The promises and potential of smallholder drip irrigation are discursive constructs.

Drip irrigation is appealing because of its association to social entrepreneurship.

Social entrepreneurship is not an alternative development model as is often claimed.

Smallholder drip irrigation is an artifact of agricultural development projects.

Drip irrigation will not transform smallholder farming in sub-Saharan Africa.

Critical engagement with narratives can lead to renewing development practice.