Post-1949 Development of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, South China: Bridging a Gap between the Government and Farmers

Abstract

Bridging the gap between government and farmers is a major step in sound irrigation development,particularly in Monsoon Asia, where rice-based peasant economies are dominant. The present study highlights the development process of an irrigation system in South China since the establishmentof the People's Republic of China in 1949. A multilayered governing system was found to play a key role in leading irrigation development to a balance between government's policies and farmers' demands. This Chinese experience suggests the need for deeper examination of the characteristics and structure of bodies responsible for irrigation system management in the presently centralized countries of Tropical Monsoon Asia.