Effect of Water Harvesting Practices on Sustainable Maize Production among Smallholder Farmers in Water Scarce Areas of Ibanda District

Abstract

This study was conducted to find out the effect of rainwater harvesting on sustainable maize production in Bisheshe and Nyamarebe Sub counties, Ibanda district. Specifically, the study was conducted to establish the water harvesting practices used by smallholder maize farmers, the relationship between water harvesting and maize yields, community perceptions on water harvesting and the challenges of the maize farmers in water harvesting. The study adopted a cross sectional survey design in which data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and observation; and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings show that harvesting improved maize production in Nyamarebe and Bisheshe Sub Counties. This implied that water harvesting can support sustainable maize production in water scarce areas. The study recommends that farmers should be supported to harvest water for sustainable maize production.