Institutions influence on smallholder irrigation production

Data was collected understand how institutions in smallholder irrigation schemes are working together and influence on productivity. It sought answers to the questions: what role do institutions play in irrigation infrastructure operation and maintenance, and how does that affect productivity? A case study approach was used to collect data. Focus was given to Mkoba and Silalatshani Irrigation Schemes, which are respectively in the Gwayi and Mzingwane catchments of Zimbabwe. The Mkoba scheme has an irrigable area of 10.2 hectares (ha) while Silalatshani has an irrigable area of 442.8 ha respectively. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used. Key informant interviews, focus group discussions and field observations were used to establish farmer perceptions on institutions operating in irrigation schemes. A total of 101 questionnaires were administered to smallholder irrigation households. Data on yields harvested, amount of water being received from reservoirs and planting times were gathered from farmers’ and records from the Departments of Agriculture and Extension (AGRITEX) and Irrigation, as well as ZINWA. Descriptive statistics, Social Statistical Package for Scientists (SPSS), version 23 and equations were used to analyse data. The data can be reused to inform policy or to edify data collection of similar calibre