Farm-level effects of irrigation system design and operation problems

Tabbal, D. F.; Bhuiyan, S. I.; Murray-Rust, D. H. 1986. Farm-level effects of irrigation system design and operation problems. In Hydraulics Research Limited, IIMI, Overseas Development Administration, and Sri Lanka, Irrigation Department, Irrigation Design for Management - Asian Regional Symposium, Kandy, Sri Lanka, 16-18 February 1987 (pp. 1-20). Wallingford, UK: Hydraulics Research Limited.

The paper discusses the interrelationship of design (and construction), operation, and performance of irrigation systems. Specifically, it (1) describes the farm-level effects of design (and construction) and operation on the performance of irrigation systems; (2) identifies the factors leading to ineffective use of farm-level facilities by farmers; and (3) recommends additional criteria for the design and operation of irrigation systems. Arguments from Philippine case studies that evaluated alternative designs of farm-level facilities and approaches to improve equity in water allocation and distribution in a modern traditionally designed run-of-the-river, reservoir-backed, and pump-based irrigation systems are used.

The general conclusion is that in both the traditional and modern systems, improvements in water management at the main system can improve water distribution equity and increase irrigated area as well as crop yield. But improved management in the main system often becomes difficult, if not impossible, because of some technical inadequacies due to deficient irrigation system design and construction.