ABSTRACT
Chapters 5, 6 and 7 (above) have presented an overview of the Tshiombo irrigation scheme and the main findings of the household survey. This chapter analyses those findings further and examines the prospects for the further development of the local economy. It starts by addressing the central question of this thesis, the position of agriculture within household livelihoods, and draws some conclusions based on the evidence from the household survey. This is followed by a summary of plot-holder’ opinions of the Tshiombo scheme and their priorities for reform. These findings, supported by interviews with key local informants and government officials, and direct observations from the field, then provide the basis for an evaluation of the current state of agriculture at Tshiombo and recommendations for public action.
