Abstract In recent years more recognition is given to the benefits and risks of private smallholder irrigation development across sub-Saharan Africa. It is acknowledged for its capacity to adapt to local circumstances and challenges. This study assesses the heterogeneous character of private smallholder irrigation in the challenging environment of southern arid Zimbabwe, where family farms operate along sand river aquifers, forming a reliable natural storage of shallow groundwater. It investigates the drivers, characteristics, obstacles and adaptive capacity of this yet undocumented form of private irrigation in a historically marginalised area, and in particular also the discontinuation of these informal irrigation ventures. The research combines results from analysing satellite images, and quantitative and qualitative field work, whereby a social-ecological system perspective is applied. This form of private smallholder irrigation is distinct from most other documented cases in sub-Saharan Africa. First, because of the unique interrelation between the water source, technology need and fuel-dependency in an economically marginalised area. Second, because drivers for the emergence of private smallholder irrigation are not market-based but crisis-driven; recurrent droughts and frequent dry-spells, failure of collectively-managed irrigation schemes, and persistent economic instability. As a result, many families cease operations because they reach the limits of their adaptive capacity or they migrate. Those who succeed, manage to benefit from the abundance of water stored in sand rivers, the mobilisation of knowledge and cash through rural networks, and the existence of cross-border trade opportunities. However, they hardly ever pass the level of subsistence in an area where stable markets are absent. Organising potential support to private smallholder irrigation remains a challenging and disputable avenue as this might undermine its independent and adaptive nature.

中文翻译：

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漂移还是漂移？津巴布韦南部干旱地区沙河含水层私人小农灌溉的危机驱动的进步和失败

摘要 近年来，人们越来越认识到撒哈拉以南非洲地区私营小农灌溉发展的收益和风险。它因适应当地环境和挑战的能力而闻名。本研究评估了津巴布韦南部干旱环境中私人小农灌溉的异质性，在那里，家庭农场沿着沙河含水层经营，形成了可靠的浅层地下水自然储存。它调查了历史上边缘化地区这种尚未记录在案的私人灌溉形式的驱动因素、特征、障碍和适应能力，特别是这些非正式灌溉企业的停止。该研究结合了分析卫星图像以及定量和定性实地工作的结果，从而应用了社会生态系统的观点。这种形式的私人小农灌溉不同于撒哈拉以南非洲的大多数其他记录案例。首先，由于经济边缘化地区的水源、技术需求和燃料依赖之间存在独特的相互关系。其次，因为私人小农灌溉出现的驱动力不是基于市场而是由危机驱动的；反复发生的干旱和频繁的旱灾、集体管理的灌溉计划失败以及持续的经济不稳定。结果，许多家庭因为达到其适应能力的极限或迁移而停止运营。那些成功的人设法从沙河中储存的丰富水、通过农村网络动员知识和现金中受益，以及跨境贸易机会的存在。然而，在缺乏稳定市场的地区，他们几乎无法维持生计水平。组织对私人小农灌溉的潜在支持仍然是一个具有挑战性和争议的途径，因为这可能会破坏其独立性和适应性。