Water distribution management in small West African canal systems

The performance and progressive development of irrigation distribution and rotation methods were studied in two government-sponsored systems of Niger, West Africa. Systemwide water distribution was monitored intensively throu ghout several growing seasons and farmer surveys were conducted at both sit es. Characteristics of farmer-managed rotation among tertiary canals and am ong parcels were examined in relation to farmer response to physical and or ganizational system constraints. A method for indexing the orderliness of i rrigation rotation was developed. Where water deliveries were limited, orga nizational efforts on behalf of the farmers resulted in functional, orderly rotation and distribution among parcels. Farmers exhibit less incentive to organize efficient and orderly rotation among parcels where access to wate r is less limited. Several organizational and design factors influence the degree to which farmers are both willing and able to organize functional wa ter distribution among themselves. Also, farmers may circumvent design inte ntions or management strategies imposed on them by irrigation authorities i n order to establish their own more effective water management methods, whi ch tend to better accommodate local labor and production constraints. Techn ical and organizational considerations related to water distribution and ma nagement derived from the study results may serve to facilitate the design and operation of small-holder systems in the Sahel.