IMPACT OF PARTICIPATORY IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT (PIM) ON THE LIVELIHOOD OF WATER USERS IN KANO RIVER IRRIGATION PROJECT (KRIP), NIGERIA

IMPACT OF PARTICIPATORY IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT (PIM) ON THE LIVELIHOOD OF WATER USERS IN KANO RIVER IRRIGATION PROJECT (KRIP), NIGERIA

Abstract:

The study was conducted to assess the impact of Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) on the livelihood of water users in Kano River Irrigation Project (KRIP). A sample size of 325 and 268 water users from KRIP and Watari Irrigation Project (WIP) were selected by using systematic random sampling techniques making a total of 593 water users (WUs) used for this study. Data were collected through administering questionnaire, which were analysed by descriptive statistics, multiple regression, independent t-test, chow test and propensity score matching. Therespondents had about 17 years mean irrigation experience and 61.5% and 16.1% of WUs in KRIP and WIP registered with WUAs. On the extent of participation, KRIP and WIP water users had 84% and 46%, 52% and 23% level of participation on field canal and distributaries canal weeding. It was indicated that water users in KRIP broaden their cropping patterns there by planting about eight (8) different crops whereas WUs in WIP concentrated on four (4) crops only. With regards to the factors influencing WUs‟ participation in PIM intervention; farming as major occupation of WUs, experience in irrigation farming, Member ship in water users association (WUA) and extension frequency had a positive influence on WUs‟ participation in irrigation management at 1% level of significance,. The study revealed that leadership capabilities, water users‟ knowledge on WUAs status, Productive meeting and voluntary labour contributions were the perceived roles effectively played by WUAs‟ officials according to 72.6%, 69.4%, 63.8% and 73.4% of the respondents in KRIP however, perceived contrary by WUs in WIP. Regarding to agency roles; training of water users on how to operate and maintain irrigation infrastructures were considered not effective in the areas. Though dealing with canal breakers was considered effective by 72.2% level in KRIP, while 45.6% level in WIP was considered not effective. The overall average matching estimates shows that PIM intervention improved WUs‟ livelihood by 0.169 coefficients at 1% level of significance. The result revealed that degradation of soil (64%), none enabling environment for water users to participate in irrigation management (61.5%), low water users‟ orientation on Operation and Maintenance (O&M) (60.9%) ,water user‟s poverty level 59.4% high cost farm inputs (57.2%), lack of sense of ownership by WUAs (86.2%) , failure of agency to make good arrangement for adequate and timely water supply (66.7%) and WUAs official and agency personnel‟s non-transparency (58.5%) were the major challenges against effective operationalization of PIM. Based on the finding of the study it wasrecommendedthat WUAs should be strengthen in KRIP while sensitization and mobilization campaign should be adequately mounted in WIP, Agency and WUAs officials in KRIP and WIP should put head together in mobilizing water users to improve participation on field canal clearance and distributary canals de-silting and weeding; agency should give room for water users involvement in decision making process.It was suggested further study should be conducted toanalyses the stage of Participatory Irrigation Management in Nigerian Large-Scale Irrigation Schemes managed by Federal Ministry of Water Resources; Comparative evaluation of the performance of Irrigation Infrastructures in PIM and non PIM Implemented Irrigation Schemes in Nigeria and Effect of Water Users Conflict in Nigerian Large–Scale Irrigation Schemes: Causes and Mitigating Strategies

IMPACT OF PARTICIPATORY IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT (PIM) ON THE LIVELIHOOD OF WATER USERS IN KANO RIVER IRRIGATION PROJECT (KRIP), NIGERIA

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