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Water availability, infrastructure management and water governance in the Goedverwacht historical settlement in the Western Cape, South Africa
Author(s)
Manyiki, Aphiwe
Date Issued
2026
Type
master thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
Smallholder farmers in Africa, particularly in South Africa, face significant challenges in transitioning to commercial farming. As a developing nation, South Africa’s agricultural sector struggles with limited support for smallholder farmers, hindering their growth and development. Climate change exacerbates these challenges, particularly through the increased scarcity of water resources. This scarcity leads to heightened competition among smallholder farmers for access to water during critical rainfall periods. This study investigates (i) the agricultural water availability to smallholder farmers in the Goedverwacht historical settlement in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, (ii) assess the impacts of drought and climatic change on smallholder farming in the area, (iii) investigate the condition and the performance of the agricultural water infrastructure used by smallholder farmers, (iv) and assess the water governance policies in Goedverwacht and how they affect water availability to smallholder farmers. Data was collected from 17 smallholder farmers in the Goedverwacht, as well as five key informants from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture. A survey questionnaire was administered to gather quantitative data, while water measurements were taken using a Global Water Flow Probe, accompanied by a visual assessment of the water infrastructure’s condition. Qualitative data regarding farmers' perceptions was analysed using Atlas.ti software (Version 23.4.0) to provide deeper insights into the challenges they face, Microsoft Excel software (365) was used to analyse the rainfall and temperature trend over a period of 20 years. Water measurements indicated that there is an adequate supply of water for smallholder farmers operating in Goedverwacht. The perceptions of the farmers also reflect that they do not experience complete water shortages during dry periods. However, the farmers pointed out that social issues pose greater challenges. These include instances of residents blocking water flow during the summer months to create swimming pools, which in turn restricts the farmers' ability to irrigate their crops. Additionally, farmers experience a loss of water pressure due to simultaneous irrigation by multiple farmers. Key informants operating in the area confirmed that Goedverwacht is one of the few locations where water remains consistently available for farmers, as the water source is supplied by a spring. The infrastructure for water delivery is generally in good condition, with no visible signs of deterioration. However, there was inconsistency in the perceptions of both farmers and key informants regarding the state of the infrastructure. While some farmers suggested that the infrastructure is in poor condition, the majority were unaware of its age, despite expressing concern over its reliability. No records of the irrigation system's design were available due to the local context of ambiguous land tenure contracts. Climate change data reveals a slight decrease in rainfall and an increase in temperature over the past 20 years. Qualitative analysis corroborates these findings, with both smallholder farmers and key informants noting a rise in temperatures and a reduction in rainfall. Many farmers indicated that the impact of climate change has become more apparent in recent years. In terms of governance, the study found that there is no clear structure for farmer participation in decision-making processes. Farmers mentioned that the church, which is the custodian of the land in the area, was expected to play a central role in overseeing these processes. However, they expressed frustration that the church neglects the needs and concerns of smallholder farmers. The issue of water rights, which contributed to water shortages during the 2015–2018 drought, as highlighted in a Water Research Commission (WRC) study, requires intervention from the Western Cape government and other relevant institutions regarding land tenure. However, while the WRC report identified challenges such as poor infrastructure, this study’s findings indicate that the infrastructure is in good condition. Instead, social issues were the primary cause of water shortages during the 2015–2018 drought period. These findings of the study imply that policy interventions should prioritise strengthening local water governance, clarifying land and water rights, and regulating non-agricultural water use, rather than focusing solely on infrastructure investment, to enhance equitable and sustainable water access for smallholder farmers.
Additional information
Thesis (MEng (Civil Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2026
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Manyiki, A_212271717 (1).pdf
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3.09 MB
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