Assessing the impact of district authority irrigation infrastructure on food security in West Sumatra

Abstract At the end of 2022, Indonesia authorized the importation of up to 500 thousand tons of rice, with the allowance increasing to 1.5 million tons by the end of 2023. Despite this, West Sumatra Province boasts substantial irrigation potential, with 421,718 hectares of land, 59 percent of which is overseen by districts within the province. The current state of these irrigation infrastructures is that 60 percent are in good condition, while 40 percent suffer from moderate to severe damage. Effective irrigation systems, considering both technical and non-technical aspects, can significantly enhance production. This paper assesses the performance of irrigation systems, identifying key influencing factors. Through qualitative methods and in-depth interviews. This study revealed that the irrigation systems are not functioning optimally due to infrastructure deficiencies, the underperformance of farmer associations, and the ineffectiveness of stakeholder management. The scarcity of water has led to a reduction in rice production. To overcome these challenges, it is recommended that interventions be implemented, including the development of new irrigation areas, the empowerment of farmers and the integration of food security programs.