Whose water? Interlocking relations and struggles over water in Nyamaropa irrigation scheme

Abstract

This chapter offers a critical look at different farmer perceptions of water in Nyamaropa irrigation and dryland farming areas, and centres on the parts played, and strategies employed by different parties and leaders in negotiating for control over water resources. The main focus here is not how water must formally be managed by either Agritex or the Department of Water Development in Nyamaropa irrigation scheme and its surroundings, but how farmers as irrigation plotholders and dryland farmers facing droughts and famine, deal with issues pertaining to water availability, distribution and use in their social environments.