Managing Canal Irrigation: Practical Analysis from South Asia (Wye Studies in Agricultural and Rural Development)

Chambers, Robert

ISBN 10: 0521347882 / ISBN 13: 9780521347884

Published by Cambridge University Press, 1988

About this Item

This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. No dust jacket. Re-bound by library. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,650grams, ISBN:9780521347884.

Seller Inventory # 5975138

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Managing Canal Irrigation: Practical Analysis from South Asia (Wye Studies in Agricultural and Rural Development)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 1988
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521347882
• ISBN 13: 9780521347884
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Fair
• Weight: 650 grams
• Seller catalogs:
  • Agriculture

About this title

Synopsis

The many billions of dollars invested in canal irrigation in recent decades have had disappointing results. Rarely have projected benefits in well-being or production been achieved. In consequence, in the mid-1980s, further vast sums are being spent throughout the Third World on programmes for rehabilitation, canal lining, on farm development, and farmers' organisation. In this book, Robert Chambers shows that much of this policy and practice is based on misleading research and misdiagnosis. When applied to the complexity and uniqueness of canal irrigation systems, the normal professionalism of civil and agricultural engineers, agronomists, economists, and sociologists, leaves gaps which are keys to better performance. In successive chapters, five such gaps are analysed and presented: main system management, including the scheduling and delivery of water, and communications; canal irrigation at night; management of canal systems jointly by farmers and officials; professional conditions and incentives for irrigation managers; and methods for diagnostic analysis to identify cost-effective actions for improvement. Managing Canal Irrigation has been written for policy-makers, irrigation managers, consultants, researchers, trainers and teachers. It challenges all concerned with improving the performance and anti-poverty impact of canal irrigation, whether in government departments, aid agencies, consultancy firms, training and research institutes or universities, to re-examine their beliefs, biases and actions. By going beyond the limits of normal professionalism, the book presents a new syllabus for training, a new agenda for research and development, and points to new policies and to practical action to be taken in the field.

Book Description

A challenge to re-examine beliefs, biases and actions is presented through the exposure of misleading research and faulty diagnosis in the current policies and pratices of canal irrigation.