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Critical governance problems for farmer-led irrigation: isomorphic mimicry and capability traps

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journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 16:57 authored by Anna Mdee, Elizabeth HarrisonElizabeth Harrison
Irrigated agricultural production is viewed as key to the twin challenges of transforming agriculture and adapting to climate change in sub-Saharan Africa. Farmer-led irrigation is currently not well recognised or accounted for, and the current focus on state or public-private irrigation schemes means this activity is largely occurring outside of formal governance mechanisms or is deemed illegal. How do current institutional and regulatory frameworks relate to the apparent boom in farmer-led irrigation, and how do these shape current patterns of response, support, and regulation? To answer this question, we build a conceptual understanding of water governance which draws on critiques of current institutional frameworks for water and irrigation management, specifically using the conceptual ideas of isomorphic mimicry and capability traps, and elements of a problem-driven iterative adaptation (PDIA) approach. We then use three case studies from Tanzania and Malawi to illuminate three critical problems that state institutions encounter in approaching the recognition and regulation of farmer-led irrigation. In our conclusion we argue that current irrigation governance is creating capability traps for existing institutions. Where incremental and context-driven adaptation of governance is practiced this can be avoided, creating better chances of effective support and regulation of farmer-led irrigation development.

Funding

Innovations to Promote Growth among Small-scale Irrigators in Africa: An Ethnographic and Knowledge-Exchange Approach; G0983; ESRC-ECONOMIC & SOCIAL RESEARCH COUNCIL; ES/J009415/1

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Water Alternatives

ISSN

1965-0175

Publisher

Water Alternatives

Issue

1

Volume

12

Page range

30-45

Department affiliated with

  • Anthropology Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2019-02-21

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2019-02-21

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2019-02-20

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