Small scale irrigation using collector wells. Pilot project - Zimbabwe. Fourth progress report April 1994 - September 1994

The ODA TC pilot project "Small scale irrigation using collector wells - Zimbabwe" began in October 1992. This report outlines progress made on all aspects during the fourth six months of work. The six project schemes are now complete. Two additional schemes for Plan International (NGO) are also near to completion. As planned, these schemes represent a range of physical, social, economic and institutional settings. The number of families obtaining domestic water from 011k-funded schemes is 1319 and the number of families with allotments on the community gardens is approximately 577. Individual socio-economic baseline surveys have been carried out for the six project communities and now provide data on social, institutional, economic and agricultural aspects of rural life before scheme installation. This information is being used in monitoring and evaluating the impacts of the schemes on the communities and in drawing up guidelines for the design and implementation of future schemes. Shortage of water is the principal problem reported by respondents at all sites. At some, the priority is for a cleaner and more reliable source of domestic water. At others, the priority is for water to allow vegetables to be grown for home consumption and for sale. Monitoring of garden performance is proceeding well. The first scheme completed in Chivi District in 1991 continues to produce high returns, recording an average gross margin of Z$19,900 per ha per year for three years of operation. First gross margins recorded at pilot project schemes are similarly high, being Z$18,204 and Z$25,444 at Muzondidya and Gokota respectively. The figure for Gokota actually represents less than one complete year and is an indication of the excellent returns possible from small areas intensively cultivated if water can be made available in these dry areas. Social and institutional "teething" problems were encountered at most of the earlier schemes. However, production figures indicate that these ha