SECOND GENERATION PROBLEMS OF PRIVATIZED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

SECOND GENERATION PROBLEMS OF PRIVATIZED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS Second generation problems M. SVENDSEN Price Creek Consultants, Kings Valley, Oregon, USA

Abstract This paper identifies second generation problems arising from the successful transfer of irrigation management responsibility from government agencies to user-based groups based on the experience of five developing countries. It discusses these problems from the perspective of irrigation associations, government irrigation agencies, farmers, and the government. Support services are singled out as key but neglected elements of a solution set for these problems. Keywords: Financial autonomy, irrigation associations, irrigation districts, irrigation financing, irrigation management transfer, privatization, water rights

1 Introduction In the last five years, there has been a major shift in thinking about the character

of water. Where in the past, the social nature of water has been dominant, today it is the economic side of water which receives the greatest emphasis. To be sure, both aspects remain essential characteristics of the resource, but changing conditions (and changing ideologies of development) have today changed the focus of attention and debate.