Rural farmers participation in smallholder irrigation : analytical stance of selected Shilor scheme beneficiaries in Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Abstract

The paper examined households’ participation and decision making in smallholder irrigation practice with specific reference to Shiloh irrigation scheme. The objectives of the study were to investigate the determinants of participation and decision making among smallholder irrigation farmers; to survey the association between household and farm characteristics in Shiloh scheme. A survey design, quantitative and qualitative research methodologies were employed in the study. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 21). Frequencies, percentages, bar and pie chart was also used for data description. Seven variables were discovered to have positive correlation on households’ participation and decision making. The paper concludes that it is appropriate to enact an effective policy programme to address the diversity of smallholders’ circumstances and recognise their major constraints.