MONITORING INEQUALITIES IN IRRIGATION WATER SUPPLIES FOR SUSTAINABLE IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The Kirindi Oya irrigation scheme is considered water scarce since its inauguration in 1986. At present, it is faced with the grave problem of its farmers leaving paddy cultivation especially in the RB sub system. The present governance of the irrigation system was evaluated using inequality in irrigation water supplies as an indicator of farmer dissatisfaction. Gini Coefficient proved strong for our cause, of the three inequality measures used. Monitoring inequality in the irrigation system provides approaches to better future governance. The Lorenz curves provided a wide insight into the inequality conditions as well. The introduced methodology will facilitate irrigation management in the whole Asia.