Water Management Trajectory: Evidence from Smallholder Farmers in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

The book chapter looked at water management trajectory, conservation practices and constraints encountered by smallholder farmers in water resource conservation in Mpumalanga, South Africa. In South Africa, most smallholder irrigation schemes lack adequate farmers’ participation and a well-developed human capital to effectively maintain irrigation infrastructure and conserve water. Data from the survey was gathered through focus group discussions, informed observation, and structured questionnaires. The frequency responses, mean, and logistics regression were employed for data analysis. The chapter elucidates how the following variables-age, gender, level of education, access to irrigation facilities, payment of water tariff and agricultural extension services were significant and associated with adoption of water conservation practice. The identified constraints in water management and adoption process were inadequate technical guidelines, financial, government policies, and inadequate knowledge of water conservation practices. The book chapter epitomises the need to improve information, showcase the benefits of water conservation and management, and ensure maintenance of water conservation infrastructure. In the main, concerted effort must be made to create a robust database on water management and conservation, amenable to the environment of Mpumalanga.