Pierre Strosser

Linking water market functioning, access to water resources and farm production strategies: example from Pakistan

As a response to inadequacy in canal water supplies, farmers in Pakistan have invested in private tubewells to control irrigation water resources. Also, they participate in surface water and groundwater markets that take place within tertiary units of the irrigation system.The present paper describes the functioning and organization of these water markets, using information collected in sample watercourses of the Fordwah Branch irrigation system, South-Punjab, Pakistan. The variability in type and intensity of water markets is investigated with regard to access to water resources and farm production strategies and constraints.

Distributing water or rents? Examples from a public irrigation system in Pakistan

ABSTRACT During the last decade, a large number of developing countries have engaged into irrigation policy reforms. Such reforms are frequently associated with changes in the distribution of irrigation benefits among interest groups. This paper investigates the nature of the existing economic rent in public irrigation systems. It proposes a conceptual framework to analyze its distribution between private and public actors involved in irrigation management. A case study is conducted in Pakistans Indus basin to quantify the overall level of rent granted to the irrigation sector and to show how farmers compete for the appropriation of the greatest possible share of this rent.

Chapter 2.3:Groundwater Management and Planning: How Can Economics Help?

Public water managers and stakeholders involved in the design of groundwater management are increasingly aware of, and concerned by, the economic implications of the technical choices they promote. The definition of sustainable groundwater quality objectives as well as the identification of technica...