Author(s): A. H. M. Faisal Anwar; Sohel Rana
Linked Author(s): A H M Faisal Anwar
Keywords: Participatory water management; Irrigation; Performances; Beneficiary
Abstract: This paper demonstrates a development of a participatory water management approach (PWMA) for a medium scale irrigation scheme in Bangladesh and presents the results in a pilot basis. Narayanganj-Narsingdi Irrigation Scheme (NNIS), a medium scale irrigation scheme was selected as the study area which shows inefficient output since it was operational in 1993. A thorough questionnaire survey was conducted in 2002-2003 in the study area and the data was analyzed to evaluate the performances considering hydraulic, agricultural, socio-economical and environmental aspects and the efficiency constraints were identified. Improper system maintenance and the lack of beneficiary participation were found to be the main reasons behind the inefficient output of NNIS. Considering the results on efficiency constraints, a suitable PWMA was developed for a medium scale water scheme in Bangladesh and a pilot test was carried out in NNIS in 2003-2004. Test results of PWMA show significant positive impacts on crop productivity, agricultural returns, household income, supply and distribution of irrigation water and farmers willingness to participate in operation and maintenance of the scheme. But the coordination between beneficiaries and the other agencies are still needs to be improved.
Year: 2009