Your search found 16 records
1 Pittock, J.. 2008. Climate change and water supply. Water 21, June: 12-14.
Water supply ; Climate change ; Adaptation ; Drought ; Water resources ; Food production / Australia / Perth
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H044719)
(0.45 MB)
2 Pittock, J.. 2014. Energy. In Grafton, R. Q.; Wyrwoll, P.; White, C.; Allendes, D. (Eds.). Global water: issues and insights. Canberra, Australia: Australian National University (ANU Press). pp.121-124.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H046553)
http://press.anu.edu.au/apps/bookworm/view/Global+Water%3A+Issues+and+Insights/11041/ch05.1.xhtml#toc_marker-30
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H046553.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H046553.pdf
(0.10 MB)
3 Pittock, J.; Or, S.; Stevens, L.; Aheeyar, Mohamed; Smith, M. 2015. Tackling trade-offs in the nexus of water, energy and food. Aquatic Procedia, 5:58-68. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqpro.2015.10.008]
Sustainable development ; Irrigation schemes ; Water power ; Institutions ; Living standards ; Stakeholders ; Food security ; Energy ; Community development ; Decision making ; River basins ; Farmers ; Case studies / South East Asia / Thailand / Vietnam / Myanmar / Lao People's Democratic Republic / Sri Lanka / Zimbabwe / Mekong River Basin / Walawe River Basin
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047269)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214241X15002862/pdf?md5=0c5aca8412e864901197154dcf0d9fc2&pid=1-s2.0-S2214241X15002862-main.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H047269.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H047269.pdf
(0.53 MB) (539 KB)
We explore processes that enable effective policies and practices for managing the links between water, energy, and food. Three case studies are assessed at different scales in the Mekong River basin, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. We find that there are considerable opportunities for improving outcomes for sustainable development by finding solutions that accommodate multiple objectives in the nexus. These include making data more publicly available, commissioning independent experts to advise on contested issues, engaging under-represented stakeholders in decision-making, sharing benefits, exploring different perspectives in forums where alternative development options can be tested and engaging decision-makers at different scales.
4 Grafton, R. Q.; McLindin, M.; Hussey, K.; Wyrwoll, P.; Wichelns, D.; Ringler, C.; Garrick, D.; Pittock, J.; Wheeler, S.; Orr, S.; Matthews, N.; Ansink, E.; Aureli, A.; Connell, D.; De Stefano, L.; Dowsley, K.; Farolfi, S.; Hall, J.; Katic, Pamela; Lankford, B.; Leckie, H.; McCartney, Matthew; Pohlner, H.; Ratna, N.; Rubarenzya, M. H.; Raman, S. N. S.; Wheeler, K.; Williams, J. 2016. Responding to global challenges in food, energy, environment and water: risks and options assessment for decision-making. Asia and the Pacific Policy Studies, 3(2):275-299. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/app5.128]
Risk assessment ; Food security ; Food production ; Energy ; Sustainable development ; Intensification ; Resilience ; Environmental effects ; Water resources ; Decision making ; Households ; Stakeholders ; Farmers ; Poverty
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047589)
(1.14 MB) (1.14 MB)
We analyse the threats of global environmental change, as they relate to food security. First, we review three discourses: (i) ‘sustainable intensification’, or the increase of food supplies without compromising food producing inputs, such as soils and water; (ii) the ‘nexus’ that seeks to understand links across food, energy, environment and water systems; and (iii) ‘resilience thinking’ that focuses on how to ensure the critical capacities of food, energy and water systems are maintained in the presence of uncertainties and threats. Second, we build on these discourses to present the causal, risks and options assessment for decision-making process to improve decisionmaking in the presence of risks. The process provides a structured, but flexible, approach that moves from problem diagnosis to better risk-based decision-making and outcomes by responding to causal risks within and across food, energy, environment and water systems.
