COST ESTIMATING PROCEDURES FOR MICRO-, DRIP-AND FURROW-IRRIGATION SYSTEMS AS WELL AS ECONOMIC ANALYSES OF THE RELEVANT IRRIGATION SYSTEMS FOR LARGE- AND SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN THE ONDERBERG/NKOMAZI REGION

Oct 13, 2026

Methods to estimate costs for micro-, drip- and furrow-irrigation system combinations are developed for the Onderberg and Nkomazi areas, alongside approaches to evaluate profitability and financial feasibility at the whole-farm level. The study analyzes economically and financially important irrigation systems for both large-scale and small-scale farmers, and identifies irrigation methods used by small-scale irrigators. Findings are supported by an organized project execution under the Water Research Commission, including steering committee oversight and structured reporting.

LanguageEnglish

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. INTRODUCTION

COST ESTIMATING PROCEDURES FOR MICRO-,DRIP-AND FURROW-IRRIGATION SYSTEMS AS WELLAS ECONOMIC ANALYSES OF THE RELEVANTIRRIGATION SYSTEMS FOR LARGE-AND SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN THE ONDERBERG/NKOMAZIREGION LK Oosthuizen·PW Botha·B Grové·JA Meiring·MM Monkhei·IG PretoriusWRC Report No.974/1/05 Water Research Commission COST ESTIMATING PROCEDURES FOR MICRO-,DRIP-ANDFURROW-IRRIGATION SYSTEMS AS WELL AS ECONOMICANALYSES OF THE RELEVANT IRRIGATION SYSTEMS FOR LARGE-AND SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN THEONDERBERG/NKOMAZI REGION LK.OOSTHUZEN,P.W.BOTHA,B.GROVE,J.A.MEIRING,M.M.MONKHEI,L.G.PRETORIUS Report to the WATER RESEARCH COMMISSION | PROJECT LEADER:PROF.LK.OoSTHUIZEN | DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS
UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE
P.O.Box 339
BLOEMFONTEIN | | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | WRC REPORT NO:974/1/05 | 9300 | | ISBN NO:1-77005-340-9 | MARCH 2005 | | Disclaimer
This report emanates from a projeet financed by the Water Research Commission(WRC)and is
approved for publication.Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views
and policies of the WRC or the members of the project steering committee.nor does mention of
trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. | | --- | The following steering committee members supervised the project: Dr.G.R.BackebergDr.S.S.MkhizeProf.G.F.OrtmannMr C.M.StimieMs L van der StoepMr FJ.du PlessisMr E.J.SchmidtMr A.T.van CollerProf.M.F.VljoenProf.L.K.OosthuizenMr NL.LeclerSecretariat # ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The research on the "Cost estimating procedures for micro-,drip-and fiood-irrigation as well asthe economic analyses of the relevant irrigation systems for large-and small-scale farmers"wasfinanced by the Water Research Commission,and executed by the Department of AgriculturalEconomics,University of the Free State. Water Research Commission(Chairman)Water Research CommissionUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal Rural Integrated Engineering(Pty.Ltd)University of PretoriaMBB Consuiting EngineersSouth African Sugar AssociationNational Department of AgricultureUniversity of the Free State University of the Free State(project leader)South African Sugar Research InstituteWater Research Commission The project leader would like to thank the following persons and organisations who facilitatedthis research: The Water Research Commission(WRC)for funding the project,the chairman'sguidance with the research,and the contributions by the members of the steeringcommittee.The views of the authors do not necessarily reflect those of the WRC. Mr Chris Stimie (steering committee member)who could arrange with the Institute forAgricultural Engineering of the Agricultural Research Council(ARC)to subcontract MrRenald Radley to design the relevant mechanised irrigation systems.Mr Stimiedesigned the furrow irrigation system. Mr Renald Radley,who grew up in the research area,for his professional help andcontinuous involvement in the research. Mr Bonnie Koeleman,local consultant,who collected the financial and farminginformation of the 8 farmers of the Madadeni project,8 farmers of the Mbongozi project,and 8 farmers of the Walda project. Mr Bonnie Koeleman,local consultant,who collected the financial and farminginformation of the 8 farmers of the Madadeni project,8 farmers of the Mbongozi project,and 8 farmers of the Walda project. The Transvaal Sugar Board Limited (TSB)in Malelane,especially the Financial AidFund(FAF)manager,Mr T.A.Khumalo,as well as the following extension officers underthe Small-Scale Growers'Division,namely Misses O.Madonko,S.Madonsela,M.Ndlalah and F.Mavimbela. The Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs,Extension Services,Mpumalanga,particularly MrP.Masuku. The five independent farmers who participated in the study for their time and assistance. Mr Fanie Aucamp,Agricultural Economics Division,Department of Agriculture andEnvironmental Affairs,Joh

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the research in the Onderberg/Nkomazi region?

To analyze key irrigation systems for large-scale and small-scale farmers by developing cost estimation methods and analyzing profitability and financial feasibility at the whole-farm level.

Which irrigation systems are covered by the cost-estimating procedures?

The procedures cover micro-, drip-and furrow-irrigation systems, including cost estimation for combinations of these systems.

What specific project objectives are listed for the study?

They include developing cost estimating procedures for micro-, drip-and furrow-irrigation, identifying irrigation methods used by small-scale irrigators, and analyzing related economic aspects.

Oct 13, 2026

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