Factors Affecting the Adoption of Micro-Irrigation Technologies at Wenimbi Irrigation Scheme, Zimbabwe

Micro-irrigation technologies are vital function in the economic growth, improving food security, poverty reduction and smallholder farmer development. However, because of water scarcity and growing need to save water for agriculture, micro-irrigation technologies are needed for sustainable agriculture and food security. Therefore, this studys main purpose was to identify and establish factors that are affecting the adoption of micro-irrigation technologies at Wenimbi Irrigation Scheme. The study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. A sample of 65 farmers was randomly selected from the irrigation scheme. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and linear multiple regression. The study revealed that 72 % of farmers use micro-irrigation technologies (drip and sprinkler) and 28 % of the farmers use non micro-irrigation technologies (flood and hosepipe). The results of the stepwise linear multiple regressions showed that education in years, non-farm income, organizational mean score and area planted were y significantly predicting total income of micro-irrigation technology. The study recommends the interaction among various stakeholders such as government, non-government organizations, private sector, researchers, extension workers and farmers to ensure sustainability of micro-irrigation technologies.