Water Distribution in Farmer Managed Rice Irrigation Systems, Fujian, China

Abstract

Much rice grows on land served by irrigation systems where water moves to fields through canals and ditches. Some irrigation systems have plenty of water. Others do not. This study examines three systems which almost every year experience moderate shortages of water and occasionally experience severe shortages. Water distribution within the systems is managed entirely by farmers. The water diversion structures on the canals and ditches are highly manipulatable. The farmers have devised water distribution procedures that are readily adaptable to the varying needs of fields and varying levels of water availability from place to place and time to time. Therefore, crop losses owing to water shortages have been minimal.