5 Pittock, J.; Bjornlund, H.; Stirzaker, R.; van Rooyen, A. 2017. Communal irrigation systems in South-eastern Africa: findings on productivity and profitability. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 33(5):839-847. (Special issue: The Productivity and Profitability of Small Scale Communal Irrigation Systems in South-eastern Africa). [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2017.1324768]
Communal irrigation systems ; Irrigation schemes ; Smallholders ; Water productivity ; Profitability ; Investment ; Barriers ; Agriculture ; Farmers ; Market access ; State intervention / South eastern Africa / Mozambique / Tanzania / Zimbabwe
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048120)
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07900627.2017.1324768?needAccess=true#aHR0cDovL3d3dy50YW5kZm9ubGluZS5jb20vZG9pL3BkZi8xMC4xMDgwLzA3OTAwNjI3LjIwMTcuMTMyNDc2OD9uZWVkQWNjZXNzPXRydWVAQEAw
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048120.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048120.pdf
(0.89 MB) (916 KB)
Significant expansion of irrigated agriculture is planned in Africa, though existing smallholder schemes perform poorly. Research at six schemes in Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe shows that a range of problems are exacerbated by poor management, with limited market linkages leading to underutilization and a lack of profit. Improving sustainability of these complex systems will require: multiple interventions at different scales; investing in people and institutions as much as hardware; clarity in governments’ objectives for their smallholder irrigation schemes; appropriate business models to enable farmers; and better market linkages.
6 Mwamakamba, S. N.; Sibanda, L. M.; Pittock, J.; Stirzaker, R.; Bjornlund, H.; van Rooyen, A.; Munguambe, P.; Mdemu, M. V.; Kashaigili, J. J. 2017. Irrigating Africa: policy barriers and opportunities for enhanced productivity of smallholder farmers. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 33(5):824-838. (Special issue: The Productivity and Profitability of Small Scale Communal Irrigation Systems in South-eastern Africa). [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2017.1321531]
Irrigated farming ; Smallholders ; Farmers organizations ; Water policy ; Government managed irrigation systems ; Productivity ; Water use ; Water governance ; Institutions ; Market access ; Seeds ; Farm equipment ; Land tenure / Africa South of Sahara / Mozambique / Tanzania / Zimbabwe / Magozi Irrigation Scheme / Kiwere Irrigation Scheme / Mkoba Irrigation Scheme / Silalatshani Irrigation Scheme / 25 de Setembro Irrigation Scheme / Khanimambo Irrigation Scheme
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048121)
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07900627.2017.1321531?needAccess=true#aHR0cDovL3d3dy50YW5kZm9ubGluZS5jb20vZG9pL3BkZi8xMC4xMDgwLzA3OTAwNjI3LjIwMTcuMTMyMTUzMT9uZWVkQWNjZXNzPXRydWVAQEAw
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048121.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048121.pdf
(1.41 MB) (1.41 MB)
African governments have ambitious plans to expand irrigated agriculture, though existing smallholder schemes have largely failed to use land and water sustainably or become profitable. Six government-owned irrigation schemes in Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe were assessed to identify common policy barriers and opportunities for higher productivity among smallholder farmers. Issues like insecure land tenure systems, unclear institutional arrangements and poor access to markets have contributed to limited profitability. Reform of currently insecure land tenure, strengthening farmer organizations and reforming policies are recommended so that governments step back from scheme management and foster market linkages to enable more profitable irrigated agriculture.
7 Tran, T. A.; Pittock, J.; Tuan, L. A. 2019. Adaptive co-management in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta: examining the interface between flood management and adaptation. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 35(2):325-341. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2018.1437713]
Water management ; Flood control ; Adaptation ; Co-management ; Water policy ; Local government ; Stakeholders ; Corporate culture ; Farmers ; Households ; Case studies ; Deltas / Vietnam / Mekong Delta / An Giang / Dong Thap / Can Tho
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049090)
(0.89 MB)
The rural landscapes of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta have undergone a dramatic change, where flood management and adaptation are at the forefront. This article investigates how these synergies facilitate policy change. Drawing on qualitative information from the literature, focus group discussions, and interviews, the article argues that there are confrontational but complementary effects between them, which evolve towards adaptive co-management. Collaborative learning between local governments and farmers enables shared understanding of water management drawbacks, leading to policy change. The article recommends that more attention be given to this approach to guide strategic water policy development in the region.
