Integrating Small Scale Irrigation Development with the Existing Agricultural System: A Case Study of Small Holder Swamp Rice Schemes in Sierra Leone

Abstract

"Effective agricultural development programmes are those that build on the strengths of existing farming systems and, at the same time, take due account of the specific natural, socio-cultural, institutional and economic environments. Correspondingly, development concepts need to be based on: • a thorough understanding of existing and, under the given conditions, efficient farming patterns; • an appreciation of farmers' needs, decision-making environment, indigenous resources, capabilities, experience and social structure; • the identification of suitable, ecologically stable, socially acceptable and economically attractive development opportunities - farmers are responsive to suitable opportunities."