THE ECOLOGICAL BASIS OF IRRIGATION INSTITUTIONS - EAST AND SOUTH-ASIA

The form and operation of canal irrigation institutions are strongly c onditioned by a small set of ecological variables. The paper shows tha t contrasts and similarities in irrigation institutions between East A sia and South Asia can be related to differences and similarities in t hese variables. It also suggests that the tendency of social scientist s and environmentalists to overlook ecological conditions can impair t he usefulness of their policy suggestions on appropriate irrigation in stitutions.