Lessons from the american west for developing countries

摘要

Planners project that most of the required food production increases in the next three decades, when world population reaches eight billion, will have to come from irrigated agriculture. Yet, the majority of centrally administered irrigation systemsin developing countries are not properly maintained, with some experiencing a stagnant agricultural situation. At the same time, during the past 100-150 years, the American West has put in place two major institutional measures: (1) water rights; and (2)locally managed irrigation districts. More than twenty developing countries are now experimenting with irrigation management transfer from government agencies to organized farmers. However, without institutional measures somewhat similar to the AmericanWest, but adapted to each site-specific situation, these irrigation systems are not likely to produce self-reliant and innovative farmers that can satisfy future food requirements.