Abstract:
Micro irrigation technologies (MITs), such as drip and sprinkler
systems, have been recognized as transformative solutions for enhancing
agricultural productivity, optimizing water use, and promoting environmental
sustainability. However, their adoption among smallholder farmers remains
limited due to a complex interplay of economic, social, technical and
environmental constraints. Traditional frameworks for assessing economic
viability of these technologies often focus narrowly on financial metrics,
neglecting critical factors such as water availability, market dynamics, and the
technical and socioeconomic contexts. A systematic review of the literature from
2014 to 2024 was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles were
sourced from major databases, including Scopus, Taylor and Francis, IEEE
Xplore, and Web of Science, yielding a final dataset of 69 relevant studies from
an initial pool of 719 articles. The analysis of selected studies highlights key
trends, including a growing focus on economic and water management aspects
and the role of institutional and policy support in MIT adoption. A novel
framework is proposed that integrates dimensions such as water availability
and management, market dynamics, socioeconomic factors, and environmental
sustainability. This comprehensive approach addresses limitations in
traditional financial metric-based evaluations, offering actionable insights to
policymakers and stakeholders. The findings aim to advance the adoption of
MITs by aligning technical and market strategies with the needs of smallholder
farmers, contributing to global food security and environmental goals.