8 Bjornlund, H.; Zuo, A.; Wheeler, S. A.; Parry, K.; Pittock, J.; Mdemu, M.; Moyo, M. 2019. The dynamics of the relationship between household decision-making and farm household income in small-scale irrigation schemes in southern Africa. Agricultural Water Management, 213:135-145. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2018.10.002]
Irrigation schemes ; Small scale systems ; Farmers ; Household income ; Decision making ; Living standards ; Strategies ; Gender ; Labour ; Models ; Socioeconomic environment / Southern Africa / Mozambique / Zimbabwe / United Republic of Tanzania / Kiwere Irrigation Scheme / Magozi Irrigation Scheme / Mkoba Irrigation Scheme / Silalatshani Irrigation Scheme / 25 de Setembro Irrigation Scheme / Khanimambo Irrigation Scheme
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049140)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378377418305481/pdfft?md5=623f0afb5a14e8ed0d133bcf1b30ae6b&pid=1-s2.0-S0378377418305481-main.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049140.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049140.pdf
(0.59 MB) (612 KB)
Irrigation has been promoted as a strategy to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods in southern Africa. Households’ livelihood strategies within small-scale irrigation schemes have become increasingly complex and diversified. Strategies consist of farm income from rain-fed and irrigated cropping as well as livestock and an increasing dependence on off-farm income. The success of these strategies depends on the household’s ability to make decisions about how to utilize its’ financial, labour, land and water resources. This study explores the dynamics of decision-making in households on-farm household income within six small-scale irrigation schemes, across three southern African countries. Household survey data (n = 402) was analyzed using ordered probit and ordinary least squares regression. Focus group discussions and field observations provided qualitative data on decision-making in the six schemes. We found strong support for the notion that decision-making dynamics strongly influence total household income. Households make trade-offs between irrigation, dryland, livestock and off-farm work when they allocate their labour resources to maximize household income; as opposed to maximizing the income from any individual component of their livelihood strategy, such as irrigation. Combined with the impact of the small plot size of irrigated land, this is likely to result in sub-optimal benefits from expensive investments in irrigation infrastructure. Policy-makers must consider this when developing and implementing new policies.
9 Bjornlund, H.; van Rooyen, A.; Pittock, J.; Parry, K.; Moyo, M.; Mdemu, M.; de Sousa, W. 2020. Institutional innovation and smart water management technologies in small-scale irrigation schemes in southern Africa. Water International, 31p. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/02508060.2020.1804715]
Water management ; Technology ; Agriculture ; Innovation platforms ; Institutions ; Small scale systems ; Irrigation schemes ; Communal irrigation systems ; Soil moisture ; Monitoring ; Stakeholders ; Infrastructure ; Decision making ; Models / Southern Africa / Zimbabwe / Mozambique / United Republic of Tanzania
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049982)
(8.58 MB)
This paper reports on the introduction of SWM technology, soil moisture and nutrient monitoring tools, alongside Agricultural Innovation Platforms (AIP) in three small-scale irrigation schemes in southern Africa. Quantitative and qualitative data are presented on the changes and benefits that have resulted, including increased yield and profitability. The findings emphasize that information prior and subsequent to adoption is needed, and the importance of understanding and enhancing the incentive framework for behavioural change, including both economic and physical returns. The findings illustrate SWM technology is strengthened when introduced with credible multi-stakeholder processes, such as an AIP, that facilitate institutional innovation.
