Review Paper on ‘Garden Kits’ in Africa: Lessons Learned and the Potential of Improved Water Management

The paper was written by Douglas J. Merrey and Simon Langan, and it was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The study aimed to assess the impact of low-cost drip irrigation systems on small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. The review paper identified several home garden technologies, including bag, sack, tower, and vertical gardens, as well as keyhole and trench gardens. It also discussed seed or nutrition gardens and kits, and agroforestry gardens. The paper highlighted the importance of water management in home gardens, including homestead rainwater harvesting and storage, clay pot or pitcher irrigation, and drip irrigation kits. The study found that low-cost drip irrigation systems can improve crop yields and increase household income for small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the technical performance of these systems can be affected by factors such as water quality and soil type. The economic and social performance of low-cost drip irrigation systems can also be influenced by factors such as market access and customer satisfaction. The review paper concluded that there is a need for further research on the impacts, benefits, costs, and sustainability of low-cost drip irrigation systems in sub-Saharan Africa. It recommended that action research be conducted to address the gaps in knowledge of water management for home gardens. The study also highlighted the importance of involving local communities and stakeholders in the development and implementation of home garden technologies and programs.