The article presents the results of system analysis of the problems in irrigated agriculture and irrigation restoration in Ukraine. The results of classification of water and land use conditions within the irrigation systems are given in this paper. The methodological approaches to the development of integrated plans for consolidation of water and land resources have been elaborated. Based on the surveys and questionnaires in the studied regions, 5 groups of land fragmentation problems were identified, which are outlined in this study and illustrated on some examples with using maps. The following types of conditions of water use were distinguished: lease of land plots by one large farm or agroholding within the area of one or more water distribution channels of large irrigation systems; the using of lands of intra-farm irrigation systems, which typically belong to the territories of individual village councils and are served by several water intake structures, and a large number of medium and small tenants; the using by several tenants of an area serviced by one water intake structure or one pumping station; fragmentation of land use and land ownership conditions within a single field; the presence of land plots with different leases terms within the individual fields, used by one agricultural enterprise. According to the types of land use conditions, three options for integrated land consolidation plans for irrigation systems were proposed. In order to develop integrated land consolidation plans and to restore irrigation, a complex analysis of land use maps and maps of the projected irrigation area will be needed. Therfore, it is necessary to establish a dialogue with stakeholders, namely with all farms, farmers and individual landowners on drawing up the most economically and environmentally optimal land consolidation plan within irrigation restoration areas. When drawing up such a plan, it is necessary to carry out an expert evaluation of the different scenarios of irrigation restoration, taking into account the composition of crops, probable techniques and methods of irrigation. Once the consolidation plan has been agreed, it is important to have a permanent land users association in place to attract and invest in irrigation restoration and to operate the irrigation infrastructure after the restoration. The issues of creating Water User's associations (WUA) in the irrigation areas was considered; the role of associations and land consolidation in restoring the on-farm irrigation network was determined. The list of functions of Water User’s associations has been provided, the main one of which is the exploitation of on-farm irrigation systems and water distribution between water users.
On-farm irrigation development and management in lower Myanmar: factors for sustainable rice production and collective action
