Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (DFIDCA)

Managing Institute:
Department For International Development (DFIDCA)

Contractor:
Institute of Hydrology (IH)

National Action Committee

Project Code: 073-519-013	Start Date: 15-Sep-92	End Date: 31/01/1996
Commitment: £654,000	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
The project is based on and integrated three areas of research. Research on the benefits of collector wells has been carried out by BGS in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Sri Lanka. Research for improved tillage for soil water conservation and low water use irrigation has been carried out by LVRS at Chiredzi and Chisumbanje. DFID has funded a TCO agricultural research adviser who has worked at LVRS since 1982. Research on the design and management of irrigation schemes for maximum exploitation of limited water resources has been carried out by IH in Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Mauritius. Results from the above work have been aggregated and form the basis for the research recommendations cover the siting and selection of collector wells and efficient utilisation of limited water resources.

Project Objectives:
To reduce poverty and improve nutrition in the drier areas of SE Zimbabwe by effective use of groundwater resource.

To field test the validity of small scale irrigation and collector well research results obtained at the Lowveld Research Station (LRVS).

To identify ways of improving the operation of the schemes, for example by identifying and overcoming constraints.

To identify a basis for replicating the schemes on a wider scale.

Intended Outputs:
Six fully operational small scale irrigation schemes established. Recommendations for a large scale scheme formulated. Projects reports covering socio/economic, technical and environmental components of the scheme. A core of trained staff in Agritex and MWERD capable of running collector well schemes.