Application of path analysis to determine the relationship of factors affecting irrigation water sufficiency at the tertiary level of Belitang irrigation system, Indonesia

Abstract

Tertiary level is the lowest level in irrigation system which distributes water to agricultural land. The objective of this study was to develop the linkages between irrigation aspects and to measure the strength of aspects related to the adequacy of irrigation water. This study was conducted at Belitang Irrigation System in South Sumatera Province, Indonesia. Data was collected using questionnaires for water users' association as well as through survey to assess infrastructure condition. The state of each aspects was measured using Likert scale according to the predetermined variables. The variables were water availability, infrastructure condition, management, institution and human resources as intervening variable. The dependent variable was irrigation water sufficiency to fulfil planting area target. This research resulted three models, which showed that management has a great influence in mediating the relationship of institution and water availability to water sufficiency in tertiary systems of Belitang Irrigation System. Institution and water availability showed better performance to water sufficiency through management than their direct influence to water sufficiency. This implied that the management development may improve water sufficiency in tertiary level.