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Multiple‐use management in a large irrigation system: an assessment of technical constraints to integrating aquaculture within irrigation canals
Author(s) -
Li Q.,
Gowing J. W.,
Mayilswami C.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
irrigation and drainage
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.421
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1531-0361
pISSN - 1531-0353
DOI - 10.1002/ird.149
Subject(s) - irrigation , livelihood , business , aquaculture , water resource management , agriculture , irrigation management , environmental planning , environmental science , fishery , geography , fish <actinopterygii> , ecology , archaeology , biology
Many large‐scale irrigation systems, originally planned only for irrigation supply, are de facto multiple‐use systems, which deliver water also for bathing, laundry, livestock watering, fisheries and other environmental functions. The importance of non‐irrigation uses to the livelihoods of the rural poor has generally been ignored both in planning and operating these systems. An improved understanding of competition and complementarity of all water demands is essential for effective multiple‐use management. This paper focuses in detail on one particular non‐consumptive use: fish farming. The underlying objective is to explore the potential for, and constraints to, introducing cage‐based aquaculture as a small enterprise for poor people (including landless households) living close to irrigation canals. A case study of Lower Bhavani Project in Tamil Nadu, India, provides evidence of technical constraints and challenges for irrigation engineers. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.