REVIEW OF IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA - Sustainable Irrigation Development in the White Volta Sub-Basin - page 63

Figure 3.2: Chain of Success Factors for sustainable Irrigation Development
(Source: modified from Vishnudas et al., 2007).
Secure Access to Land and Water
Land and water are basic necessities for the development of irrigation. The
challenge usually associated with accessing land is the prevailing land tenure
system which determines how land is accessed by individuals and
organisations for irrigation, and the security over the landholding. These
conditions influence the investments that one is willing to make into
irrigation development. Often, the lack of clarity among the plot-holders
about what their rights precisely are with respect to their plots seems more
problematic than the absence of ownership (Shah et al., 2002).
The acquisition of land for irrigation is done in consideration with accessing
potential water sources for irrigation. The sources of water which can be
harvested for irrigation include groundwater and surface water. Institutional
arrangements that allow and protect water access would obviously help to
promote irrigation development.
Appropriate Technology
Irrigation development involves technology for the abstraction,
transportation, distribution and application of water. Infrastructural and
technological development forms the most expensive aspect of irrigation
development which needs investment from both government and private