV. Livestock is a major livelihood activity for the farmers in the area

V. The scheme has 48 active members (21males and 27females) with an average plot size

of 0.2ha. Farmers are only using 10ha of the scheme, cleared with the assistance of

Dabane Trust in 2015. More beneficiaries will come on board as the scheme is

rehabilitated. Inactive members have started re-registering.

VI. There is plenty and reliable irrigation water from Tuli River, which is, located about

50m away from the scheme.

VII. The nearest input market for farmers is at Nhwali business centre, which is located

30km from the scheme.

VIII. There is high demand for agricultural produce locally and in areas. There is a ready

market for maize meal if farmers could process their maize into mealie meal. The

nearest GMB market is at Manama business centre, located 60km from the scheme.

IX. Transport is a major challenge for both input and output marketing. This condition is

worsened by the poor state of roads, especially during the rainy season

X. There is no access to finance from formal institutions for farmers in the area

XI. Gully formation is one of the major environmental challenges at the scheme

XII. The scheme has a functional IMC. However, training in scheme management is

required to improve performance

XIII. Most of the irrigation infrastructure is obsolete and needs replacement

XIV. Farmers received a tractor and disc harrow in November 2016 through the More Food

Program. The tractor and disc harrow are currently redundant

XV. Farmers and other stakeholders are eager to have the scheme rehabilitated

11. Recommendations

I. There is need to involve farmers right from the beginning of rehabilitation, for

sustainability to be attained. The process should, among other things, involving

bringing awareness to farmers on their roles and responsibilities, especially where

operation and maintenance of irrigation assets is concerned. Participation in operations

and maintenance of irrigation assets will improve farmers’ sense of ownership of the

scheme

II. Farmers should contribute regularly and meaningfully towards an O&M fund, and this

contribution could be in cash and/ or kind. Farmers should provide all labour

requirements as part of a process for building the sense of scheme ownership in farmers;

and sustainability.

III. Diesel engines should be replaced with solar powered systems as use of diesel power

is not sustainable. There is no service station near the scheme and diesel has to be

fetched from Gwanda town. The supplier of Mono pumps is also located in Bulawayo

(270km away), which makes servicing of the machinery and equipment very difficult.

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Use of hydroelectricity powered systems should also be minimized as this is not

sustainable in many circumstances, with farmers failing to pay electricity bills on a

regular basis.

IV. The appraisal team recommends that the maximum plot size be limited to 0.5ha per

household, and that the number of plot holders be increased from 48 to 120 farmers.

The beneficiary selection process should consider farmers who are able and capable to

produce.

V. Fencing should be repaired and electrified to prevent animals from destroying crops

and irrigation assets

VI. Famer trainings should emphasize the business approach to farming to give farmers a

business focus in all their production activities.

VII. Market linkages, focusing on Public-Private partnerships should be encouraged.

VIII. AGRITEX should consider allocating a dedicated extension worker to the scheme. For

effectiveness in operations, the extension worker should be provided with a house and

should be motorised

IX. Livestock projects should emphasize small stock

X. Safe drinking water should be supplied to farmers through borehole drilling

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Annex1: Rapid Appraisal team members

