The Challenges Of Sustainability Of Agricultural Projects: A Case Of Bumbwisudi Irrigation Scheme In Western District, Zanzibar

ABSTRACT

This research was conducted at Bumbwisudi village Zanzibar. It aimed at examining the challenges of sustainability of an irrigation scheme. The specific objectives of were to examine the extent of community participation in the irrigation scheme, to trace the development of institutional capacity in sustaining the irrigation, and, to examine the reasons for the withdrawal of some farmers from the project. The literature on rural development projects shows clearly that community participation, institutional development and financial stability are among the key factors influencing the sustainability of a project. The study was both qualitative and quantitative in nature and had a sample of 120 smallholder farmers and 10 extension officers. Using data collection methods such as interviews, observations and questionnaire survey, this study collected information of socio-economic characteristics of the farmers, opinions on the importance of community participation and the extent to which extension services helped them in farm management. The findings show that the irrigation scheme in the study area was not sustainable because from the beginning the local community did not participate fully in the planning of the project. Furthermore, the financial institutions that were established to replace the funding from FAO was very weak and could not assist farmers in accessing farm inputs and this contributed to the withdrawal of farmers from the project. After the withdraw of FAO farm management became expensive, especially given the fact that in the past the government of Zanzibar used to provide many social services for free. Therefore, when the cost of fertilizers and electricity for pumping of irrigation water went up a considerable number of farmers withdrew from the project. The research recommends that farmers need to be made aware through sensitization on the benefits of projects