10 Lankford, B.; Closas, A.; Dalton, J.; Gunn, E. L.; Hess, T.; Knox, J. W.; van der Kooij, S.; Lautze, Jonathan; Molden, D.; Orr, S.; Pittock, J.; Richter, B.; Riddell, P. J.; Scott, C. A.; Venot, J.-P.; Vos, J.; Zwarteveen, M. 2020. A scale-based framework to understand the promises, pitfalls and paradoxes of irrigation efficiency to meet major water challenges. Global Environmental Change, 65:102182. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2020.102182]
Irrigation efficiency ; Water management ; Frameworks ; Policies ; Water allocation ; Irrigation systems ; Water scarcity ; Sustainable Development Goals ; Hydrology ; Technology ; River basins ; Canals ; Water use ; Water loss ; Stakeholders ; Farmers
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050057)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959378020307652/pdfft?md5=1d4aa4ec98836a41507a0dfd1fd6fb3a&pid=1-s2.0-S0959378020307652-main.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050057.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050057.pdf
(2.53 MB) (2.53 MB)
An effective placement of irrigation efficiency in water management will contribute towards meeting the pre-eminent global water challenges of our time such as addressing water scarcity, boosting crop water productivity and reconciling competing water needs between sectors. However, although irrigation efficiency may appear to be a simple measure of performance and imply dramatic positive benefits, it is not straightforward to understand, measure or apply. For example, hydrological understanding that irrigation losses recycle back to surface and groundwater in river basins attempts to account for scale, but this generalisation cannot be readily translated from one location to another or be considered neutral for farmers sharing local irrigation networks. Because irrigation efficiency (IE) motives, measures, effects and technologies play out at different scales for different people, organisations and purposes, and losses differ from place to place and over time, IE is a contested term, highly changeable and subjective. This makes generalisations for science, management and policy difficult. Accordingly, we propose new definitions for IE and irrigation hydrology and introduce a framework, termed an ‘irrigation efficiency matrix’, comprising five spatial scales and ten dimensions to understand and critique the promises, pitfalls and paradoxes of IE and to unlock its utility for addressing contemporary water challenges.
11 Bjornlund, H.; van Rooyen, A.; Pittock, J.; Bjornlund, V. 2021. Changing the development paradigm in African agricultural water management to resolve water and food challenges. Water International, 19p. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/02508060.2021.1981579]
Water management ; Agricultural research for development ; Food security ; Productivity ; Food production ; Profitability ; Water availability ; Irrigation management ; Irrigation schemes ; Infrastructure ; Governance ; Farmers ; Rural communities / Africa South of Sahara
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050689)
(2.04 MB)
Meeting growing demand for water and food in Africa, and other parts of the Global South, presents a significant and critical challenge over the next 50 years. This paper draws on an ongoing project in Africa to outline the research-for-development work that is urgently required to facilitate a paradigm shift in agricultural water management. Such work should lead to increased productivity and profitability of agricultural water use to allow agriculture to release some water to meet the growing needs of other sectors, while still meeting food security needs and contributing to a prosperous rural population.
12 Matthews, N.; Dalton, J.; Matthews, J.; Barclay, H.; Barron, J.; Garrick, D.; Gordon, L.; Huq, S.; Isman, T.; McCornick, P.; Meghji, A.; Mirumachi, N.; Moosa, S.; Mulligan, M.; Noble, A.; Petryniak, O.; Pittock, J.; Queiroz, C.; Ringler, C.; Smith, Mark; Turner, C.; Vora, S.; Whiting, L. 2022. Elevating the role of water resilience in food system dialogues. Water Security, 17:100126. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasec.2022.100126]
Food systems ; Water management ; Resilience ; Water governance ; Water systems ; Innovation ; Decision making ; Participation ; Policies ; Water resources ; Climate change ; Ecosystems ; Learning ; Information dissemination
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H051489)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468312422000177/pdfft?md5=925a0cf228e088fef886a408882c02f5&pid=1-s2.0-S2468312422000177-main.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H051489.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H051489.pdf
(0.54 MB) (551 KB)
Ensuring resilient food systems and sustainable healthy diets for all requires much higher water use, however, water resources are finite, geographically dispersed, volatile under climate change, and required for other vital functions including ecosystems and the services they provide. Good governance for resilient water resources is a necessary precursor to deciding on solutions, sourcing finance, and delivering infrastructure. Six attributes that together provide a foundation for good governance to reduce future water risks to food systems are proposed. These attributes dovetail in their dual focus on incorporating adaptive learning and new knowledge, and adopting the types of governance systems required for water resilient food systems. The attributes are also founded in the need to greater recognise the role natural, healthy ecosystems play in food systems. The attributes are listed below and are grounded in scientific evidence and the diverse collective experience and expertise of stakeholders working across the science-policy interface: Adopting interconnected systems thinking that embraces the complexity of how we produce, distribute, and add value to food including harnessing the experience and expertise of stakeholders s; adopting multi-level inclusive governance and supporting inclusive participation; enabling continual innovation, new knowledge and learning, and information dissemination; incorporating diversity and redundancy for resilience to shocks; ensuring system preparedness to shocks; and planning for the long term. This will require food and water systems to pro-actively work together toward a socially and environmentally just space that considers the water and food needs of people, the ecosystems that underpin our food systems, and broader energy and equity concerns.
