Science Council Brief Nro 14: Tracing the Outcomes of Research on Irrigation Management Transfer

In most of the developing world, irrigation schemes are making, or have already made, the transition from State-dominated to more participatory management. The process that later became known as Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) began in the late 1980s, when a number of governments began exploring the potential of water user associations (WUAs), local nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and the private sector to take over some or all of the roles hitherto exercised by the State. The rationale behind IMT was that it would enhance efficiency and boost the productivity
and sustainalbility of irrigated agriculture.

For the past 15 years, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has worked with its partners to conduct research on IMT programs and their effects. This brief highlights some of the impacts of this research, focusing mainly on Asia.