Assessing the growth potential of farmer-led irrigation development in sub-Saharan Africa

This research project, funded by ESRC & DFID, brings together a team of social science researchers and irrigation scientists from the UK, Europe and Africa. The project seeks to understand if current investment by famers in irrigation can offer a model for broad-based economic growth in rural areas of Africa.

A systematic analysis of existing initiatives in Mozambique and Tanzania will inform policies to generate growth in agricultural productivity, give a greater understanding of social and economic consequences, of changing land and water rights, and the choices of technical and financial support required.