EQUITY AND EFFICIENCY ISSUES IN IRRIGATION WATER DISTRIBUTION

Irrigation water distribution policy should be both efficient and equi table. In most irrigation projects water distribution, particularly du ring the dry period fails to achieve one objective while trying to imp rove another, especially in unlined canal projects with a high seepage rate. How to improve both is a complex task. A methodology for choosi ng an appropriate water distribution policy in public irrigation proje cts considering both objectives of equity and efficiency is described. Assorted water distribution policies are generated through an optimiz ation model by varying the level of irrigation and the proportion of a rea of each field plot to be irrigated. Then a simulation model is emp loyed to evaluate the consequences with respect to efficiency and equi ty measures. Finally a multi-objective analysis is carried out to sele ct a compromise solution. This methodology is applied to select a wate r distribution policy for irrigating wheat in a case study project.