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List of contents
Studies in Water Policy and Management Charles W. Howe, General Editor -- Foreword -- Preface and Acknowledgments -- Introduction and Conceptual Model -- Priorities for Irrigation Planning and Investment -- Implementing Irrigation Projects: Operational and Institutional Problems -- Irrigation Development Needs in India -- Alternatives for Improving Small-Scale Irrigation Systems in Alfisol Watersheds in India -- Management, Production, and Rehabilitation in South Indian Irrigation Tanks -- Agricultural Intensification in Thailand: Complementary Role of Infrastructure and Agricultural Policy -- The Economics of Small Tank Irrigation in Northeast Thailand -- An Evaluation of River Pump and Tank Irrigation Systems in Northeast Thailand -- The Asian Development Bank Approach to Research Design for Irrigation Projects1 -- Private Tubewell and Canal Water Trade on Pakistan Punjab Watercourses -- Allocative Impacts of Alternative Methods of Charging for Irrigation Water in Egypt -- Direct or Indirect Alternatives for Irrigation Investment and the Creation of Property -- Irrigation Policies for Future Growth in Agriculture
Summary
The results of investment in irrigation projects in developing countries have often been disappointing both to investors and to local beneficiaries. The editors argue that the ultimate goals of irrigation projects must be set within the larger context of general social issues. Economic efficiency must often be weighed against social gains; irrigation projects cannot be conceived simply as technical problems, and structures must be designed with reference to their continuing maintenance and operation. Using a management model, the contributors offer new perspectives on the evaluation of investment priorities and the potential benefits of irrigation projects in developing countries. Recommendations on evaluating investments in small-scale irrigation projects, improvements in water allocation, project rehabilitation and maintenance, water pricing, government food policy, technical assistance, and project sustainability are empirically grounded in studies from India, Thailand, Pakistan, and Egypt. The analysis of specific small-scale projects suggests that there are many opportunities for improving farmer participation and thus increasing the chances of success for these projects.
