Annex IV: Irrigation and water control

The current strong interest in irrigation in Africa arises from the growing incapacity of much of the continent to feed itself. Food production, predominantly under rain fed conditions, has risen at the rate of only 1.4% p.a. in the period 1970 to 1980, less then half the rate of population growth which is estimated at 3.0% p.a. Recurrent droughts have accelerated the rising trend of cereal imports which amounted to 28 million tons in 1984. This article will explore using irrigation through intensification and stabilization of production as a food solution.