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.
Показать больше [+] Меньше [-]