How to Turn Over Irrigation Systems to Farmers? Questions and Decisions in Indonesia

Abstract

"The Institute for Social and Economic Research, Education and Information (LP3ES) helped the Indonesian Department of Public Works (DPW) to develop and institutionalise methods for turning small irrigation systems over to water user associations. A series of earlier pilot studies had explored ways to improve local participation in design, construction and management of irrigation systems. For turnover, LP3ES trained irrigation staff who worked directly with farmers, trained trainers, provided consultants to assist provincial irrigation service officials in institutionalising new procedures and took part in national working groups which drafted regulations and manuals. Conditions for collaboration in institutional innovation included a willingness to compromise, funding linkages between the agency and NGO, building mutual trust and educated opportunism."