The Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme is a remarkable feat of agricultural engineering, spanning over 39,000 hectares of irrigated land. With a network of more than 1,000 kilometers of concrete-lined canals and an additional 300 kilometers dedicated to drainage, it stands as the largest irrigation system not only in South Africa but across the entire southern hemisphere.

The Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme is one of the largest irrigation schemes in the world covering 369.50 square kilometres in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. It is named after the Vaal and Harts rivers, the Vaal River being its major tributary. The Vaalharts Irrigation scheme has evolved into a cornerstone of agricultural progress.

Despite enduring challenges, including historical legacies and resource allocation disputes, it remains one of the finest examples of the social and economic transformative value of water and a beacon of resilience and innovation in South Africa’s agricultural landscape.