Title:
FACTORS INFLUENCING SUSTAINABILITY REGRESSION FOR DONOR- FUNDED PROJECTS: CASE OF KUTAMA IRRIGATION SCHEME, ZIMBABWE

Authors:
Oliver Matsika and Emmanuel Chinamasa

Abstract:
The study was motivated by the sustainability regression of irrigation projects in Kutama irrigation scheme funded by the Zimbabwean government. It aimed to explore factors influencing sustainability regression for donor-funded irrigation projects as a basis for contextualized management strategies. A pragmatic research philosophy facilitated the application of a combination of qualitative and quantitative research designs. Data was collected through a seriated historical document analysis, descriptive survey, observations and focus group discussions. Purposive sampling of study site, documents, community leaders and farmers participated in the study. The study found that: in Rhodesia, irrigation projects were initiated and funded by government in an effort to fight hunger. Few farmer participants had irrigation plots. The government prescribed what crops to grow and how to grow them. Farmers had no autonomy and had problems with payment of water levies. Changes in government policies and differences between government and farmer purposes for the irrigation project affected sustainability. Kutama irrigation scheme was initiated by a government sourced donor. The donor motive was hunger alleviation, government motive was mobilization of political support and beneficiaries considered it as their reward for voting president Robert Mugabe. Difference in participant motive resulted in donor withdrawal. The political motive awarded irrigation plots to old (minimum age 40) political activists whose interest and knowledge in farming was not considered. They grew all sorts of crops. Lack of marketing knowledge, funds for maintenance and repair of pipes and roads affected their income from farming. One by one, farmers turned to buying produce from capital city markets for resell to motorists on the road. That left nobody producing from irrigation plots. The study recommends a meritocratic award of irrigation plots.