Recognizing Informal Irrigation in West Africa

Abstract

"Informal irrigation, irrigation that is practiced by farmers without the reliance on planned, constructed irrigation infrastructure, is fairly widespread, not only in urban and peri-urban areas, but throughout Africa. Table 1 gives an overview about common systems in the West African subregion. The informal practice has largely arisen due to the freedom of individuals or groups to react to market demand or their own needs, and their ability to maintain their own systems, while the planning and operation of 'formal' irrigation infrastructure is hampered by a large variety of constrain."