Transforming Smallholder Agriculture Amid Water Scarcity: A Systematic Review of the Socio-Economic Benefits of Micro-Irrigation Technologies

Abstract

The review focuses on the socio-economic benefits of micro-irrigation technologies (MITs) for smallholder farmers, highlighting their potential to transform agricultural practices and enhance sustainability. The review synthesizes empirical evidence from Africa and Asia, providing a comprehensive overview of how MITs can positively impact smallholder agriculture. Findings reveal that the adoption of MITs leads to significant improvements in agricultural productivity and enhanced water use efficiency, which contributes to reduced operational costs. Additionally, the financial resilience of smallholder farmers improves as they become better equipped to navigate market fluctuations and economic challenges. These benefits not only bolster individual livelihoods but also promote broader economic stability within rural communities. The review recommends several strategies for effective implementation. These include promoting awareness and adoption among farmers, enhancing access to finance, building technical capacity, supporting research and innovation, enacting supportive policies, and establishing models to assess the economic viability of MITs.