Explicit institutional arrangements, tailored to the local context, should be made during implementation to ensure sufficient irrigation system maintenance post compact. Five years post compact, the final evaluation found that maintenance has not kept pace with the needs of farmers. Budget shortfalls at the irrigation and agriculture agency due to water fee recovery rates below the compact target and a declining state subsidy to the maintenance fund have led to limited canal dredging and clearing invasive weeds. These problems are likely to affect the useful life of the investment and therefore the persistence of benefits from the infrastructure. Early attention should be given to understanding and addressing the institutional context, challenges and options for irrigation system maintenance, and conditions precedent should be considered to address key reforms that will contribute to ensuring sustainable maintenance plans.
Lesson Learned