China - Empowering farmers through democratic management of irrigation water

91935 July 1, 2002 China: Empowering farmers through democratic management of irrigation water Through four large irrigation projects covering eight provinces, the Bank has supported the development of twenty pilot Self-financing Irrigation and Drainage Districts (SIDDs) based on civil society participation, and incorporating and implementing key irrigation sector policies and reforms. SIDDs comprise Water User Associations (WUAs) established by farmers to operate and maintain the lower levels of the irrigation systems, and Water Supply Corporations (WSCs) which operate and maintain the main canal systems and diversion works and sell water to WUAs on a volumetric basis. Each WUA elects its own leaders from its farmer-members, and takes responsibility for planning and supervision of the water allocation, maintenance and repairs of the irrigation channels, and fee collection. Each WSC is an independent company established under the Company Law with a Board of Directors which includes farmer WUA representation, usually accounting for 40 percent to 50 percent of the members. The SIDD reforms increase the role and responsibility of farmers in managing their irrigation affairs, while reducing the burden and role of government in irrigation management and financing. To date, approximately 300 pilot WUAs have been established under Bank-supported projects. Farmers have shown exceptional enthusiasm and support for their WUAs. Results so far indicate that the SIDD system empowers the farmers, and that their direct participation makes a significant difference, resulting in increases in crop production and water savings, reduced irrigation costs and saved labor for farmers, virtual elimination of conflicts over water, increased ownership by farmers, increased participation of women, and greater willingness of farmers to contribute to irrigation system investment and maintenance. Such impacts increase and broaden the benefits of irrigation investments, and reduce the substantial burden of irrigation on local governments. Updated: July 2002