Government of Zimbabwe and various stakeholders have over the past two decades combined efforts to cascade new agricultural models to farmers through various capacity building initiatives. The relevant farming techniques and models are a response to the current global trends and challenges ranging from Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), employment gaps and poverty alleviation among others. Zimbabwe is specifically faced with multifaceted challenges in the wake of climate change which include drought, low agricultural yields, low food security and hunger. The Government is still convinced to invest more in the agricultural sector which is still believed to be the backbone of the economy.
Drip irrigation is a component of agricultural programs that has gained momentum over the recent years. The inception of irrigation schemes since 2004 has assisted in mitigating the impacts of drought and hunger, especially to small scale holder farmers in Zimbabwe. Scientifically drip irrigation is classified as a micro-irrigation system which sustainably saves water and nutrients by enabling water to gradually filter through the roots of plants without causing leaching of nutrients. Ideally the concept is to allow a continued irrigation scenario which targets watering of roots in a mechanized manner that minimizes the processes of evapo-transpiration.
The whole irrigation system is composed of valves, pipes, tubing and emitters. These would ensure maximized activities of local farmers who are now continuously kept attached in their respective fields all year round. Various farmers under the mechanization programme went through training sessions focused on operating various types of irrigation and these include sprinkler irrigation which is sometimes referred as surface irrigation. A capacity building workshop on small scale farmers held in the Capital in February this year by Oxfam was ushered in convergence of ideas from small holder farmers who are now relying on drip irrigation.
It is believed that drip irrigation is classified as primitive drip irrigation in ancient China and was adopted around 1860 in Germany when a group of researchers were consenting to experiments. Broad knowledge on drip irrigation was later expanded in 1920s and onwards in countries such as Australia and Israel. The earliest models came from United States of America with the inception of first drip tape, named Dew Hose developed by Richard Chapin of Chapin Watermatics in the early 1960s. Today Jain Irrigation in United States of America is reported to have acquired the Chapin Watermatics in 2006.
When the government embarked on the mechanization programme which is still sailing under the wheels of Command Agriculture, some farmers received irrigation equipment. This concurrently ran parallel with drip irrigation. Drip Irrigation is ideal in modern farms, greenhouses, gardens and is viable in areas with abundant water. Locally, the secluded type of irrigation has given rise to the production of sugarcane, maize, tomatoes, cotton, coconuts, egg plants, grapes, trees, bananas, citruses and many more.
A visit to Mashonaland Central Province particularly in the commercial areas of Mazowe and Bindura observed some synchronized drip irrigation system. The irrigation system has been instrumental in providing a ready market for horticultural products at Mbare Musika all year round. This proved to become a source of income for most farmers situated in Mazowe close to Harare.
Anesu Trizumbar, Founder of Farm Fresh Produce and a Horticulture expert based in Mazowe says she relies on drip irrigation for her crop production which is produced even during off season. “I rely more on drip irrigation and it is quite relevant in my field work as I concentrate more on maximizing horticulture products. This has enhanced high quality products for my crops which are now sort after by major retailers and supermarkets in Zimbabwe.” To date the youthful farmer has mentored more than hundred farmers regarding horticulture and drip irrigation.
Current global trends have seen professionals calling sustainable use of resources without compromising the future generation. Farmers situated in the peri-urban areas are hyped to use recycles waste water from municipalities in a manner that protects environment and its habitants.
Francis Vengai, Deputy Director in the Department of Agriculture Education and Farmer Training said drip irrigation is becoming more relevant in the wake of climate change related scenarios through its multifaceted characteristics. “Drip irrigation is more viable during the current drought seasons. It is the way to go because it uses simple methods such as bucket system were one can pour water where it is directed along drip lines. Is labour and cost saving, and it is directly applied on the plant at the same time it is not wasteful. It is conservative in terms of soil and water.”
According to Dr Vengesa, Drip Irrigation is mainly used in peri-urban lands and gave examples in areas surrounding Bulawayo and parts of Matebeleland. “Locally drip irrigation is mainly practiced in peri-urban farmers, irrigation colleges, Matebeleland area just outside Bulawayo and farms.”
