Comparison of performance assessment indicators for evaluation of irrigation scheme performances in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Managing resource tn a major irrigation scheme needs more attention on system performance in order to get Optimum production out of available resources. bi Sri Lanka must major irrigation schemes are managed using conventional management strategies together with the traditional experiences of farmers and managers. In most instancesa systematic approach For observation or resource use and management are not adhered to either by schema managers or by fanners. rt is often observed that tliis results in tow productivity, As such there is ei neod to evaluate irrigation scheme performance using, suitable performance indicators In order to Identify shortcomings and to find out solutions /or increasing the productivity of such schemes. Since there art' many factors affecting productivity of an irrigation sdicmu, most relevant factors should be identified in order to ascertain the most relevant data, minimum time, money, and expert services are spent !t is cammiinly believed that the present way of data collection by the majority for scheme evaluations do not serve tlie purpose since they are not designed for Sri Lanka's national reeds. The present woirk is towards the development of a suitable peiformance assessment program for irrigation schemes in Sri l^nke considering water use efficiency, irrigation practices and land productivity. A critical comparison and review of available indicators were done considering the adequacy to monitor service delivers, productivity and agricultural economics and financing on irrigation system sustainability. One new indicator for water service delivery reflecting the effect of actual rainfall received was identified in this study along with two new indicators as CJovernmenl Involvement and Beneficiary Involvement. This is proposed to monitor system sustenance which is a very important issue in the light of recent state policy of handing over of irrigation schemes to farmers. The present work after a systematic evaluation identified eleven suitable indicators for system performance measurement that would require minimum efforts on additional data collection and mobilising of fresh resources.