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Accepting the necessity for irrigation in areas where there is insufficient rainfall to sustain agricultural production and admitting the negative effects of large-scale irrigation schemes, this article supports the argument that smaller-scale, community

TitleFreeing the channels : farmer-managed water supply
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1995
AuthorsLammerink, M, Croxton, S, Oenga, IO
Paginationp. 2-5: 2 boxes, 4 photogr.
Date Published1995-01-01
Keywordscase studies, community management, community participation, external support agencies, gender, indigenous knowledge, irrigation, kenya, pakistan, research, water resources management, women
Abstract

Accepting the necessity for irrigation in areas where there is insufficient rainfall to sustain agricultural production and admitting the negative effects of large-scale irrigation schemes, this article supports the argument that smaller-scale, community managed alternatives are viable and can be the basis for household and wider food security. It discusses the role of development agencies and professionals in assisting communities to manage and control water more effectively, and to facilitate local management of water resources, while pointing out that at present this is at an initial stage of development. The advantages of supporting a more prominent role for communities as managers of improved water-supply systems, the many forms of community management, and the functions of local management organizations depending on the agreed division of responsibility between the agency and community are all covered in the article. Particular emphasis is placed on women who play a crucial role in traditional management of water resources and therefore must be properly represented in the management process at all levels and especially given access to authority positions traditionally reserved for men. The article warns that without this water improvements will fail. A list of lessons learned from an analysis of experience in community-managed water supply systems concludes the article. Two boxed case-studies (in Pakistan and Kenya) are also included.

Notes4 ref.
Custom 1205.1, 272.2

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