Stakeholder consultations on small-scale irrigation schemes’ constraints in Zimbabwe

Abstract Small-scale irrigation schemes (SSIS) have been considered a solution to viability challenges in drought-stricken farming areas developing countries. However, the face severe constraints. In this paper, relevant constraints are identified and ranked terms of how serious limitations from perspective stakeholders drought-prone Chipinge District Zimbabwe. Information for study was gained through questionnaire focus group discussions with small-scale farmers as well key informant interviews government officials, managers members local community leadership. The information garnered between August December 2017 analysis conducted using descriptive statistics thematic analysis, guided by Theory Constraints classified political, economic, social, technological, environmental legal (PESTEL) framework. Results indicated that SSIS important regarding food security income generation. technical issues bedevilling be most challenging limitations. constraints—ranked descending order gravity—are technical, environmental, political challenges. Based on these findings, research strongly recommends modernising schemes’ infrastructure, among other issues, priority Zimbabwe's areas.