Enhancing institutional performance in watershed management in Andhra Pradesh, India: Project-Final Report

Crase, L. and Gandhi, V. and Clement, F. and et al, . (2013) Enhancing institutional performance in watershed management in Andhra Pradesh, India: Project-Final Report. Project Report. Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, Canbera, Australia.

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Abstract

Raising productivity and incomes in rain-fed areas continues to be a major challenge in India. A key initiative through which this objective has been pursued is Watershed Development (WSD) programs, taken up under different schemes by the Government of India and various state governments. Expenditure equivalent to about US $500 million is being committed annually to such programs and in some states additional government resources are deployed (e.g. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS)). Notwithstanding some of the successes of WSD, experience has shown that in a significant proportion of cases the farmers/villagers show little enthusiasm for adopting the proposed WSD technologies and program failures are common. Anecdotal reasons for failure include the weak linkages and poor performance among institutional structures and dysfunctional rules and operational systems. Understanding and dealing with the weaknesses in the institutional apparatus for delivering WSD was expected to directly improve the outcomes from the substantial investments in such programs. The analysis focussed on Andhra Pradesh, where a variety of different approaches to WSD have been trialled. Two broad levels of analysis were employed with the first using primary data from selected watersheds to understand the mechanics of the lower order institutions. These data were then modelled empirically to identify cogent ‘success’ drivers at this level. The second approach sought to analyse the hierarchy of decision making that attends WSD i.e. the relationships between all levels of WSD administration from national to state to village...

Item Type: Monograph (Project Report)
Additional Information: This project has relied heavily on the good will and support of officials from the Government of Andhra Pradesh. We specifically acknowledge the assistance of Dr C. Survana, Special Commissioner for Rural Development. Mr Subramanyam Reddy, Principal Secretary for Rural Development, has also played an important part in supporting this project. The project was initially developed with the assistance of Dr.Tirupatiah, and the continued guidance of the staff of the Andhra Pradesh Department of Rural Development has been invaluable. Their efforts have ensured that the project remained focussed on improving institutions in a practical context and the input of Project Directors has been important in this context. At the national level, Dr Alok Sikka, Deputy Director General (NRM), Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Technical Expert (Watershed Development), National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) provided important advice and direction for the project. From the Australian side, the generous input and advice by state and national government agencies is gratefully acknowledged. We especially thank Dr Jane Doolan, Deputy Secretary for Water, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria and Dr Anna Roberts, Department of Primary Industries, Victoria.
Subjects: Plant Production
Divisions: UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User: Mr. SanatKumar Behera
Date Deposited: 13 Aug 2013 03:52
Last Modified: 13 Aug 2013 03:52
URI: http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/11440

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