Irrigation Challenges, Water Access, and Adaptation Strategies in Smallholder Farming: Evidence From Gaza Province, Mozambique

ABSTRACT Irrigation is a critical component of smallholder agriculture, particularly in regions prone to climatic variability and water scarcity, such as Mozambique. This study investigated the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in accessing water for irrigation, explored the adaptation strategies they have adopted, and evaluated the effectiveness of these approaches in enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience. Using quantitative methods, the study highlights significant disparities in water access across the districts of Chókwè, Mandlakazi, and Guijá. Key findings include an ageing farmer population, limited access to efficient irrigation technologies, inadequate irrigation infrastructure, and the increasing impact of climate change, particularly in the form of droughts. Farmers primarily rely on gravity flow irrigation systems, but the lack of sufficient water storage and drainage infrastructure impedes effective water use. The study also identified crucial adaptation strategies, including the rehabilitation of irrigation systems, the adoption of solar‐powered irrigation technologies, and the promotion of climate‐resilient agriculture practices. The study emphasized the need for policy interventions focused on investing in irrigation infrastructures and providing capacity‐building programs to enhance water management and climate adaptation. These findings are vital for informing policies aimed at improving water access and resilience in smallholder farming systems in Gaza province and similar regions.