Name Organisation Designation

Shepard Mpotegwa DoI Acting Provincial Irrigation

Engineer

Masauso Mawocha AGRITEX Acting Provincial

Agricultural Extension

Officer

Ben Matshologwana AGRITEX District Agricultural

Extension Officer

Mavis Chikumbirike PCU Provincial Facilitator

Takunda Masvanhure DoI Irrigation Economist

23

Annex 2: Attendance register IMC meeting

Name Sex Organization and

Position

Phone number National ID

Number

Mavis

Chikumbirike

F PCU- Provincial

Facilitator

0773596086 79-097154R04

Ben

Matshologwana

M AGRITEX - DAEO

Gwanda district

0712912074/0778146466 08-1336622L53

Shepard Mpotegwa M DoI- Acting

Provincial Irrigation

Engineer

0777922566 28-0767434Y03

Masauso Mawocha M AGRITEX -Acting

PAEO

0773436747/0714900694 63-646057W63

Hlangabeza Moyo M AGRITEX – local

extension worker

0737144205 28-084337C28

Dumisani Moyo M IMC - Committee

member

0737176749 28-138322T28

Sharon Sibanda F IMC- Vice

chairperson

0733456717 28-042315D28

Keabetsoe Nyathi F IMC - Committee

member

0737175392 28-037264L28

Tidings Dube F Treasurer 0733456621 28-040834R28

Tsepie Nare F councilor 0734136295 67-069943L28

Oswel N. Ndlovu M Amalima- Field

officer

0736324551 08-2102684X56

24

Annex 3: Irrigators FGD Attendance register

Name Sex Organization and

Position

Phone number National ID

Number

Mavis

Chikumbirike

F PCU- Provincial

Facilitator

0773596086 79-097154R04

Ben

Matshologwana

M AGRITEX - DAEO

Gwanda district

0712912074/0778146466 08-1336622L53

Shepard

Mpotegwa

M DoI- Acting

Provincial Irrigation

Engineer

0777922566 28-0767434Y03

Masauso

Mawocha

M AGRITEX -Acting

PAEO

0773436747/0714900694 63-646057W63

Hlangabeza

Moyo

M AGRITEX – local

extension worker

0737144205 28-084337C28

Mpho Moyo F Farmer 0736589456 02-047938T02

Margaret Thoti F Farmer 0733462632 28-084122J28

Aliphel Dube F Farmer - Didn’t carry Id and

doesn’t know id

number off head

Thompson Moyo M Farmer 0737176503 Didn’t carry Id and

doesn’t know id

number off head

Christine

Sibanda

F Farmer 0734409979 Didn’t carry Id and

doesn’t know id

number off head

R. Nyathi M Farmer 08-260205A28

Dumisani

Sibanda

M Farmer 0735253645 28-083843Q28

Jamela Sibanda M Farmer - 28-070155M28

Isaac Dube M Farmer - 08-296394T28

Ethel Dube F Farmer - Didn’t carry Id

25

Annex 4: Dryland FGD Attendance register

Name Sex Organization and Position Phone number

R. Muzamhindo M MAMID- Principal Director

Irrigation and Mechanization

0776736135

Mavis Chikumbirike F PCU- Provincial Facilitator 0773596086

Ben Matshologwana M AGRITEX - DAEO Gwanda

district

0712912074/0778146466

Shepard Mpotegwa M DoI- Acting Provincial Irrigation

Engineer

0777922566

Masauso Mawocha M AGRITEX -Acting PAEO 0773436747/0714900694

Hlangabeza Moyo M AGRITEX – local extension

worker

0737144205

Masvanhure Takunda M DoI- Principal Economist 0773403643

Maqhawe Moyo M Dpt of Mechanization- Acting

Provincial Mechanization

Engineer

0775168315

Elizabeth Nkomo F Farmer- kraal head 0733456554

Naison Rangonyana M Farmer- kraal head 0733462668

Nickson Phiri M Farmer- kraal head 0735024544

Solomon Ndlovu M Farmer- kraal head 0377178381

Cossam Ncube M Farmer- kraal head 0738744182

Daniel Rankonyana M Farmer- kraal head 0733456523

Estar Nove F Farmer- Chief kraal head 0737175605

Egg Mazibeli F Farmer 0737774733

Sithokozile Tshuma F Farmer 0733404868

Agnella Rantas F Farmer 0738070732

Qaphelani Moyo F Farmer 0733462324

Freeman Dube M Farmer 0737175703

Wonderful Nyathi M Farmer 0734669548

Thabiso Mbedzi M Farmer 0733462346

Liveson Dube M Farmer 0733460652

Sithokozile Ndlovu F Farmer 0733871310

Edisie Mazibeli F Farmer 0737775432