Impacts Of Irrigation Investment On Agricultural Productivity, Food Security And Poverty, Case Of Masvingo District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Irrigation plays a vital role in increasing agricultural productivity. Several studies suggest that crop yields are consistently greater in irrigated areas than in rain-fed areas. Scholars have mostly studied one aspect of irrigation's effects on agricultural productivity, poverty, or food security. This study examines all three aspects simultaneously to fill the gap left by these scholars. Using quantitative methodology, previous research has established a relationship between irrigation investments and productivity in eighteen developing nations. Studies have found a positive link between investment and agricultural productivity using a non-parametric technique. This study used a mixed methods approach to gain an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon. The study observed that irrigation impacted livelihoods in a number of ways including employment creation, food and nutrition security. Group irrigation need to be organised into cooperative organizations so that they can have better access to inputs, financing, and markets.