Irrigation Management Transfer Between Public Organizations and the Role of Participatory Irrigation Management Under Public Irrigation Management in Korea†

Abstract

The recent irrigation management transfer (IMT) from local government to the Korean Rural Community Corporation (KRC) run by the government for better service is an emerging social issue. In this study, we conducted an extensive survey to learn about IMT between the KRC and local government. Structured questionnaires were prepared and a survey conducted with farmers, KRC members and local government officials. Most agreed with the IMT from local government to the KRC. However, the transfer of assets revealed divided opinions. The survey results show that the farmers' contribution to the maintenance of canals, including clearing water weeds and dredging ditches, was required to maintain quality even after the transition to KRC management in accordance with political and social issues. The survey also confirmed that some actions have to be implemented to improve irrigation management by encouraging farmers' participation under the public irrigation management (PubIM) system. These actions include reorganization of the discarded water management committee to revive the concept of participatory irrigation management (PIM) and subsidies (direct payments) for loyal farmers as an incentive for their labour. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.