13 Bjornlund, H.; van Rooyen, A.; Pittock, J.; Bjornlund, V. 2023. Research and development needs in agricultural water management to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Irrigation and Drainage, 9p. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/ird.2821]
Research and development ; Agricultural water management ; Sustainable Development Goals ; Food systems ; Food security ; Food insecurity ; Crop production ; Food production ; Smallholders ; Economic development ; Livelihoods ; Production systems ; Irrigation systems ; Water use ; Soil moisture ; Farmers ; Communities ; Institutions ; Policies
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H051788)
(0.53 MB) (544 KB)
The United Nations calls for action to achieve 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). We argue that the current development paradigm is an impediment to achieving several of these goals. We identify 14 agricultural research and development (R&D) needs, which ought to be addressed to achieve critical SDGs. We also identify the paradigm shifts required, particularly from global and international organizations, to facilitate this R&D and implement its outcomes. Importantly, the Global North2 would have to divert its focus from securing access to cheap land, water and labour that is primarily used to generate agricultural exports and business opportunities for Global North investors. Instead, the focus needs to be on creating opportunities for local farming communities to produce food for domestic markets, increase income and generate local jobs and business opportunities. Circular food systems can support a range of SDG goals, such as no hunger and zero poverty and slow migration, especially of youth, to big cities or foreign lands with insecure jobs.
14 Lynch, A. J.; Hyman, A. A.; Cooke, S. J.; Capon, S. J.; Franklin, P. A.; Jahnig, S. C.; McCartney, Matthew; Hoa, N. P.; Owuor, M. A.; Pittock, J.; Samways, M. J.; Silva, L. G. M.; Steel, E. A.; Tickner, D. 2023. Future-proofing the emergency recovery plan for freshwater biodiversity. Environmental Reviews, 16p. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1139/er-2022-0116]
Freshwater ecosystems ; Biodiversity conservation ; Risk reduction ; Climate change ; Environmental flows ; Water quality ; Habitats ; Invasive species ; Ecosystem restoration ; Rivers ; Protected areas ; Resilience ; Strategies ; Uncertainty / South Africa / New Zealand / Waikato River
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052163)
(3.72 MB) (3.72 MB)
Freshwater biodiversity loss is accelerating globally, but humanity can change this trajectory through actions that enable recovery. To be successful, these actions require coordination and planning at a global scale. The Emergency Recovery Plan for global freshwater biodiversity aims to reduce the risk for freshwater biodiversity loss through six priority actions: (1) accelerate implementation of environmental flows; (2) improve water quality to sustain aquatic life; (3) protect and restore critical habitats; (4) manage exploitation of freshwater species and riverine aggregates; (5) prevent and control nonnative species invasions in freshwater habitats; and (6) safeguard and restore freshwater connectivity. These actions can be implemented using future-proofing approaches that anticipate future risks (e.g., emerging pollutants, new invaders, and synergistic effects) and minimize likely stressors to make conservation of freshwater biodiversity more resilient to climate change and other global environmental challenges. While uncertainty with respect to past observations is not a new concern for freshwater biodiversity, future-proofing has the distinction of accounting for the uncertainty of future conditions that have no historical baseline. The level of uncertainty with respect to future conditions is unprecedented. Future-proofing of the Emergency Recovery Plan for freshwater biodiversity will require anticipating future changes and developing and implementing actions to address those future changes. Here, we showcase future-proofing approaches likely to be successful using local case studies and examples. Ensuring that response options within the Emergency Recovery Plan are future-proofed will provide decision makers with science-informed choices, even in the face of uncertain and potentially new future conditions. We are at an inflection point for global freshwater biodiversity loss; learning from defeats and successes can support improved actions toward a sustainable future.
