Book Review (Spotlight Weekly)

Water Ways

Experts map effective ways to improve farmer managed irrigation systems

By A CORRESSPONDENT

As the country's agriculture system depends overwhelmingly upon the rain, production fluctuates each year. If the rainfall is above average, agriculture production goes up. It is lower when precipitation dips below average.

Although Nepal is an agriculture-based country, with more than 80 percent of the population depending on the sector, the country is yet to expand irrigation facilities in keeping with its requirements. According to studies, less than 25 percent of the agricultural land gets water for irrigation. Interestingly, farmers have been managing more than 15 percent of the existing irrigation systems. Because of rational management, small farmer managed irrigation systems are more effective and sustainable.

The farmer's ability to supply and manage water will determine annual agriculture production. Keeping this reality in view, different organizations have been working over the years to strengthen farmer managed irrigation systems (FMIS).

"If we look back to the development of FMIS in this country, one can see good progress in knowledge building and understanding toward the dynamics of the functioning of the system. However, recognition of FMIS in Nepal came only in early 1980s although the system existed for many centuries," say Pradhan and Dr. Gautam in the editors' note.

With its difficult topography and terrain, Nepal cannot sustain the irrigation system without the support of farmers. The country's experience has shown that the government cannot do anything alone. The participation of the farmers is a pre-requisite for the effective utilization of the irrigation projects.

Despite the importance of the FMIS in the country's overall agriculture sector, only a few steps have been taken to improve such systems. For many countries, Nepal's FMIS has stood out as a successful model.

The effectiveness of Nepal's traditional irrigation system is well accepted. International groups agreed to hold a global seminar in Nepal on the theme of FMIS in the changed context. Organized by the non-government Farmer Managed Irrigation Systems Promotion Trust (FMISPT), the two-day seminar paved the way for broader international discussions among experts from various parts of the world.

"It was participated by people - both young and old - from government, non-government agencies, academia, media, community, private sector and professional organization," says Dr. Gautam.

As the concept of FMIS has been modified in the changed political context, Nepal needs to fine-tune the system in keeping with the times. "Sustainable utilization of water and development of pluralistic society and self-governance have played their role in the changed farmer managed irrigation system context," says Pradhan, chairman of the FMISPT. "FMIS is for us a symbol of democratic values, as the local community manages the resources. We also take it as our national heritage because it has long history; it has helped foster unique culture of Nepal."

The book consists of proceedings from international seminar, including working papers presented by experts and opinions of participants. The volume, which highlights the irrigation systems of various countries in a genuine endeavor to encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences, is an important addition to the literature on the field.

Farmer Managed Irrigation Systems In the Changed Context Edited By Prachanda Pradhan and Dr. Upendra Gautam Published by Farmer Managed Irrigation Systems Promotion Trust Price US$ 25 (NRs 2,000)
Published in October 2002