Water resources and irrigation situation in Zimbabwe
2007
Dhavu, K.(Tottori Univ. (Japan)) | Anyoji, H. | Yasuda, H. | Mutiro, J.
Zimbabwe's economy largely depends on agriculture. About 60% of the population depends on agriculture for employment. The agricultural sector accounts for about 17% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 60% of the raw materials required by the manufacturing industry and 40% of total export earnings. The agricultural performance is, however, adversely affected by persistent droughts. Average annual rainfall is about 650 millimeters. Only 37% of the country receives adequate rainfall for agriculture. The rainfall pattern classifies Zimbabwe as a semi-arid region making supplementary or full-time irrigation indispensable for successful agriculture. The irrigation necessity is 600,000 ha but only about 174,000 ha has so far been developed. Out of this area, about 28% is equipped but not functional because of poor maintenance. Also, some equipment was damaged during the current land redistribution exercise. Sprinkler irrigation constitutes the largest system of irrigation in Zimbabwe.
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