A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology

Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2005

Benchmarking as a tool for irrigation system performance assessment and improvement has been adopted by many countries to improve the level of service provision to the users. The international initiative taken up by the World Bank, IPTRID and IWMI has helped in cross system comparison among irrigation schemes across the world, aimed at finding the best management practices and finding solutions to minimize the performance gaps. But the performance indicators are calculated on an average annual basis, which is not always representative of the actual values. This has particular importance in rice-based systems of monsoon Asia where marked seasonal variations exist, in terms of water availability. This study reviews the process of benchmarking in the irrigation sector in Malaysia. It also investigates the possibility of a seasonal analysis to be done on the irrigation services benchmarking. The paper presents the steps taken by DID, Malaysia in implementing benchmarking. The key driver for adopting benchmarking process in irrigation sector in Malaysia is the need to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production. The difference in the seasonal values of indicators was observed in the field studies conducted at Muda river scheme in Malaysia and the Lamthakhong scheme in Thailand. This has a direct influence on the water productivity, which in increased considerably with reduced supply. The study proposes necessary steps to be taken to improve the financial performance of Muda river scheme. Financial indicators involving revenue collection need to be calculated annually, as in most of the countries water fees are collected annually. With the variation in supply in Lamthakhong scheme on account of water availability, the output per unit of water supplied can be further improved by a slight reduction in the supply. Benchmarking in Thailand should be concentrated more on the service provision and increase in agricultural productivity. With the erratic rainfall distributions in Thailand, priority has to be given to increasing the output with the less volume of water available. Benchmarking can be of help in this aspect, wherein it identifies the areas that need improvement. It will prove to be helpful in carrying on the performance improvement initiative taken by RID through its Results Based Management Program. In light of the study, it is proposed to adopt benchmarking as a nation-wide program.