Participatory Irrigation Management (Pim)
A new approach to irrigation is user-oriented
Introduction
Around 40% of the world's food crops are produced by irrigated agriculture. The performance of irrigation and drainage is critical to the food supply and to farmers' incomes, as well as to the environment.
The ultimate goals in managing irrigation water are efficiency, equity and sustainability. Efficiency has been achieved if every drop of water has been properly allocated and used, without any waste. The goal of equity means that water is fairly distributed among users. Some farmers may have an advantage over others. Those at the head of a canal have an advantage over those living downstream, as they have first access to water. Influential farmers may have better access to water than poor farmers. In some cases, ideals of efficiency and equity may be in conflict. The goal of sustainability means that the users of today should maintain the quality and quantity of water resources for the use of future generations.
Problems in Irrigation Management
Managing irrigation so as to achieve efficiency, equity and sustainability is very difficult. Market mechanisms are not enough. High prices for water when it is scarcest mean that low-income users may lose their access to water. Unrestricted use if prices are low may lead to pollution, waterlogging and over- use of groundwater.
Given the special characteristics of irrigation water, there is good reason for governments to intervene, and even directly manage irrigation systems. However, when a centralized agency is in charge of planning and operating an irrigation system, the result is often too much bureaucracy. Too much money is spent on staff salaries. As a result, the cost of water is high, and yet the irrigation service is poor. Users are unwilling to pay their irrigation fees. The result is a vicious circle of high costs, poor services and low payment of fees, leading to inadequate funding and further deterioration of services.
One way out of this difficult situation is the participatory approach to irrigation management.Users are involved at all levels, including construction and operations. It seems to give greater efficiency at a lower cost.
The Participatory Approach
Since 1994, the World Bank has carried out a program of Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM). One of the first countries where it was applied was Mexico. By 1995, more than two-thirds of the nation's irrigation network had been transferred to 316 irrigation associations. Following Mexico's lead, other countries, including Turkey and some Indian states, have adopted similar systems. PIM is not a new idea. Irrigation associations have existed in many parts of Asia for decades, including Japan and Taiwan. Other countries, including Vietnam and Pakistan, are in the process of implementing PIM-type reforms. Governments benefit from PIM by being able to reduce subsidies for irrigation. Farmers are also usually winners, since they enjoy a sense of ownership and improved services. The irrigation department may be a loser, as its budget, staff and authority are all likely to decrease.
(For more about PIM, see FFTC Extension Bulletin No. 490 " Policy Issues in Managing Irrigation and Drainage", by Dr. Peter P.C. Sun).
Index of Images
Figure 1 Stone-Built Irrigation Channel
Figure 2 Irrigation Canal in Village
