Water Management Improvement in a Large-Scale Irrigation Project Supported by an Irrigation Information System

Case of Way Sekampung Irrigation Project in Indonesia

Abstract

This is a case study of the effect of the introduction of an innovative information system into a large-scale irrigation projects in Indonesia. In the case of large-scale projects, it is more difficult to get a comprehensive understanding of water management performance than it is in small-scale projects. This is one of the factors hindering efficient water management in large-scale projects. To cope with such a situation, an irrigation information system utilizing radio modems was introduced into the Way Sekampung Irrigation Project as a pilot project in Indonesia. The introduction of the irrigation information system made it possible to grasp the entire water management situation in the project, thus resulting in improved water management. The effect even extended to the raising of consciousness among the management office staff and field staff regarding efficient water management. These effects were produced as a result of realizing a more open water management through the disclosure of irrigation management information and the creation of a data feedback loop among the control office, the field offices, field staff and farmers.