Irrigation performance at tertiary level in the rice schemes of the Office du Niger (Mali): Adequate water delivery through over-supply

The performance of irrigation in rice schemes of the Office du Niger in 199 5 is compared with the situation nearly 10 years later (2004). Major physical rehabilitations and economic and institutional reforms carried out from the 1980s onwards succeeded in making a success story of the Office du Niger. This paper analyzes the irrigation performance at tertiary level in the light of the interventions implemented and current water management practices using the performance indicators proposed by Molden and Gates. The interventions succeeded in establishing a good adequacy of water supply (0.96 for 1995 and 0.92 for 2004), thus creating the necessary conditions for boosting rice production. Because of the minimal management strategies of farmers and water bailiffs, efficiency is however low and shows no sign of improving between 1995 (0.51) and today (0.56). Dependability and equity are also poor according to Molden and Gates' criteria, but given that water supply is generally adequate, these indicators appear less relevant. An alternative calculation procedure is proposed for situations where water is not scarce. Results of the adapted indicators show satisfactory levels of dependability and equity. Measures aimed at increasing efficiency will inevitably be costly, but are redeemed justified. Indeed, even though water is not a limiting factor during the main growing season until today, this is to change soon as the irrigated surface will be strongly expanded. in addition, increased irrigation efficiency might help to solve the recurrent drainage problems that trouble the harvest in the rice schemes of the Office du Niger. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.