Review of Improving irrigation governance and management in Nepal edited by G. P. Shivakoti and E. Ostrom

Abstract

266 / JOURNAL OF IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE ENGINEERING / JULY/A Issues that are often overlooked in intervention projects that are aimed at improving production of food resources in developing countries, include the sociological aspects that determine the long-term success of management of a limited resource such as irrigation water. Although technological fixes can be critical in improving the efficiency of water use in irrigation, work presented in this book demonstrates that without a stable, social network of stakeholders managing the system, the buy-in by farmers that is critical to the project success will be lacking. Control by outside parties, who do not have a direct stake in the success of the system, can result in political objectives taking precedence over efficient use and fair distribution of the resource. Furthermore, contribution of stakeholders’ time and resources depends on their receiving fair compensation in the form of reliable use of the water resource. A technological fix that does not involve the stakeholders can be expensive and may require continued support from outside financial interests. The writers touched on a key limitation to governance resting primarily with farmers, which is the question of what mechanisms would be available for dealing with external competition for resources that include increases in use by industrial and domestic sectors. This issue should be further developed considering the worldwide impact of increasing population pressures on water resources. In the same light, managing water resources on a watershed level during drought was not fully explored. However, the stakeholder process involving consortia of involved farmers appeared to be the best mechanism for maintaining fair distributions of water resources regardless of the source of limitations on overall water availability. The book has a broader appeal than just for those interested in irrigation in Nepal. People who are involved with the development or enhancment of irrigation systems in developing countries, including those directly involved in agriculture and those who commit funds to improving such activities, will learn much about what approaches are optimal and where obstacles lie in the management of irrigation systems. Review of Improving irrigation governance and management in Nepal edited by G. P. Shivakoti and E. Ostrom