Society - Water - Technology
Society - Water - Technology

Author: Reinhard F. Hüttl

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2015-11-02

Total Pages: 300

ISBN-13: 3319189719

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This book presents the results of the Interdisciplinary Research Group "Society – Water – Technology" of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities. It describes interdisciplinary evaluation criteria for major water engineering projects (MWEPs) and portrays an application to the Lower Jordan Valley (Middle East) and the Fergana Valley (Central Asia). Both areas are characterised by transboundary conflicts, by challenges due to demographic and climate change and by political and societal pressures. Based on the findings, the book provides recommendations for science and political decisions makers as well as for international financing institutions. In addition, it outlines research gaps from an interdisciplinary perspective. In the past, MWEPs have been used as an instrument to cope with the demands of growing populations and to enhance development progress. Experiences with MWEPs have shown that a purely technical approach has not always brought about the desired results. In many cases, MWEPs have even resulted in negative implications for society and environment. Therefore, improved management strategies and enhanced technologies for a sustainable water resource management system are a prerequisite to meet present and future challenges. And, moreover, the continuous evaluation and optimisation of these measures is, likewise, a must.

The Legal Framework for Water Users' Associations
The Legal Framework for Water Users' Associations

Author: Salman M. A. Salman

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 1997-01-01

Total Pages: 114

ISBN-13: 9780821339084

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Recent experience confirms that participation of farmers in managing parts of an irrigation system and collecting water charges usually results in a more efficient use of water. To be effective, farmers in the hydraulic unit would need to organize themselves by establishing a "water users" association. This paper presents a comparative study of the legal framework for these associations in Colombia, India, Mexico, Nepal, the Philippines, and Turkey. Building on the theory that participation of farmers in managing and operating parts of an irrigation system will result in an optimum use of water, the document analyzes in a comparative manner how each of these countries addressed the basic aspects related to the establishment and functioning of such associations. Additional emphasis is placed on the collection of water charges.

The transformation of irrigation boards into water user associations in South Africa: Case studies of the Lower Olifants, Great Letaba and Vaalharts water user associations. Volume 1
The transformation of irrigation boards into water user associations in South Africa: Case studies of the Lower Olifants, Great Letaba and Vaalharts water user associations. Volume 1

Author: Seshoka, Jetrickde Lange, WillemFaysse, Nicolas

Publisher: IWMI

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 71

ISBN-13: 9290905581

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The first case study is the Lower Olifants WUA in the Western Cape, which was the first WUA in South Africa. Its principal functions are to operate and maintain a canal that enables irrigation throughout the year in an arid region. Around 9,200 hectares are irrigated, mainly for vineyards. The second case study relates to the Great Letaba WUA in the Limpopo Province. This WUA manages the allocation of water downstream of two large dams, near the town of Tzaneen. An area of 12,500 hectares is irrigated in the river valley, mainly for fruit tree farming. The third case study assesses the Vaalharts WUA, which is situated in both Northern Cape and North West provinces. This WUA is one of the largest irrigation schemes in South Africa (37,100 hectares overall). It manages mainly a canal that takes water from the Vaal River to irrigate commercial farms and, downstream, the Taung Irrigation Scheme in the former Bophuthatswana homeland.

The transformation of irrigation boards into water user associations in South Africa: Case studies of the Umlaas, Komati, Lomati and Hereford Irrigation Boards. Volume 2
The transformation of irrigation boards into water user associations in South Africa: Case studies of the Umlaas, Komati, Lomati and Hereford Irrigation Boards. Volume 2

Author: Nicolas Faysse

Publisher: IWMI

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 65

ISBN-13: 929090559X

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The first case study deals with the Umlaas IB in KwaZulu-Natal. This Board manages water use in the upper part of the Mlazi River catchment. Around 4,000 ha are irrigated, mainly to produce maize and sugar cane. Times of water scarcity are rare. Slopes in the upper parts of the catchment are steep and the IB along with the upstream rural communities and commercial forestry companies, have undertaken several initiatives to address erosion problems in the area, with the cooperation of these companies. The second case study relates to the Komati and Lomati IBs in Mpumalanga. The irrigated area of around 21,000 ha is mainly dedicated to sugarcane farming. It hosts the largest area of small-scale irrigation farming in South Africa, but periods of water scarcity are frequent. While the IBs have not transformed into WUAs yet, they have already incorporated the emerging farmers in their area of jurisdiction, as well as in the management of water. The third case study assesses the Hereford IB in Mpumalanga. The Board manages an earthen canal, mainly for citrus and wheat farming, on a total area of 3,400 ha. Small-scale farmers have settled on an abandoned commercial farm, and the current upgrading of the emerging farmers’ scheme and the setting-up of water meters open the way for the meaningful integration of the emerging farmers in the forthcoming WUA.

Strategic Reforms for Agricultural Growth in Pakistan
Strategic Reforms for Agricultural Growth in Pakistan

Author: Rashid Faruqee

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 168

ISBN-13: 9780821343364

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"Future prospects for the agricultural sector in Pakistan depend on its ability to increase output and income of producers." Agriculture remains the backbone of the Pakistani economy, employing more than half the labor force and accounting for 70 per cent of export revenues. However, agriculture faces two sets of constraints in Pakistan: resource constraints and policy distortions. This volume deals with the major resource and policy constraints currently facing Pakistani agriculture. Government involvement in Pakistan's agricultural sector has been excessive and often inappropriate, and agricultural reforms are a key part of the adjustment program underway in Pakistan. Some of the principal goals of the program are to ensure a sound and sustainable macroeconomic framework with sustainable internal and external balances, to liberalize trade, privatize government-owned enterprises, deregulate and eliminate public sector monopolies, and to reform the financial sector. The agricultural sector can contribute to the Pakistani economy and to the adjustment program. Agriculture has the potential to make a larger contribution to total revenue and plays an important role in external balances. A favorable climate gives Pakistan a strong comparative advantage in horticulture, as indicated by the rapid growth of the subsector in the absence of policy interventions.

Emerging Technologies for Promoting Food Security
Emerging Technologies for Promoting Food Security

Author: Chandra Madramootoo

Publisher: Woodhead Publishing

Published: 2015-11-13

Total Pages: 172

ISBN-13: 1782423532

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Emerging Technologies for Promoting Food Security: Overcoming the World Food Crisis discusses rising energy prices, increased biofuel use, water scarcity, and the rising world population, all factors that directly affect worldwide food security. The book examines the range of approaches to promoting global food security, including novel and existing agricultural and husbandry techniques for safe and sustainable food production. It is divided into three parts beginning with an overview of food security, an analysis of key drivers of food insecurity, and nutrition and food security. Part Two examines emerging technologies for plant and animal food security, with subsequent chapters discussing topics from genetic and aquaculture technologies, pest and disease control, environmental and policy issues affecting food security, and an in-depth analysis of water management and methods to reduce post-harvest losses. - Provides a comprehensive overview of food security - Thoroughly discusses rising energy prices, increased biofuel use, water scarcity, and the rising world population, all factors that directly affect worldwide food security - Covers the emerging technologies for plant and animal food security - Analyzes the policy issues affecting food security