Impact study/Evaluation of Small Irrigation Special Program

Project Description

Small Irrigation Special Programme (SISP) was initiated with the view of supporting the existing small irrigation systems and utilizing small sources of water by making use of local technology and farmers’ contribution. Under this program financial support is provided by the government to maintain/rehabilitate and improve the existing small irrigation systems, to construct new small systems and to develop non-conventional irrigation systems (like drip, sprinkler etc.) where feasible.
The following six sample districts were selected for the study after consulting CMED (Central Monitoring and Evaluation Division) and DOA. Selection of the districts was based on the review of available documents and feedbacks from the DOI (Department of Irrigation) and DOA (Department of Agriculture) and efforts were made to cover different Development Regions and agro-ecological regions where SISP were or are under implementation. The project selected under this were; Eastern/Hill-Ilam (Dhanaraje Irrigation System 15 ha. and Tank Irrigation System 0.16 ha.); Central/Terai-Chitwan (Dabka Ghol Irrigation System 50 ha. and Branch Canal BL1 of Narayani Lift Irrigation System 5000 ha.); Central/Hill-Kavrepalanchowk (Cha Khola Irrigation System 5 ha. and Panchkhal Hokse Raj Kulo 250 ha.); Western/Hill-Palpa (Barikhet-Ulte Kulo Irrigation System 24 ha. and Plastic Pond Irrigation System 0.42 ha.); Mid-Western/Terai-Banke (Jhijhari Bangesal Irrigation System 100 ha., Tube Well Irrigation System-Himal Krisak Samuha 6.5 ha., Tube well Irrigation System-Kalabanjar krisak Samuha 6.5 ha., Tube well Irrigation System-Mahadevpuri Sahakri Sanstha 6.5 ha. and Laxmi Dhiki 0.75 ha.) and Far-Western/Hill-Dadeldhura (Beltada Irrigation System 30 ha. and Lambodar Bandh Irrigation System 15 ha.). The main objective of the study is to assess the impact of the SISP, in particularly on agriculture production and employment creation for the poor in the program area, to examine issues concerning the efficiency and effectiveness SISP to improve its future performance and to recommend future courses of action to be adopted by the Government keeping in view the factors such as sustainability, effectiveness and O&M of such irrigation systems.

Assignment Description

Field observation to asses the reported and actual area under irrigation covered by the program; • Study of Impact assessment/evaluation with efficiency and effectiveness considering factors such as output, outcome and agriculture benefit to users and farmers communities, operation and maintenance and sustainability. • Field survey was carried out to assess the impact of the project. Survey tools like household questionnaire, key informant survey were used for survey. The tools were pre-tested before actual survey. • Beneficiaries' participation and relative strengths and weakness of the program. • Focus group discussion were held with communities to understand the beneficiaries participation • SWOT analysis • Study of overall socio-economic benefits, environmental benefits, poverty alleviation. • Recommendation of measures to be adopted by the Government for planning and financing the programs of similar nature in future