Human impact of imposed technology on the Ncora irrigation scheme in Transkei

Abstract

This study, which was the first attempt to evaluate the effects of the Ncora project on participating farmers, showed that the management was top‐down with decisions and most farming operations being carried out by the management agency. Consequently knowledge and management standards were considerably below optimum. Although the majority of commercial farmers were literate, this applied to only about 40 per cent of the other participants. Except for the commercial farmers, most of the participants were women, and labour shortages were experienced by two in five respondents. Scheme participants have benefited in household mobility, health, intake of proteins and vegetables, nutrition and income derived from farming. The unit sizes were acceptable to most participants and the majority still preferred traditional technology. Leadership in the project was weak and there was little empowerment of the local community or contact with sources of information. Suggestions are made for further investments in human capital through extension training, literacy and institutional development.

Notes

Data from Rossouw (1989). The authors wish to acknowledge the financial assistance of the Transkei Department of Agriculture, the Human Sciences Research Council and the Agricultural and Rural Development Research Institute of the University of Fort Hare for making this study possible. The co‐operation of the consultants and management of the Ncora irrigation scheme is also gratefully acknowledged.

SA Department of Agriculture. Pietersburg: Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare.