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Participatory Management for Effective Land and Water Use in Coastal Area of Bangladesh

M. A. Ghani
Self Employed, House 8/A/3, Road 13, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1209, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Participatory management in water sector projects is widely discussed these days in Bangladesh. However, the main players in project implementation are however slow in conceptualizing and implementing participatory management. Agencies entrusted for development works become "captain" in the implementation team and other agency personnel work as co-implementers. Beneficiaries are expected to be good listeners and follow directions of the captain. An exploratory research was conducted in 2005-2006 at a coastal area polder in the Khulna Region of Bangladesh for identifying an effective management model. Co-management in this case study is defined as management in which the "Stakeholders or local beneficiaries of project area are the decision-makers in managing all aspects of development activities in a polder where government personnel work as advisor or partners". The concept is in line with the Guidelines for Participatory Water Management, which states "Participation is an important voluntary process in which local stakeholders influence policy formulation, alternative plans/designs, investment choices and management decisions affecting their communities and establish the sense of ownership". GPWM states that "Give the local stakeholders a decisive voice at all stages of water management". Very often "decisive voices" do not work and beneficiary empowerment for decision-making power to be provided to the beneficiaries. The GPWM also supports preparation of production plans for agriculture, which includes crops, fishery, forestry and livestock development and environmental management plan by the implementing agencies. During exploratory research, focus group discussions were held with local and national level agency personnel of relevant departments, selected NGOs and farmers. Fifteen groups and 389 beneficiaries including local government representatives of study area were interviewed. Co-management approach is accepted by the beneficiaries of flood control, drainage and irrigation infrastructures. Beneficiaries should be empowered to form committees of their own and be entrusted to plan and supervise all possible uses of land and water. Amendment to existing laws may be required to make such committees effective.

Keywords: Effective, Land, Water, Coastal area

Location:

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Water management

Objectives:

To determine participatory management for effective land and water use in coastal area of Bangladesh

Methodology:

Participatory water management and integrated water resources management are presently being advocated by the government. This case study highlights a co-management arrangement that transfers decision making power to the elected project committees. The concept was pursued in Rupsha section of polder 36/1 to solicit views of project beneficiaries and relevant agency personnel regarding multiple uses of flood control, drainage and irrigation facilities to increase overall agricultural production within the polder area. Operation of the system is considered suitable as it is based on five sluices. This is a single crop area and very easily an additional crop and fish cultivation can be introduced in the area. Afforestation along embankment slopes is practiced but it can be expanded. There is also possibility of increasing livestock production in the area. Initial discussion with Rupsha area farmers indicated their willingness to cooperate with the study team, and was convinced that agricultural production could be significantly increased with their active participation and through entrusting their elected committees to make decision on operation and management of FCDI infrastructures. The committee would be selected from among stakeholders served by a water controlling structure. The co-management approach of land and water resources is intended to cover all possible uses for increasing production of crops, fishery, livestock and forest products in a polder area. The co-management concept was discussed with different levels of stakeholders to solicit their feedback, prior to testing it within the polder area. Leadership issues for managing production activities and operation and management of infrastructures was discussed with the stakeholders during group meetings and at individual levels and with agency personnel at upazila and district levels. Stakeholders, agency personnel and NGOs operating area supported co-management approach and agreed that leadership for polder management and agricultural activities should be with the stakeholders. Stakeholders are ready to take leadership through their elected representatives. DAE and Fisheries department could provide the latest information on crop and fish production and offer training to the stakeholders on new technologies. Survey results indicate that there are several ponds and beels in the polder area, which can be used for fish cultivation. In addition to that there are borrow pits. Some sections of borrow pits used to have water depths of above one meter during the dry season. It was revealed from focus group discussions and individual surveys that 40 to 80% of the ponds and some beels are used for fish cultivation. Information on other infrastructure, which includes bridges and culverts, paved and earthen roads indicate that there are 103 km of paved road, which are in good condition. About 86 km of earthen road are also in good condition but will need regular maintenance. These roads are maintained by LGED. Status of road infrastructure is important for easy transportation to market agricultural products and obtain production inputs. The area is well developed compared to many other upazilas of Bangladesh. This polder section has 20 primary schools, 13 high schools, 3 colleges, 1 madrasha and 4 vocational institutes. The first primary school in the area was established in 1955 and the first high school was established in 1958. Student's enrolment varies from 150 to 300, 150 to 500, 100 to 150, and 50 to 100 for primary schools, high schools, colleges, and vocational institutes respectively. Most of the respondents call for repairing sluices and canals including re-excavation of drainage system improvement.

Source of Information: Journal of Agricultural Engineering, Dec. 2009, Vol.37/AE, pp:83-90, ISSN:0379-4318.

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Co-management proposed in the case study highlights transferring decision-making power to the elected project committees. The concept was pursued in the study polder to understand views of project beneficiaries and relevant agency personnel. The beneficiaries of FCDI infrastructures accepted co-management approach. Beneficiaries should be empowered to form committees of their own and be entrusted to plan and supervise all possible uses of land and water. Amendments may be required to existing laws to make such committees effective. Agricultural production in study area could be increased significantly and operation and management of the system could be improved with active participation of farmers and stakeholders. Decision-making power to be entrusted with elected committees. Committees to be selected from among stakeholders served by a water controlling structure. The co-management approach of land and water resources is intended to cover all possible uses for increasing production of crops, fishery, livestock and forest products in a polder area. The guiding principles for this will be year round use of the resources for increasing production per unit of land, unit of water and unit of time without creating any detrimental impact on the natural environment.

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