Abstract:
The article examines the negative externalities of social capital in the sustainability of smallholder irrigation
farming. Smallholder irrigation farming has become one of the main sources of rural livelihood in Zimbabwe given the
deficiencies in rainfall triggered by climate change among other factors. The establishment of smallholder irrigation schemes,
refurbishment of irrigation infrastructure, introduction of new technology and the subsidization of farm inputs are several
initiatives taken by the government of Zimbabwe, Non-Governmental organisations and the private sector to improving
agricultural productivity among smallholder irrigation schemes. Despite these efforts, smallholder irrigation farming has
remained unsustainable. Resultantly, most rural communities in Zimbabwe continue to face hunger and poverty, two
overarching sustainable development goals (SDGs 1 & 2) one and two. This study examined the negative externalities of social
capital on efforts to improve productivity and sustainability of Rozva smallholder irrigation scheme. The article argues that
linking social capital, which includes partnerships between Rozva irrigation farmers and donor agencies, has created dependency
syndrome that is inimical to the sustainability of the irrigation scheme. The article concludes some social connections
detrimental to the sustainability of the scheme tend to create divisions among farmers. The article argues there is need for
awareness on negative externalities of social capital and reduce these effects on the sustainability of the smallholder irrigation
to realise social capital benefits among irrigation farming communities in Zimbabwe.
