Irrigation management transfer from the irrigation authority SAED to farmers at Kassack North in Senegal.

摘要

Guinea, Mali, Mauritania and Senegal have conducted several efforts to develop the resources of the shared Senegal River basin. Because of poverty in the region, the development of the river basin's resources remains a major concern of authorities of the four countries, their populations, and the international communities. A joint project of IUCN/OMVS/GEF/World Bank on people's participation in water and environmental resources management in the Senegal River basin has started in 2000. This research on the process of Irrigation Management Transfer from the irrigation authority to farmers at Kassack North in Senegal was conducted as a specific aspect of the joint project.;The goals of the research were to investigate views and practices of farmers regarding Irrigation Management Transfer from the State through the irrigation's authority to farmers at Kassack North in Senegal and suggest policy change, which could improve Irrigation Management Transfer with possible application to similar situations in the river basin and the region.;A qualitative research methodology was used to conduct key informants interviews, using the case study of the irrigation schemes A, E and F at Kassack North in Senegal.;Irrigation Management Transfer was completed using standard procedures with little recognition of the specific resources or needs of the farmers at Kassack North. As a result, farmers were poorly prepared to manage and maintain the irrigation schemes. The current organizational system does not appear to ensure efficient management. Financial management is not transparent. Farmers have failed to meet contractual agreements and large debts have accumulated making further financing difficult.;In order for Kassack North to effectively manage the irrigation scheme, an organization structure must be installed which ensures proper training of the farm community and hold the leaders of the irrigation scheme responsible for its actions. One approach to achieving improved education and management is for the Kassack to combine improved follow up by the irrigation authority with the contribution of trained managers employed by farmers.