A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the re quirements for the degree of Master of Science in Natural Resources Management, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2009

The operation and management of irrigation systems is an important concern in Nepal. In this context, the level of participation of the farmers and the factors influencing become very crucial. The overall goal of this research is to identify and evaluate motives, factors, constraints and opportunities for farmer to participate in the management of irrigation schemes, in order to suggest recommendations for improving efficiency of farmer»managed irrigation systems. This research was conducted in Babai irrigation system from Western plain area of Nepal. It covered only the right part of the irrigation systems which is managed by farmers. Qualitative as well as quantitative data are collected using in-depth interview, focus group discussion and the structured questionnaire with randomly selected 134 households in the irrigation system. The study reveals that a large majority of the sampled household's depend on agriculture in term of employment. The cropping intensity is not significantly different across different parts of the irrigation system; whereas it differs across different farm size. The results show that the productivity of major crops (Paddy, wheat, maize and mustard) is significantly higher in Type-I farmer (full-time farmers) compared to others. Similarly, significantly higher level of paddy productivity is found in head-end area of the irrigation system; and with higher farm size. The economic efficiency measured in terms of gross and net income is higher in head-end area, Type-I farmer and with large farm size. A principal component analysis has been carried out to identify essential groupings of factors influencing farmers' participation in irrigation management. The results show that the response of operational activities for acquisition of water is significantly higher in head-end area of the system. Similarly, the satisfaction level is significantly higher in the head-end in case of the allocation of water among branches and the distribution of water. But in terms of the application of water the satisfaction level is significantly higher in the middle of the system. People from the Babai Irrigation system are found to be usually participating in different community activities. In case of construction and development activities the highest degree of participation is observed in case of farmers with medium farm size whereas in case of social campaign the farmers from large farm size are found having higher level of participation. The results reveals that the community of farmers is uneven and show differentiation when it comes to perception of issues, and involvement in management. Such differentiation in participation is based on location, farming style and land size. It is therefore recommended that any attempt to increase farmers' participation must address these differences.