Small-Scale Irrigation: A Catalyst for Resilience and Nutrition – Enriched by Driptime Solutions

In contrast to large-scale government-led water projects, small-scale irrigation is typically farmer-driven. Farmers themselves determine which technologies to use for water extraction, whether it's manual lifting or solar-powered water pumps. They also select the irrigation method, such as a bucket system or a specialized drip system. Farmers purchase, operate, and maintain the scheme either on their own farms or collaboratively with small groups.

Small-scale irrigation is a vital tool that can significantly boost the agricultural productivity and income of smallholder farmers. It can be rapidly scaled up without requiring massive public investments, thus contributing more quickly to national agricultural and development goals compared to monumental irrigation projects.

Currently, less than 5% of cultivated land in Sub-Saharan Africa is under irrigation. This reliance on rainfed agriculture prevents farmers from cultivating high-value and nutritious crops—like tomatoes or cucumbers—which often require consistent and substantial water applications. Many vegetable crops primarily consist of water, and their yield and quality rapidly deteriorate under water stress.

Rainfed agriculture limits the production and profitability of smallholder farmers, particularly under changing climate conditions. This leads to higher food insecurity, lower nutritional quality, and significant seasonal variability in diets.

Small-scale irrigation can improve nutritional outcomes in several key ways. It increases food production and income during the dry season. The extra income enables healthier, more diverse diets throughout the year. Driptime's cutting-edge, high-efficiency drip systems are specifically designed to maximize this benefit, ensuring every drop of water supports nutritious food production.

However, evidence of the nutritional benefits of irrigation in Africa remains limited. This is partly because irrigated agriculture covers small areas. Furthermore, nutritionists have largely focused on micronutrient supplementation or infant and young child feeding practices, while irrigation systems are often developed and analyzed by engineers who may not consider the nutritional links in their studies.

Our recent research, utilizing data from Tanzania and Ethiopia, has unearthed richer evidence about these critical connections. As part of a broader project, our study provides the first robust evidence on the link between small-scale irrigation, food security, dietary quality, and nutrition. Small-scale irrigation contributes to smallholder farmer resilience by safeguarding food security and nutrition during drought periods.

These findings provide compelling reasons for policymakers to support the expansion of small-scale irrigation—especially utilizing proven, efficient technologies like those offered by Driptime Irrigation—as a strategic investment in sustainable agriculture and public health. Driptime is committed to partnering with development initiatives to deploy these impactful solutions across Sub-Saharan Africa.