Effect of Water Charges on Irrigation System Efficiency

摘要

Irrigation charges provide revenue for governments, but may also act as prices and affect short-run water allocation. The paper investigates the effect of water charges by asking how farmers would react under a range of physical situations and administrative procedures. Revenue goals and efficiency goals are discussed separately and it is assumed that the effects of water charges in public and private irrigation systems will not be dissimilar. With regard to revenue goals, water charges are discussed as a source of general revenue and as a means of recovering operations and maintenance and/or investment costs. The impacts on farmers of different collection methods and schedules are explored at some length.