Participation in the Irrigation Sector

The irrigation sector provides a rich
source of experiences and lessons in user participation.
Participation by farmers in system design and management
helps to ensure the sustainability of the system, reduce the
public expenditure burden, and improve efficiency, equity
and standards of service. Mobilizing support at all levels
and establishing the participatory process, however,
involves costs; it also demands knowledge of the incentives
facing each group of stakeholders, and of the essential
elements in building effective users organizations.