Developing an Integrated Capability-Resilience Framework for Smallholder Farmers: Evidence from Mushandike Irrigation Scheme, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study develops and proposes an Integrated Capabilityresilience Framework (ICRF) to strengthen the climate change adaptation capacities of smallholder farmers using the example of the Mushandike Irrigation Scheme in Zimbabwe. This scheme experiences a 42% loss of irrigation water each year. Through interviewing smallholder farmers within the irrigation scheme using phenomenological qualitative methodology, the study finds that various factors impact their climate resilience, including irrigation infrastructure, local governance, access to finance and climate change knowledge. Specifically, the lack of legal authority for Irrigation Management Committees (IMCs) within irrigation schemes and the strained relationships that many IMCs share with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) are detrimental to the management of irrigation waters within these schemes. Furthermore, various adaptation models to date have not adequately addressed these capability issues within smallholder farmers. Existing adaptation models underplay the interaction between physical infrastructure, farmer agency, finance, local knowledge and irrigation. The ICRF aims to provide a holistic approach to improving the adaptive capacities of smallholder farmers by enhancing the effectiveness of irrigation infrastructure, integrating local knowledge systems, providing financial access aligned with weather patterns and reforming local governance institutions. Using this framework, it is possible to enhance the climate change resilience, adaptive capacity and food security of smallholder farmers within the semi-arid regions of Africa.