Change in Effectiveness of Stung Chinit Irrigation System within a Social Economic in Santuk District, Kampong Thom Province

Abstract

Functional irrigation system is one of the most important mechanisms for preventing or minimizing crop failure, and increasing crop yields and cropping calendars. It is functional, if it is properly designed, built, operated and maintained, as well as climate-proofed. It is projected that the climate change effects – flood, drought, and temperature rise – will adversely affect water availability, hence impacting the reliability of the irrigation system and its services. The findings illustrate that Chinit Irrigation System faces several challenges such as insufficient budget for operation and maintenance, especially for repairing the broken earthen canals caused by heavy traffic, cattle, crabs and mice, and flooding. After construction, rice yield, land size and seasonal growing are increased and most of the farmers within the system coverage could access enough water for irrigation, so farmers’ livelihood is improved. After completing the infrastructure, households’ average net-income increased from 2.44 to 3.14 million riel per household. There are other income sources such as small business, construction and factory workers, taxi-driver and so on that can be further diversified as the competition for water use is expected due to climate change and an increase in water demand in this Watershed.