Experiment on Rural Development in an African State: Zambia: The Chunga Irrigation Scheme

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Periodical article

Title:	Experiment on Rural Development in an African State: Zambia: The Chunga Irrigation Scheme
Author:	Nelson-Richards, Melsome
Year:	1981
Periodical:	Journal of African Studies (UCLA)
Volume:	8
Issue:	4
Period:	Winter
Pages:	146-162
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Zambia
Subjects:	agricultural projects one-party systems irrigation Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Development and Technology Economics and Trade
Abstract:	Zambia was enjoying a boom in its economy after it gained legal independence from Britain in 1964; the high price of copper was largely responsible for this economic situation. However, as copper prices fell, the new administration was caught by surprise for it did not expect to be so hard hit so suddenly. Diversifying the nations economy, the administration gave agriculture, in particular rural development, preference. During this period, Zambia became a oneparty state. As the research on the Chunga Irrigation Scheme project progre ssed, the crucial role of Zambia as a one-party state in development, became one of the issues to be examined. Is the Zambian one-party participatory democratic system able to cope with the development of the nations rural sector? This is analyzed in this article. Also an attempt is made to answer whether irrigation facility will make any difference in the life style of a people who have been used to dry-land farming, when these people are not fully equipped to utilize such an innovation. Notes, tab.