Venot Jean-Philippe auteur aut IRD Hirvonen M. auteur aut IRD text journalArticle eng text/pdf born digital access This article draws from the fields of anthropology of development and sociology of science to bring new light on the discourses and dynamics of agricultural water management in Sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, it investigates the persistence of a long-standing and apparently contradictory narrative that posits small reservoirs as a solution to the region's agricultural water challenges, despite recurrent reports of their low performance. The prevalence of small reservoirs is due to their role as anchoring devices; they embed a narrative of having great potential but in ways that intersect multiple interests and development discourses. The gap between intention and practice that characterizes small reservoirs marks a stable interpretation of their nature and outcomes in the face of conflicting evidence. Understanding the interactions between discourse, policy formulation, and implementation that sustain development projects departs from a linear vision of development. It paves the way toward improved agricultural water management. specialized AMENAGEMENT HYDROAGRICOLE RESERVOIR RESSOURCES EN EAU POLITIQUE DE DEVELOPPEMENT MODELE DE DEVELOPPEMENT MILIEU RURAL GESTION DE L'EAU GOUVERNANCE PETIT BARRAGE AFRIQUE SUBSAHARIENNE 098HYSOC 062EVAEAU01 26 6 883-897 2013 0894-1920 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010061705 10.1080/08941920.2012.723306 0894-1920 [F B010061705] https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010061705 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/intranet/publi/depot/2014-06-03/010061705.pdf Accès réservé (Intranet de l'IRD) IRD - Base Horizon / Pleins textes 2014-06-03 2022-01-05 fdi:010061705 fre