ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the available evidence on the promotion, performance and uptake of low-cost, low-pressure drip irrigation kits focused on sub-Saharan Africa. It discusses possible alternative explanations of the lack of sustained substantial uptake. The literature on drip irrigation for smallholder farmers in Asia and Africa reflects the strong interest over the past decade or so by manufacturers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), governments, donors and farmers. Inspired by the International Development Enterprises (iDE) experience in India, the working hypothesis underlying the design of the SCAMPIS project – was the necessity to reach a 'critical mass' of up-takers in order to sustain a viable supply chain of low-cost irrigation systems. United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a major supporter of research on, and promotion of, drip irrigation kits. Its Office of Disaster Assistance (OFDA) financed NGOs to distribute free drip irrigation kits for drought relief in a number of countries, including Zimbabwe, as discussed above.
