Summary report on irrigation schemes in Africa

Abstract

Despite considerable emphasis on industrial development, agriculture still forms the basis of the economy of most African countries. Agricultural productivity must, however, be developed both regionally and nationally. The irrigation of previously little used lands may provide such a means of developing new areas, and diversifying national economies by increased and more varied outputs. Irrigation may also be the means of introducing reforms in land ownership and the consolidation of holdings (as in the Medjerda valley of Tunisia), of training farmers in new techniques and crops, and so of acting as a starting point for national development.