The Slow Transfer in Canal Irrigation Technology in Time and Space

ABSTRACT This paper addresses the issue of slow adoption of advanced techniques in the design of new or rehabilitation of canal irrigation systems despite the poor irrigation water service and the rapid deterioration of concrete lined canals, affecting some irrigation projects. The paper presents the contrasting impact of marketing strategies of techniques of automatic hydromechanical equipment, which remain limited in time and space in the mid‐1970s with the advent of successful electronic control since the 1990s. The paper also discusses the slow adoption of advanced canal lining techniques using geosynthetics, a topic ignored by the international irrigation community for decades. The industry of water control and the industry of geosynthetics would have to play a major role in disseminating their products through lobbying and direct contacts with irrigation management authorities, as the international and national events are increasingly devoted to global development issues.