Abstract
The rapidly growing population in Uzbekistan has put massive pressure on limited water resources, resulting in frequent water shortages. Irrigation is by far the major water use. Improving irrigation water use through the institutional change of establishing water consumer associations (WCAs) has been identified as a way to increase agricultural production and meet the food demand in the area. However, most WCAs are not fully able to organize collective action or generate sufficient funds to carry out their responsibilities. This study investigated the water-resource-related challenges faced by WCAs and local farmers in Kashkadarya Province in Uzbekistan, using semi-structured expert interviews and focus group discussions. The resulting data were analyzed using qualitative analysis software (Atlas.ti). The results indicated that outdated infrastructure, poor governance, and farmers’ non-payment of irrigation service fees hamper sustainable water management. Greater trust and communication within the WCAs would make an important contribution to effective collective action and to the long-term sustainability of local associations.
Highlights
In many parts of the world, decreases in state funding for irrigation management in the late20th century have led to the widespread deterioration of irrigation systems [1,2,3]
To illustrate the challenges and opportunities facing the selected water consumer associations (WCAs), this section presents a detailed review of the performance of two of the eight WCAs covered by this study—Muglon Obi
The two WCAs selected for in-depth analysis generally represent two irrigation system authorities (ISAs) (Karshi Main Canal and Mirishkor ISAs)
Summary
In many parts of the world, decreases in state funding for irrigation management in the late20th century have led to the widespread deterioration of irrigation systems [1,2,3]. In many parts of the world, decreases in state funding for irrigation management in the late. The responsibility for irrigation management has been transferred from government agencies to community-level water user groups [1]. These are generally promoted by either local government agencies or donor organizations. Water 2017, 9, 419 infrastructure maintenance through membership fees Such groups have experienced mixed results in various parts of the world, which can be attributed to various factors. Not all user groups have been successful in mobilizing the funds needed to improve irrigation systems. In examining two cases of Indonesian irrigation management, Vermillion [5] attributed inadequate infrastructure funding to poorly defined property rights for irrigation infrastructure at the farm level
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