Implementation of Irrigation Management Reform Policy under External Support: Sustainability Question: A Preliminary Observation in West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

"The paper critically analyzes the sustainability of externally funded projects for the implementation of irrigation management reform policy in Indonesia. Implementation aspects analyzed are project management, individuals within the project, external funding assumption, previous experience, and policy ambiguity. Data were drawn primarily from West Sumatra Province, where irrigation management reform multi-projects are located. The paper concludes that these projects will not be able to empower the Water User Associations and the district or provincial government to continue project implementation when external funding source is withdrawn. Hence, an alternative course of implementation which mainly relies on local capacity is proposed."