From Irrigation Promise to Food Insecurity: Climate Change, Livelihoods and Smallholder Vulnerability in Mushandike Irrigation Scheme, Masvingo District, Zimbabwe

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71458/37wa6e40

Keywords:

food security, climate change, livelihoods, smallholder, vulnerability

Abstract

Climate change continues to threaten smallholder farmers’ livelihoods within semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe despite the presence of irrigation infrastructure. This study investigates the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of farmers within the Mushandike Irrigation Scheme in Masvingo District, Zimbabwe. Guided by the Vulnerability-Resilience-Adaptation Framework, this study employs a qualitative case study design to investigate the impact of climate change on agricultural livelihoods within the study site through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and field observation. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings from this study reveal that climate change and the deterioration of irrigation infrastructure within the Mushandike Irrigation Scheme have led to a decline in agricultural productivity within the farm. Farmers within the study area reported a decline in the productivity of both their agricultural and livestock assets which has forced them to sell these assets to meet their daily food requirements. As a result of the decline in agricultural production, food insecurity within the area has led to the consumption of less diverse diets and an increasing dependence on food assistance programmes provided to them by the government and humanitarian agencies. The study concludes that without rehabilitating the irrigation infrastructure within the Mushandike Irrigation Scheme and implementing strategies to improve the climate resilience of its farming communities, livelihoods and food security of the area will continue to decline. To improve the livelihood resilience of farming communities within the irrigation scheme, it is recommended that infrastructure within the irrigation scheme is rehabilitated, climate advisory services are provided to farmers within the area, irrigation governance is made more inclusive of farming communities and livelihood diversification strategies are implemented.

Author Biographies

  • Trymore Konye , Africa Research University, Lusaka, Zambia

    Trymore Konye is a researcher with a PhD in Development Studies based in Zimbabwe. His research interests lie at the intersection of Sustainable Development, Food Security, Climate Change, Livelihoods and Smallholder Farmers. His work examines how smallholder farming communities adapt to climate change and sustain their livelihoods under changing environmental and socio-economic conditions. He is committed to generating evidence-based solutions for sustainable rural development in Zimbabwe and across Africa.

  • Dewin Sikalumbi, Africa Research University, Lusaka, Zambia

    Professor Dewin Arona Sikalumbi is an expert in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem. He is an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Cooperative Development. He stands as a pioneering force in Zambian academia, distinguishing himself as an influential thought leader and expert in entrepreneurship education, cooperative development, business incubation and curriculum innovation. His visionary approach transcends traditional educational boundaries, focusing on empowering students with robust entrepreneurial capabilities and mindsets crucial for navigating contemporary economic landscapes. His innovative educational philosophy, deeply rooted in practical experience and theoretical knowledge, has revolutionized the way business education is approached in Zambia and surrounding regions. While working as Dean of the School of Business at Chalimbana University (2018-2022), Director of Research, Postgraduate Studies, Consultancy, and Innovation (2023-2024), and Director of Research, Consultancy, and Innovation at ZCAS University (2025 to date), Dr. Sikalumbi has created groundbreaking programs that effectively connect academic theory with practical application. His educational methodology prioritizes experiential learning, nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets and critical thinking skills among students. Through his leadership, he has established comprehensive frameworks for integrating entrepreneurship into various levels of education, from vocational training to higher education. His scholarly contributions have made a significant impact on education and communities. His publications, including notable books like "The Entrepreneurial Cooperative," “Harmonising Campus” and "Success in Research," have become valuable resources in education and co-operatives. His editorial works on publications like "Inclusive Education" and "Zambia at 60" have contributed significantly to shaping educational discourse in Zambia. His research encompasses diverse areas, from cooperatives and innovation to gender, poverty, strategic management, and rural development. Dr. Sikalumbi's professional engagement extends across multiple domains, serving as a trainer at the Institute of Directors Zambia, TEVETA, and as an examiner for key educational bodies. His involvement in numerous professional organizations, including ZICA, BUSTAZ, IoDZ, ECZ, TCZ, and ICA, reflects his dedication to comprehensive professional growth. For a decade now, he has led key research and educational committees, overseeing areas such as curriculum development, impactful research, policies, and quality assurance. Through various educational initiatives and mentorship programs, he continues to mold future business leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs, creating a lasting impact on economic development and community growth throughout Zambia and Africa.

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Published

2026-10-23

Issue

Volume 5, Issue 2 (2026)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Konye , T., & Sikalumbi, D. (2026). From Irrigation Promise to Food Insecurity: Climate Change, Livelihoods and Smallholder Vulnerability in Mushandike Irrigation Scheme, Masvingo District, Zimbabwe. Ngenani: The Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti Journal of Community Engagement and Societal Transformations, 5(2), Pages: 220 - 257. https://doi.org/10.71458/37wa6e40