Figure 9.1 Different irrigation systems used in sample farm households (% distribution).

Methods of irrigation differ in the study area (Figure 9.1). The most common is surface irrigation through a system of small channels. Sprinkler irrigation is becoming more widespread in the high rainfall areas, while surface irrigation system is more widely used in low rainfall areas. Some farms use a combination of both systems. Sprinkler irrigation requires capital investment in sprinkler equipment. Surface irrigation is much cheaper, but generally requires more intensive labour both for initial digging of the channels and for diverting the water during irrigation.