An assessment of farmers' perspective in support of the modernization of National Irrigation Systems in the Philippines
Issue Date
11-2020
Abstract
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has been involving farmer-irrigators of national irrigation systems (NIS) in planning system improvement and management since the 1980s. It has conducted various organization-strengthening and capacity-building programmes for members of irrigators associations. Unfortunately, unauthorized diversions, vandalism of structures, over-irrigation in upstream farms while downstream farms fall dry, conflicts over water distribution, and non-adoption of field-demonstrated water-saving techniques still occur in several systems. Consultation-workshops were conducted with farmer representatives of two small-scale NIS to gain understanding of the causes of such social disharmony, which hinders good system performance. The present case study was specifically aimed at the following: examining the farmer-irrigators' desired physical structures, system operation, water distribution rules, and institutional arrangements for their respective NIS vis-à-vis their envisioned quality of water delivery service; determining the levels of consistency of the desired irrigation technology and techniques; and generating data input for formulating programmes aimed at enhancing farmer-irrigators' appreciation of the operational procedures and mechanisms of water delivery. The results of the consultation-workshops showed conflicting farmers' preferences for system modernization options. The findings implied that a participatory approach to system modernization planning would be more fruitful when farmers are equipped to make informed choices on possible improvement solutions.
Source or Periodical Title
Irrigation and Drainage
ISSN
1531-0353
Volume
70
Issue
2
Page
207-223
Document Type
Article
Physical Description
illustrations, figure, graphs, maps, table, references
Language
English
Subject
IMT, Philippines, modernization, national irrigation systems, participatory approach
Recommended Citation
Delos Reyes, M.L.F. & Schultz, B. (2020). An assessment of farmers' perspective in support of the modernization of national irrigation systems in the Philippines. Irrigation and Drainage, 70 (2), 207-223. 10.1002/ird.2537.
Identifier
10.1002/ird.2537.
Digital Copy
Yes
En – AGROVOC descriptors
IMT; PHILIPPINES; MODERNIZATION; NATIONAL IRRIGATION SYSTEMS; PARTICIPATORY APPROACH
