Publication: Institutional Reform for Irrigation and Drainage : Proceedings of a World Bank Workshop
Date
2002
ISSN
Published
2002
Author(s)
Gonzalez, Fernando J.
Salman, Salman M.A.
Abstract
The report consists of an introduction,
and three separate, but inter-related parts. The
introduction provides an overview of the workshop
discussions, arguing that the irrigation sector is blamed
for many environmental problems, suggesting to set the right
incentives, and regulations, including stakeholders
involvement, and partnerships to overcome sector obstacles.
The first part looks at the institutional diversity in
irrigation, and drainage sectors, reviewing institutional
changes within components of the Bank's portfolio of
irrigation, and drainage projects. It addresses the extent
to which the Bank's major policy documents of the 1990s
have shaped the portfolio, and suggests recommendations to
promote institutional changes, and the introduction of
alternative solutions, such as private sector involvement,
to increase competition, service contracts, and
intergovernmental agreements. The second part reviews the
irrigation regulatory framework, arguing that participation
of Water Users Associations (WUAs) in the management of
irrigation systems, is likely to increase systems
efficiency, including improved collection of charges for
irrigation infrastructure operation, and maintenance, as
well as water charges. Legal instruments are further
analyzed, to establish adequately functioning WUAs,
including institutional issues for the potential
privatization of irrigation management facilities. Also
discussed is the legal pluralism, and its effect on water
rights, highlighting interactions between multiple legal
orders, and the fact that all such orders can provide bases
for claiming property rights, suggesting the recognition of
multiple bases for claims, regarding property rights as
negotiated outcomes. The third part examines the
benchmarking system, economic incentives, and pricing,
discussing the role of economic incentives in improving
water use efficiency, the benefits of benchmarking
irrigation systems to sustain agricultural production,
emphasizing on institutional, and structural reforms to
overcome sector problems.
Citation
“Gonzalez, Fernando J.; Salman, Salman M.A.. 2002. Institutional Reform for Irrigation and Drainage : Proceedings of a World Bank Workshop. World Bank Technical Paper;No. 524. © Washington, DC: World Bank. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/ecc6162b-7394-5e5d-826b-8e78a3223ef9 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”