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Community Management of Irrigation Infrastructure in Burkina Faso: A Diagnostic Study of Six Dam-Adjacent Irrigation Areas

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  • Cyrille Bassolo Baki

    (SPHERES Research Unit, University of Liège 185, Avenue de Longwy, 6700 Arlon, Belgium
    Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Ouagadougou 03 BP 7005, Burkina Faso)

  • Amadou Keïta

    (Water, Hydro-Systems and Agriculture Laboratory (LEHSA), International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE), Ouagadougou 01 BP 594, Burkina Faso)

  • Sié Palé

    (Institute of Environmental Sciences and Rural Development, University of Daniel-Ouezzin Coulibaly, Dédougou 01 BP 176, Burkina Faso)

  • Farid Traoré

    (Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research, Guisga Street, Ouagadougou 04 BP 8645, Burkina Faso)

  • Apolline Bambara

    (Sahara and Sahel Observatory, BP 31, Carthage 1080, Tunisia)

  • Alexandre Ragnagué Moyenga

    (Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Ouagadougou 03 BP 7005, Burkina Faso)

  • Joost Wellens

    (SPHERES Research Unit, University of Liège 185, Avenue de Longwy, 6700 Arlon, Belgium)

  • Bakary Djaby

    (SPHERES Research Unit, University of Liège 185, Avenue de Longwy, 6700 Arlon, Belgium)

  • Bernard Tychon

    (SPHERES Research Unit, University of Liège 185, Avenue de Longwy, 6700 Arlon, Belgium)

Abstract

In Burkina Faso, small-scale, community-managed irrigation systems play a crucial role in stabilizing agricultural production and improving food security. Over the past three decades, the state has transferred the management of these irrigation systems to local farmer organizations in the hope of improving efficiency and sustainability. This study assesses the long-term performance of six irrigation perimeters Dakiri, Gorgo, Itenga, Mogtedo, Savili, and Wedbila through an in-depth analysis of governance models, infrastructure conditions, and financial sustainability. Performance indicators such as relative water supply (RWS), gross production per unit of irrigation water (PbIr), and water charge recovery rates were used to assess the effectiveness of farmer-led irrigation management. The results reveal persistent governance and financial challenges as well as issues such as water wastage and low yield persisting, despite decades of implementation of farmer-led management. The degradation of irrigation infrastructure, coupled with declining water fee collection rates, threatens the sustainability of these systems. A comparative analysis of international cases suggests that a hybrid governance model, in which the state provides technical and financial support while strengthening accountability mechanisms, could improve the performance of these irrigation systems. This study recommends a shift towards greater state intervention, improved financial mechanisms, and the adoption of digital monitoring tools to ensure a more efficient and sustainable management framework.

Suggested Citation

  • Cyrille Bassolo Baki & Amadou Keïta & Sié Palé & Farid Traoré & Apolline Bambara & Alexandre Ragnagué Moyenga & Joost Wellens & Bakary Djaby & Bernard Tychon, 2025. "Community Management of Irrigation Infrastructure in Burkina Faso: A Diagnostic Study of Six Dam-Adjacent Irrigation Areas," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-26, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:5:p:477-:d:1597425
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abernethy, C. L., 1990. "Indicators of the performance of irrigation water distribution systems," IWMI Books, Reports H007823, International Water Management Institute.
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    4. Ahmad, M.D. & Turral, H. & Nazeer, A., 2009. "Diagnosing irrigation performance and water productivity through satellite remote sensing and secondary data in a large irrigation system of Pakistan," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 96(4), pages 551-564, April.
    5. Yu, Haiyan Helen & Edmunds, Mike & Lora-Wainwright, Anna & Thomas, David, 2016. "Governance of the irrigation commons under integrated water resources management – A comparative study in contemporary rural China," Environmental Science & Policy, Elsevier, vol. 55(P1), pages 65-74.
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