Abstract
Based on a simulation model reflecting physical and economic conditions typically found in rice irrigation systems in Asia, the irrigation performance implications of alternative water distribution rules for dry season irrigation are evaluated under varying degrees of water shortage. The rules examined reflect differing water distribution strategies designed either to maximize conveyance efficiency, economic efficiency, or equity; or to achieve a balance between efficiency and equity objectives. Irrigation performance is evaluated using several efficiency measures reflecting the physical, agronomic and economic productivity of water, and one measure of equity. Economic efficiency and equity among farmers within the portion of the irrigation system that is “on” in any given season are shown to be complementary, and not competing objectives. Economic efficiency and equity among all farmers within the command area of the irrigation system are largely complementary strategies at the lower levels of water shortage, but with increasing shortage, significant tradeoffs develop between these objectives. An operational rule for water distribution under a goal of maximizing economic efficiency is developed, and the data requirements for its implementation are shown to be modest. Under the model's assumed conditions of dry season rice production dependent solely on surface irrigation for water, the distribution strategy designed to maximize conveyance efficiency results in only modestly lower levels of economic efficiency and equity than could be achieved by the strategy designed to maximize economic efficiency.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.
References
Abbie L., Harrison J.Q. & Wall J.W. 1982. Economic Returns to Investment in Irrigation in India.World Bank Staff Working Paper, No. 536, Washington, D.C.
Barker R. & Herdt R. with Rose B. 1985.The Rice Economy of Asia. Resources for the Future, Washington, D.C.
Bhatti M.A., Schultze F.E. & Levine G. 1991. “Yield Measures of Irrigation Performance in Pakistan.”Irrigation and Drainage Systems, 5(2): 183–190.
Bos, M.G. & Nugteren, J. 1990. On Irrigation Efficiencies.ILRI Publication, No. 19, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Bos M.G., Murray-Rust D.H., Merrey D.J., Johnson H.G. & Snellen W.B. 1993. “Methodologies for Assessing Performance of Irrigation and Drainage Management.”Irrigation and Drainage Systems, 7(4): 231–261.
IRRI 1972.Annual Report for 1971, International Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Philippines.
Levine G.E. & Coward W. Jr. 1989. “Equity Considerations in the Modernization of Irrigation Systems.”ODI-IIMI Irrigation Management Network, Paper No. 89-2b, Overseas Development Institute, London, December.
Malhotra S.P., Raheja S.K. & Seckler D. 1984. “A Methodology for Monitoring the Performance of Large-Scale Irrigation Systems: A Case Study of theWarabandi System of Northwest India,”Agricultural Administration, 17: 231–259.
Rimal, A. 1994. A Simulation Model for Evaluating Water Distribution Strategies in a Hypothetical Rice-Based Asian Irrigation System. M.S. thesis, Rutgers University.
Small L.E. & Carruthers I.C. 1991.Farmer-Financed Irrigation: The Economics of Reform. Cambridge University Press, London.
Small L.E. & Svendsen M. 1990. “A Framework for Assessing Irrigation Performance,”Irrigation and Drainage Systems, 4: 283–312.
Small L.E. & Svendsen M. 1992. “A Framework for Assessing Irrigation Performance,”Working Papers on Irrigation Performance, No. 1, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, D.C.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Small, L.E., Rimal, A. Effects of alternative water distribution rules on irrigation system performance: a simulation analysis. Irrig Drainage Syst 10, 25–45 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01102763
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01102763
Key words
- Efficiency
- equity
- irrigation performance
- productivity
- rice irrigation
- simulation model