15 Wellington, M.; Kuhnert, P.; Lawes, R.; Renzullo, L.; Pittock, J.; Ramshaw, P.; Moyo, M.; Kimaro, E.; Tafula, M.; van Rooyen, A. 2023. Decoupling crop production from water consumption at some irrigation schemes in southern Africa. Agricultural Water Management, 284:108358. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2023.108358]
Irrigation schemes ; Crop production ; Water use ; Water use efficiency ; Evapotranspiration ; Sustainable Development Goals ; Remote sensing ; Landsat ; Agricultural innovation ; Farmers ; Uncertainty ; Rainfall / Southern Africa
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052204)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378377423002238/pdfft?md5=8b68e9fa44ae11c8e2ab148266778ef7&pid=1-s2.0-S0378377423002238-main.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052204.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052204.pdf
(4.15 MB) (4.15 MB)
Improving crop productivity is crucial to food security and rural livelihoods in southern Africa. However, agricultural intensification at irrigation schemes may place greater demands on water resources, even where water use efficiency (WUE) is improved, due to the paradox of irrigation efficiency. We analysed trends in water use efficiency (WUE), Gross Primary Productivity (GPP), evapotranspiration (ET), evaporation (E), and transpiration (T) at six irrigation schemes which received technological and social interventions. GPP was decoupled from ET at some schemes. For example, at the Landela sub-block of the Silalatshani irrigation scheme in Zimbabwe, GPP and T increased at 4.8% and 4.6% per year, respectively. Conversely, E decreased at 13.5% per year, giving a 3.6% decrease in ET per year from 2013 to 2021. This suggests that crop production can be decoupled from water consumption at southern African irrigation schemes, meaning it is possible to produce more food with less water.
16 Tran, T. A.; Pittock, J.. 2024. When water policies derail livelihood aspirations: farmers’ agency in everyday politics in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. Environmental Sociology, 13p. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/23251042.2024.2323601]
Water policies ; Livelihoods ; Politics ; Infrastructure ; Water management ; Freshwater ; Coastal zones ; Local government ; Farmers ; Saline water ; Shrimp culture ; Brackishwater aquaculture ; case studies / Vietnam / Mekong Delta / Ben Tre Province / Binh Dai District / Thanh Tri / Thanh Phuoc
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052717)
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/23251042.2024.2323601?download=true
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052717.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052717.pdf
(4.63 MB) (4.63 MB)
Development of water infrastructure is conventionally prioritised as a pre-emptive intervention policy to address water challenges. In the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, turning a river into a reservoir is touted as a ‘highly-modernist’ water management approach to secure the year-round supply of freshwater for agricultural production. This paper investigates how contested water-livelihood relations emerged from the building of the Ba Lai sluice scheme in Ben Tre Province, and how these processes demonstrate farmers’ agency in everyday politics in seeking solutions for livelihood sustainability. Drawing on a qualitative case study in Binh Dai District, we argue that, while the scheme successfully fulfils the state’s political intention in securing water supply for freshwater-based crop production in coastal zones, it generates contestation between the local government’s attempts to enforce freshwater policies and farmers’ agency in maintaining productive livelihoods. The findings suggest that power asymmetries are embedded within these water-livelihood relations. We find that seeking just solutions that have co-benefits for water management and livelihood sustainability should go beyond business-as-usual water politics by adequately recognising the agency of farmers in sustainable development. The case study offers lessons for navigating the sustainable future of water development projects in coastal deltas and beyond.
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