Scientific Publication

Gender aspects of smallholder private groundwater irrigation in Ghana and Zambia

author(s) van Koppen, Barbara - Hope, L. - Colenbrander, W.
from International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
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themes
regions
  • Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Africa
  • World
  • Western Africa
  • Eastern Africa
citation

van Koppen, Barbara; Hope, L.; Colenbrander, W. 2023. Gender aspects of smallholder private groundwater irrigation in Ghana and Zambia. In Pavelic, Paul; Villholth, K. G.; Verma, Shilp. (Eds.). Sustainable groundwater development for improved livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa. Abingdon, Oxon, UK: Routledge. pp.123-134. (Routledge Special Issues on Water Policy and Governance)
Gender aspects of smallholder private groundwater irrigation in Ghana and Zambia

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Abstract

This paper explores gender aspects of smallholders’ private technology adoption for groundwater irrigation in Ghana and Zambia. It focuses on two variables of quantitative farm-household surveys: household headship and gendered plot management. The paper compares adoption rates and types of technologies for female- and male-headed households; examines adoption rates when women have their own plots; and compares women’s decision making on irrigated plots and rainfed plots. The findings suggest that there are largely untapped synergies between gender-equality and irrigation-policy goals. Systematic gender differentiation in surveys is recommended.

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