INSTITUTIONAL AND SOCIAL CONSTRAINTS TO WATER CONSERVATION IN IRRIGATION: ARE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES ANY DIFFERENT?

Abstract

Social and institutional constraints are a significant factor in making improvements in water conservation. This observation is not new and has been noted by other researchers and international lending agencies. The social and institutional constraints are primarily poor farmer organization, lack of training and over-extended government services, all of which lead to inadequate levels of operation and maintenance and deficient irrigation water management.It is argued that these social and institutional constraints are not confined to developing countries. Data and findings from a number of studies are presented which demonstrate that social and institutional constraints to water conservation are also widespread in North America, though this terminology is not commonly applied.In most areas of the world where irrigation is practised, water is a scarce resource. There is increasing pressure from other water users to make irrigation schemes use water more efficiently. If irrigation is to be sustainable in this situation, water conservation programs have to be implemented. To achieve success, water conservation programs should focus on measures which will provide direct economic returns to the farmers.