Exploring options of participatory water management for livelihood improvements in the Indo‐Gangetic Basin

Abstract

Water resource development has played an important role in livelihood improvement and poverty alleviation by improving food security, protecting against drought, providing access to water, and creating employment. Recent efforts of government, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and international agencies to promote participatory management of water resources in irrigated commands, rainfed areas, and uplands have paid rich dividends in the Indo‐Gangetic Basin (IGB) and in IGB countries. There has been a paradigm shift from technology transfer toward decentralized, user‐centered approaches, and more recently toward promotion of local institutions and governance. This paper reviews experience from various participatory water management approaches in canal‐irrigated areas, groundwater‐irrigated areas, rainfed areas, and uplands, and suggests practical ways forward for participatory water management.

Keywords:

• Indo‐Gangetic Basin
• participatory irrigation management
• watershed management
• water management