Organizational Effectiveness of User and Non-user Controlled Irrigation Systems in Nepal

Abstract

"This study, which focuses on the organizational effectiveness of user and non-user controlled irrigation systems in the western hills of Nepal, was conducted with the purpose of assessing the extent to which these systems differ in perceived effectiveness, level of participation and perceptions of equity in meeting the water needs of the farmers being served. The study design included both survey methodology and rapid appraisal. The conditioning variables included socioeconomic status of household, family structure, and demographic characteristics of the respondents. The dependent variable was organizational effectiveness which was measured by perceived effectiveness, level of participation, and perception of equity. Several hypotheses were tested. The major one was: Perceived organizational effectiveness will be higher in user controlled irrigation systems than in non-user controlled systems as manifested by higher scores of perceived effectiveness, level of participation and perceived equity. The findings indicate that leadership pattern for solving problems that relate to dam and canal repair, water acquisition, allocation and distribution of water were significantly different for user and non-user controlled systems. Significant positive relationships were found only between participation and farm size and farm income."