Research Areas

Irrigation - Reviving traditional water harvesting - completed

Revival of Traditional Water Harvesting Systems for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods (A Study of Tank Restoration Programme of SPWD in Andhra Pradesh).

Project Director	:	V.Ratna Reddy
Sponsored by	:	Society for Promotion of Wastelands Development (SPWD)

This study attempted to examine the impact and viability of tank restoration programme on rural livelihoods implemented by SPWD in the five drought prone districts (mainly Rayalaseema) of Anantapur, Cuddapah, Kurnool, Chittoor and Prakasam. SPWD has been implementing the programme with the help of local Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The specific objectives of the study were to: a) understand the importance and rationale for tank restoration in the context of drought prone regions, b) examine the impact of the tank restoration programme on rural livelihoods in terms of changes in crop pattern, crop intensity, yield rates, employment, equity, etc., and, c) critically evaluate the viability, replicability and sustainability of the programme and suggest further interventions for sustainable water resource management in these regions.

Impact of tank restoration programme in three villages was assessed using the 'double difference' method. Sustainability of the programme was assessed by studying one of the earlier (prior to 1995-96) restored tanks along with two recently (after 1995-96) restored tanks. Twenty five beneficiary households from restored tank village and another 25 households from a control village were selected. The process of implementation was largely governed by the local PIA's perceptions and commitment to the programme. In some cases proper institutional arrangements were in place while in others that was not so. However the impact analysis clearly brought out the positive impact of the programme irrespective of the prevailing status of institutional arrangements. The impact was conspicuous in all the three spheres i.e., economic, ecological and social.

The economic analysis indicated that tank restoration in drought prone regions is a viable proposition. However, the magnitude of economic returns is linked to the size of the tank. Even small tanks turn viable if the works carried out are effective through active participation of the community. The advantage of small tanks lies in the increased crop intensity, which is made possible due to the limited command area and stronger commitment towards management. Higher returns even from smaller tanks are possible if maintenance of the works is regular through user contribution and commitment.