Assessing the performance of farmer managed irrigation systems in Dhading district of Nepal

This study aims to conduct a performance assessment of two farmer-managed irrigation systems in Dhading District, viz. Bishaltar Irrigation Project (BIP) and Parewatar Majhitar Irrigation Project (PMIP). Performance of the physical infrastructures, water use, institutional and organizational activities were assessed along with agricultural production and serviceability. A mixed methods research design, combining ethnographic work and quantitative surveys for data collection and analysis was employed. Data collection method included system walkthrough, household questionnaire survey, focus group discussion and key informant interview. Both the systems were able to serve the farmers with moderately adequate, reliable, equitable and timely irrigation water supply except for the situations of water scarcity during spring. Water User Associations in both systems were effective in decision-making and conflict resolution but were passive in generating operation and maintenance fund. A huge gap was observed in capacity-building activities in both projects. Cropping intensity had been increased by about 70% in both the projects resulting significant increase in the average level of crop yield. However, the agricultural input facilities, extension services and market facilities are not sufficient for the farmers. Finally, the study provides general recommendations associated with policy adoption to increase resource mobilization and switch to commercial farming.