Awareness and Perceptions of Smart Irrigation Technologies by Small Scale Farmers in Rural South Africa

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to explore small-scale farmers’ awareness and perception of Smart Irrigation (SI) and Smart Irrigation Technologies (SITs) in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, where agriculture significantly contributes to economic activities and labour. These farmers learnt from their families when there was little pressure on water resources and technology not as advanced as today. This intergenerational knowledge cannot address emerging water use pressures to achieve the quality and efficiencies required. In-depth interviews were used to establish small-scale farmers’ awareness and perception of smart farming, especially SI. The farmers know the current irrigation practices are wasteful in water use, crop, and labour. Most of the farmers were aware of the benefits of SITs in reducing over-irrigation, soil erosion, water wastage, and associated decrease in crop yields, which prevents the SITs. Training farmers and assisting them in installing SITs in irrigation would help them achieve most of the benefits of SITs.