The Virtual Irrigation Academy (VIA) is a website where farmers can learn how to improve crop yields through better management of irrigation water, soil nutrients and salinity levels.

The system introduces simple tools for managing irrigation more effectively through monitoring, observation, and experimentation.

The project is headed by Dr Richard Stirzaker of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. Partner country project leaders include Dr Brian Isabirye of the Association for Strengthening Agriculture in Eastern and Central Africa; Dr Isaac Fandika, Malawi Department of Agricultural Research Services; Dr Eliakim Matekere of Tanzania’s National Irrigation Commission; and Dr Joe Stevens of the University of Pretoria.

The project has brought together the University of South Australia, the South African Water Research Commission, and the International Crops Research Institute for the SemiArid Tropics (ICRISAT).

The long-term aims of the project are to increase productivity and profitability through better management of water and nutrients on smallholder irrigation farms; sustainable water and salinity management; and improved return on investment from irrigation infrastructure.

THE IMPORTANCE OF IRRIGATION

Adam McCarthy, Australian High Commissioner to South Africa, says that wider irrigation implementation could contribute significantly to food security in sub-Saharan African countries. However, major difficulties have been experienced in earning an adequate return on investment from irrigation in Africa. Water governance institutions are weak, and irrigated land is often significantly degraded or abandoned.