Determinants of Farmers’ Participation in the Management of Smallholder Irrigation Schemes in Kwazulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Participatory Irrigation Management is an important concept in the management of water resources. It fosters collective responsibility and rule compliance, lack which creates a weak environment for sustainable use. This study adopted Principal Components Analysis Structural Equation Modelling to evaluate determinants farmer’s participation four smallholder irrigations schemes KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The selected schemes, Ndumo, Makhathini Flats, Mooi River Tugela Ferry, are representative general farmer activities irrigation country. considered household data from 341 irrigators found that those who participated regulation control SIS also participate information sharing activities. results show agricultural training, land tenure security, credit access co-operative membership positively influence farmers’ decision making. Additionally, adequacy influences making financial contributions schemes. recommends better agreements that, would improve security should be put place foster participation. Farmers receive training increase likelihood participating