Introducing irrigated production to small farmers : a comparative evaluation of three small farmer irrigation projects in the Bicol region

Special evaluation covers the period 1975-9/83 and is based on site visits and interviews with project personnel. All three projects - despite their various problems - have the potential to deliver a reliable water supply to farmers. The irrigation systems installed have been of sound technical design (to achieve and maintain these design standards, however, will require additional time and investment), land reform has been implemented, local offices have increased their capacity for management and coordination, and project interventions have produced visible increases in tax revenues, land values, and rice yields (the latter, however, generally have not increased to expected levels). However, development of irrigation associations (IA"s) is seriously behind schedule at two of the three sites. The expectations of the National Irrigation Association (NIA) and of other Philippine agencies regarding farmers" ability to run the irrigation systems were unrealistic. Farmer training, although given priority in all three projects, has had problems with content, timing, and lack of follow-up. The Libmanan-Cabusao project (officially completed in 1981, although much work remains to be done) faces serious technical and institutional problems, which if not addressed soon will result in loss of the investment that has been made. The irrigation system is currently operating at less than 50% efficiency. IA development was initially ignored as an objective and later contracted out to private institutions. Thus far, farmer participation in IA"s has not exceeded 65%. The Bula-Minalabac Land Consolidation project has been extremely successful in achieving farmer cooperation, as evidenced by high rates of farmer adoption of the technology package, payment of irrigation fees, and participation in IA"s (the latter exceeding 90%). Construction, however, is behind schedule due to delays in funding and difficulties with contractor performance. The Rinconada project is slightly ahead of schedule in irrigation development and is devoting more effort to IA development, which was initially ignored. Nonetheless, restrictive IA bylaws have limited farmer participation to less than 20%. Numerous recommendations are made.