Gender aspects of smallholder private groundwater irrigation in Ghana and Zambia
Based on:
Journal Article (2013)
Exploring the role of women and men in small scale farmer-led irrigation development. This research analysed gender dimensions of the adoption of small-scale private irrigation technologies in Ghana and Zambia.
Brief by:
Research collaborators:
Continental and national policies promote gender equality also in the domains of agriculture and irrigation. Yet, evidence on the gender dimension of irrigation adoption processes in sub-Saharan Africa is rare and assumptions diverge. This paper aims to inform such divergence by evidence generated from three gender-disaggregated variables in the quantitative farm household surveys, which were carried out under the AgWater Solutions Project in Ghana and Zambia. The variables are: headship of household, labour provision and plot management as intra-household production sub-units.
Key findings
It was identified that female-headed households (FHHs) adopted irrigation at a rate that is at least two-thirds of that of male-headed households (MHHs).
However, FHHs adopted manual irrigation technologies such as buckets more often, while MHHs favoured motor pumps and river diversions.
Men generally provided more labour for irrigation activities.
Women in FHHs provided least labour: only 35% of total household labour.
Having an own plot of land encouraged female heads of households to adopt irrigation more often than overall adoption rates for female-headed households.
Married women with their own plots of land had the highest rates of irrigation adoption out of all the categories in one site in Zambia, but adoption rates were lower than overall rates in two other sites.
Women’s decision-making appeared to be somewhat stronger on irrigated plots than on rain-fed plots.
Proposed action
The importance of technology for women
It is important that women have their own fields, and that they have irrigation as well
There is also a need for support for farmer-led irrigation in general
Energy sources are also a key consideration for farmer-led irrigation
Women are now confined to the more labour-intensive technologies due to the lack of financing and land
Comments
You must log in to ask a question
Acknowledgements
Thank you to iDE Global
These insights were made available thanks to the support of iDE Global, who are committed to the dissemination of knowledge for all.
Special thanks to Jasmyn Spanswick for preparation assistance
We would like to extend a special thank you to Jasmyn Spanswick, for their invaluable contribution in assisting the preparation of this research summary.
Are you a researcher looking to make a real-world impact? Join Acume and transform your research into a practical summary.
Already have an account? Log in
Discover more
Gender aspects of smallholder private groundwater irrigation in Ghana and Zambia
Cite this brief: van Koppen, Barbara. 'Gender aspects of smallholder private groundwater irrigation in Ghana and Zambia'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/gender-aspects-of-smallholder-private-groundwater-irrigation-in-ghana-and-zambia/
Brief created by: Dr Barbara van Koppen | Year brief made: 2022
Original research:
- L. H., van Koppen, B., & W. C., ‘Gender aspects of smallholder private groundwater irrigation in Ghana and Zambia’ 38(6) (pp. 840–851) https://doi.org/10.1080/02508060.2013.843844. – https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02508060.2013.843844
Research brief:
Exploring the role of women and men in small scale farmer-led irrigation development. This research analysed gender dimensions of the adoption of small-scale private irrigation technologies in Ghana and Zambia.
Continental and national policies promote gender equality also in the domains of agriculture and irrigation. Yet, evidence on the gender dimension of irrigation adoption processes in sub-Saharan Africa is rare and assumptions diverge. This paper aims to inform such divergence by evidence generated from three gender-disaggregated variables in the quantitative farm household surveys, which were carried out under the AgWater Solutions Project in Ghana and Zambia. The variables are: headship of household, labour provision and plot management as intra-household production sub-units.
Findings:
It was identified that female-headed households (FHHs) adopted irrigation at a rate that is at least two-thirds of that of male-headed households (MHHs).
However, FHHs adopted manual irrigation technologies such as buckets more often, while MHHs favoured motor pumps and river diversions.
Men generally provided more labour for irrigation activities.
Women in FHHs provided least labour: only 35% of total household labour.
Having an own plot of land encouraged female heads of households to adopt irrigation more often than overall adoption rates for female-headed households.
Married women with their own plots of land had the highest rates of irrigation adoption out of all the categories in one site in Zambia, but adoption rates were lower than overall rates in two other sites.
Women’s decision-making appeared to be somewhat stronger on irrigated plots than on rain-fed plots.
Advice:
The importance of technology for women
- avoiding the male monopolisation of technology, and instead showing that on the ground women already use technologies. It’s very important that women are supported in technology adoption.
It is important that women have their own fields, and that they have irrigation as well
There is also a need for support for farmer-led irrigation in general
- It is important to realise that farmer-led irrigation is often informal, but it is widespread.
Energy sources are also a key consideration for farmer-led irrigation
- Often diesel is too expensive, so solar energy is very important for irrigation, and it is important to stimulate it.
Women are now confined to the more labour-intensive technologies due to the lack of financing and land
- It is important that they also have access to the more labour-saving technologies.