The constraint that decides yields.
WHY IT MATTERS MOST
Water availability determines what can be produced and when.
WHAT SOURCES EXIST
Rainfall Boreholes and wells Rivers and streams Ponds and reservoirs Piped supply, rarely
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT ANY SOURCE
Reliability across seasons Volume available Quality Cost of extraction Rights to use it
WHY RIGHTS MATTER
Extraction may require permission, and disputes over water are serious.
WHAT RAIN-FED PRODUCTION MEANS
Dependence on the season.
WHAT IT LIMITS
Timing, and the number of cycles per year.
WHAT IRRIGATION PROVIDES
Production outside the rains More cycles Higher and more predictable yields
WHAT IT COSTS
Capital for the system Energy to pump Maintenance
WHY ENERGY MATTERS HERE
Pumping is a substantial and continuing cost, and power is unreliable.
WHAT OPTIONS EXIST
Grid, where available Diesel or petrol pumps Solar pumping
WHAT SOLAR PUMPING PROVIDES
No fuel cost, and operation when the sun shines.
WHAT IT COSTS
Capital, and no operation at night.
WHAT IRRIGATION METHODS EXIST
Flood and furrow Sprinkler Drip
WHAT DRIP PROVIDES
Efficient water use and targeted application.
WHAT IT REQUIRES
Capital, clean water and maintenance.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE INVESTING
Whether the additional output justifies the cost.
WHAT TO PLAN
Water storage, for interruption.
