IMPACT OF PARTICIPATORY APPROACH ON MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNAL IRRIGATION SYSTEMS IN UPLAND AREAS

This Study was conducted in 2004 at the service area of the Caraballo and Southern Cordillera Development (CASCADE) programme in three provinces in Northern Philippines. It was designed to assess the impact of participatory approach for development and management system employed for communal irrigation system (CIS). Results show that economic impact was due to increase in productivity and cropping intensity. Across all crops, average productivity per hectare was highest in vegetable producing CIS. The social impact of the project was determined at three levels: household, community and irrigators association (IA). At the household level, the benefits were more on increases in land productivity and cropping intensity as a result of the assured water availability even during summer, hence food and income of the household. At the organization level, the following benefits were revealed namely; 1). Change in leadership structure paved the way for recognition of new leaders; 2) Improved leadership skills; 3). Increased participation of members in IA related activities; 4) Improved organization skills; 5) Enhanced cohesiveness among members and 6) Better partnership and mutual existence between the village Local Government Unit (LGU) and the IAs. The integration of farming activities directly benefited the community. The LGU – IA partnership encouraged maximum utilization of the project as evidenced by increased cropping intensity and crop diversification. The sustainability of the CIS-IAs are ensured through; (a) the internalized rules in the proper usage and maintenance of the systems ;(b) security of their livelihood against drought and (c) improved leadership capabilities and high level of control in the IAs.