Livelihood Concerns in Water Resources Management Regimes in Scarce Conditions

Irrigation provides a source of livelihood to millions of people both in developed and developing countries. In parts of South Asia, where there has been a massive thrust on rural development, extensive networks co-exist with the greatest concentration of rural poverty in the world. Production and livelihoods are linked with poverty alleviation. However, generation of employment and income and support of livelihoods is a high priority than production (Chambers, 1988). Generally, the poor stand to gain from better management of irrigation schemes through generation of employment and income, security against impoverishment and enhancement in their quality of life. In dry regions, irrigation projects need special attention towards its efficient management through people’s participation that may bring the desirable result to meet the ultimate objectives of the schemes. Rajasthan is an extremely water scarce region. Only one per cent of the country's water is available for 5 per cent of the population living in 10 per cent of the total geographical area. The rainfall is generally low and uncertain. A major part of the state is arid and semi-arid. Irrigation on a large scale is absolutely necessary for achieving an economically viable level of agricultural production. Irrigation works are not only a source of water for its crops but also are the only source of water for meeting drinking water requirements for millions of human and livestock population. The agriculture sector is the major consumer of water where as high as 90 per cent of the total availability is used for irrigation purpose. The domestic demand is fulfilled by about 9 per cent of the total supply while only one per cent is allocated for other uses. The economy of Rajasthan is mainly dependent on the agriculture sector, which supports about 70 per cent of the population and contributes 40 per cent to gross domestic product. Presently, irrigated agriculture accounts for one-third of agricultural production and irrigation is increasingly becoming one of the critical factors for increased production. The productivity of irrigated land is low as compared to its potential. The major factors responsible for low agricultural productivity and food insecurity are insufficient and insecure water availability and lack of efficient irrigation management. Besides other factors that have caused food insecurity are small size of landholdings and lack of off-farm employment.