ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a summary picture of South Korea's agriculture, irrigation history, and public administration. It introduces the Farmland Improvement Association (FLIA) which take as an example of the FLIA form of organisation. The book describes how this FLIA organises its ostensible main functions, of water delivery, canal maintenance and agricultural extension. It examines relations between FLIA staff and irrigators, and between 'government' and farmers more generally. The book considers the internal structure and operation of the FLIA, and its relations with central government. It discusses the proposed FLIA reform, and draws some broader conclusions about the comparative study of irrigation organisation. The book links conclusions from the study of the FLIA to the opposing interpretations of South Korea's development.
