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A study by the Horticultural Export Development Club indicates that several horticultural products being grown in Malawi are in high demand in European markets, particularly Germany, the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands. These commodities include okra, beans, managementout, chilies, babycorn, sweet corn, asparagus, garlic, courgettes, aubergines (eggplant), sweet pepper, ginger, cherry tomato and mixed herbs; however, the production level of fruits and vegetables remains insufficient to meet domestic needs. The use of treadle irrigation pumps by Malawi farmers, though, has shown enormous promise by increasing the crop yields and profitability (Mataya & Tsonga, 1999).
According to a study by Mataya and Tsonga (1999), a large percentage of the vegetables grown in Malawi are cultivated in wetlands or riverbeds called "dambos"; the introduction of simple as well as more sophisticated irrigation techniques is one way to expand the production base of these commodities. Table 2 below shows the respective performance of several horticultural products with the use of treadle irrigation pumps. "Gross margins per hectare are generally extremely high and the responses to high levels of management are particularly impressive" (emphasis added) (p. 27).
Table 2. Respective Performance of Selected Malawian Horticultural Products Using Treadle Irrigation Pumps.
Gross margin/ha
(k/ha)
Return/unit variable cost
(percent)
Medium Management
High Level Management
Medium
Management
High Level Management
Tomatoes
66,973.2
226,254.0
4.4
10.5
Cabbage
35,997.2
71,997.2
5.5
10.0
Lettuce
17,372.4
32,984.8
3.6
5.7
Cauliflower
69,592.4
118,317.2
13.9
18.7
Onion
33,047.2
103,047.2
2.9
7.1
Snap bean
13,243.6
29,243.6
2.2
3.7
Green pea
39,164.9
85,660.5
4.6
7.0
Leaf mustard
43,084.8
71,422.0
7.2
9.3
Green maize
20,659.9
35,659.9
5.8
9.2
Sweet potato
35,000.0
110,000.0
3.3
8.3
Egg plant
43,192.4
135,192.4
10.0
29.1
Source: Based on data in Mataya & Tsonga, 1999, p. 27.
The results of this study showed that tomatoes, turmeric, egg plants, cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and onions, with gross margins per hectare of K226,254, K179,202, K135,192, K118,317, K117,542, K110,000, and K103,047, respectively, achieved the most efficient yields with high levels of management; medium levels of...
These authors also found that returns per unit of variable cost were also highest with eggplants, cauliflower, broccoli, pumpkin, cucumber and sweet pepper at high levels of management, whereas those of cauliflower, broccoli, eggplants, cucumber, leaf mustard and sweet pepper were highest at medium levels of management. Although the returns per unit area were found to be superior to other irrigation methods and management techniques, overall production remains low, scattered and uncoordinated, and the country continues to be unable to satisfy both local and international demand (Mataya & Tsonga, 1999).
Summary
The research showed that treadle pumps are relatively simple and inexpensive irrigation pumps that have been used on a commercial basis throughout Africa and Asia in increasing numbers in recent years. The research also showed that such low-tech initiatives are better suited to many developing nations that do not enjoy the agricultural infrastructure of developed countries. In the final analysis, treadle pump technology represents a good first step toward helping these emerging nations achieve self-sufficiency in the food and water production, thereby improving the health and welfare of the entire globe in the process.
References
Bielenberg, C., & Allen, H. (1995). How to make and use the treadle irrigation pump. Sterling,
VA: Stylus Publishing.
Enhancing support of African development. (1996). UN Chronicle, 33(2), 6.
Grew, R. (1999). Food in global history. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
Appropriate Technology International, Washington D.C. [Online]. Available: http://
Perry, E., & Dotson, B. (2005). The treadle pump - An irrigation technology adapted to the needs of small farmers. HR Wallingford Ltd. [Online]. Available: http://www.
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