Water tenure analysis: A case study in Nui Coc irrigation system in the Red River Basin, Vietnam

Abstract

Vietnam is considered to have a sound legal system for water resources management, but the enforcement of these systems remains limited. This weakness and its causes were reported in various studies on institutional arrangements. However, clear relationships among stakeholders with respect to water resources, or water tenure, and levels of implementation of water tenure governance that are related to these limitations remain undocumented. Using a new approach on water tenure analysis to identify issues and conflicts related to water tenure arrangements in a pilot area in Vietnam is the aim of this study. Most of the types of possible formal (8) and informal (7) water tenure arrangements were identified in the pilot area. The analysis of water tenure governance covering 14 aspects and the assessment of water tenure security were conducted in the study area. The study results illustrate the need to improve the implementation of law enforcement and to strengthen the process of water tenure governance. Based on the analysis results, several relevant solutions are recommended including review and update of legal framework and strengthening the enforcement of current legal regulations in Vietnam.