Karen G. Villholth

Mark Giordano

While addressing the issues of using groundwater in agriculture for irrigation in the developing world, this book discusses the problems associated with the degradation and overexploitation of using it. It explores the practiced and potential methods for its management in the context of agricultural development.

Opportunities and Threats to Development

The Agricultural Groundwater Revolution

Bhawana Upadhyay

Madar Samad

This paper attempts to understand gender issues in micro-irrigation technology by exploring the dynamics of gender, water and rural livelihoods. Based on an empirical study in the rural areas ofWest Nepal undertaken in 2003, the paper assesses the socioeconomic impact of drip-irrigation systems on men and women􀂶s lives. A combination of participatory research tools, participant observationand secondary sources were used to generate data. The study revealed that women extensively contributed to vegetable farming under the drip-irrigation systems. The total time (mean hours) spent by women in vegetable production is significantly higher than those spent by their male counterparts. The benefit cost analysis of vegetable farming has shown overall viability in terms of net present value, benefit cost ratio, internal rate of return and payback period. Based on the study findings, thepaper suggests that similar technological interventions could be considered in places of similar socioeconomic and biophysical characteristics to help empower rural women. Finally, the paper raisessome significant questions in relation to rural livelihoods and womens entitlements.

Mark Giordano

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