Youth Involvement in Small-scale Irrigation Schemes

Youth employment is a global policy priority and critical for economic and social growth. However, there has been limited focus on youth on small-scale irrigation schemes in sub-Saharan Africa. This study contributes to this gap and explores young people’s involvement in on- and off-farm work and work away and the influences and constraints they experience. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from six schemes in Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, using a household survey (n=402) and focus groups (n=5). Key findings from the quantitative analysis includes: higher proportions of young people unemployed; on-farm work the dominant work for all age groups; the 15-24 age group having the highest proportion of off-farm work; young people combining irrigation with other work; household size, land area and household revenue having significant influences on young people’s work; lower proportions of young people being households heads, and young household heads most likely to be male;. Young people faced similar challenges to many small- scale farmers, but their ability to contribute to scheme decision-making was limited and land access was not always equitable. Future policy initiatives for small-scale irrigation schemes should consider: how schemes are linked to job creation in their local economy; legitimate ways to foster young people’s involvement in scheme decision-making; and encouraging locally appropriate innovations for equitable access to irrigation plots. Further research could help understand the complex interplay of household and individual characteristics that influence work options, the role of irrigation as a component of young people’s work and barriers that limit off-farm opportunities.