Potential of community based organizations in irrigation channels to enhance crop production

Abstract

This research study was carried out to identify the role of community-based organizations in irrigation channels to enhance crop yield in rural areas of district Mansehra Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Data were collected from 200 respondents selected randomly and analyzed through SPSS. Findings concluded that more than half (53%) of the sampled respondents perceived that CBOs played an important role in development of irrigation channels and in result the crop yield was increased in the study area. Regarding performance of CBOs, OFWM contributed more in the improvement of water courses. CBOs work was appreciated by the respondents as it positively affected the farming activities in the study area and made the irrigation system more convenient. The CBOs had some of the shortcoming such as absence of regular activities, meeting and rewards for members. There was personal biasness in the selection criteria of the membership. It was recommended that there should be regular organizational activities, duties and some kind of rewards for the member to keep their attention in the CBOs activities. The maintenance charges should be on the basis of financial status of the farmers. The need is to improve the remaining water courses for the boosting of agriculture in the study area.