FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE THE ACCEPTABILITY OF IRRIGATION SCHEDULING WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO SCHEDULING MODELS
Report No 893/1/00

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The main goal of this pilot research project was to investigate the factors which influence the acceptance of irrigation scheduling with specific reference to scheduling models. Within this framework the objectives of this research were to:

To effect these objectives, three sites were chosen, viz.:

The research focus at each of the three sites was slightly different. At Rust de Winter, the focus was on the main goal, viz. factors which influence the acceptance of irrigation scheduling with specific reference to scheduling models. At Riet River and the Loskop Irrigation Scheme, the focus was on the objectives as shown above. Since Rust de Winter differs from the other sites in terms of its socio-economic circumstances, different research methodologies were employed at the sites. Rust de Winter required a range of typical Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques, while at Riet River and Loskop questionnaire based semi-formal interviews were used. At Rust de Winter the combinations of PRA techniques that were used were; transect walks, semi-structured interviews with key informants, historical timelines, Venn diagram, seasonal calendar, constraint identification and ranking and scoring and prioritisation. Based on a problem conceptualisation the traditional questionnaire was constructed. The latter was focused specifically on achieving the goal of the research.

The results of the Rust de Winter investigation are shown in Chapter 2. They can be summarised as follows:

The results of the Riet River Settlement investigation are shown in Chapter 3. They can be summarised as follows:

The results of the Loskop Irrigation Scheme are shown in Chapter 4. They can be summarised as follows:

During this project technology transfer was effected in several ways. At Rust de Winter the farmers were engaged in dialogue and extensive discussions about irrigation. They were made aware of the need for appropriate scheduling and the principles of the application were explained to and discussed with them on an individual basis. At Riet River farmers were engaged in discussions about scheduling and the need thereof. The need for them to take more responsibility for data and scheduling was discussed with some of the farmers and they were made aware of the need to upgrade their scheduling skills and applications.

At Loskop the following steps were taken:

The implications of these findings are that:

It must be stated that irrigation scheduling cannot be practised effectively in the absence of appropriate and sustainable crop farming practices e.g. soil preparation. Irrigation scheduling is not a panacea to irrigation problems and its effectiveness depends on its interrelatedness with appropriate and sustainable farming practices.

This research has focused on selected irrigation scheduling models. It is recommended that further research should be done to include the whole country and other irrigation scheduling models.

As discussed above, it is clear that sufficient progress has been made towards achieving the main goal and each of the objectives. Therefore it can be concluded that the goal of this research has been achieved.