The social life of water pumps in Africa

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Abstract

One of the major contributions that the social and economic research can make in technical fields of infrastructure development such as irrigation development is to clarify how it shapes and in turn, is shaped by, social and material organisations on the ground. This paper analyses two situations in which the introduction of water pumps for irrigated agriculture has generated various social and political effects: climate change adaptation intervention in Ghana; and large-scale land deals in Mozambique. The paper argues that water pumps obtained by farmers – especially smallholders – generate expectations, disputes and new possibilities for negotiations with state and other development actors, thereby reconfiguring various relationships. The follow-up attention should be paid to this reconfiguration for us to explore the implication for the wider pursuit of sustainable and inclusive development. Methodologically, the focus on physical objects such as water pumps and recognition of its agency expand the scope of social science research on technological development including those appropriate and alternative technologies developed by farmers themselves.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationChallenges of social and economic research in times of crisis
Publication statusPublished - 2017
EventIESE International Conference, Mozambique - Maputo, Mozambique
Duration: 19 Sept 2017 → …
http://www.iese.ac.mz/apresentacoes-da-v-conferencia-internacional-do-iese/

Conference

ConferenceIESE International Conference, Mozambique
Country/TerritoryMozambique
CityMaputo
Period19/09/17 → …
Internet address

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