Research objectives
Research objective 1 | Research objective 2 | Research objective 3
Research objective 4 | Research objective 5
Research objective 1
To increase the technical biological and economic efficiency of agricultural production under rain-fed and irrigation farming.
| Research outputs needed |
Possible impact |
| Data basises on collated and synthesised baseline research information, physical data and farming practices and crops |
2 |
| Techniques and guidelines to promote, disseminate and implement appropriate technologies and methods |
3 |
| Small scale irrigation system efficiencies determined |
1 |
| Optimised use of rainfall in (small scale) irrigation systems |
2 |
| Technologies for optimising the use of rainfall (conservation farming practises) in rain fed agriculture |
3 |
| Research guidelines and decision support systems regarding crop productivity and risk management |
3 |
| Cost effective water saving technologies |
3 |
| Decision support and management tools for irrigation practices |
3 |
| Guidelines and decision support systems regarding off season and drought resistant cropping patterns and selection |
3 |
| Alternative / innovative systems for storing and using water developed |
3 |
| A groundwater recharge model developed |
2 |
| Guidelines to promote efficient irrigation systems and water use |
3 |
| Inventory of existing agricultural information and databases |
2 |
| Invetory of soils and land use patterns |
3 |
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Research objective 2
To provide management (governance) and policy guidelines regarding agricultural water management and use.
| Research outputs needed |
Possible impact |
| Appropriate risk management strategies for the basin |
3 |
| Scenarios developed for identifying future challenges to be addressed |
3 |
| Analysis of impact of water use strategies, climate change and quality on agriculture |
3 |
| Strategies to implement new technologies |
3 |
| Information support systems required for appropriate strategic and policy development |
3 |
| Appropriate policies and management strategies for agricultural risk management |
3 |
| Appropriate policies and strategies for capacity building |
3 |
| Appropriate policies and management strategies for agricultural development planning |
3 |
| Appropriate policy guidelines for participative and sustainable agricultural development and (risk) management |
3 |
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Research objective 3
To promote efficient governance of optimizing water allocation and use within a holistic multi sectorial water use system, in order to increase job opportunities and reduce poverty.
| Research outputs needed |
Possible impact |
| Current hydrological models evaluated and adapted |
1 |
| Improved water demand management |
2 |
| Appropriate policies and strategies for developing alternative sources of income |
3 |
| Optimal allocation of water to different water use sectors to alleviate poverty |
3 |
| Mechanisms and requirements developed for cross basin coordination of water use and management . It must be noted that the Limpopo Basin Commission has been established in the mean time, taking already specific initiatives |
2 |
