Performance assessment of irrigation districts in Mexico through technical efficiency analysis

Problems with irrigation are closely related with an inefficient management of aspects such as: irrigation infrastructure, water distribution, and agricultural practices. In Mexico, the irrigation districts (ID) are organizations with a relevant role in irrigation management. Hence the pertinence of evaluating their performance. Following Burton's (2010) systemic conceptual framework, a benchmarking, based on DEA technical efficiency and scale efficiency, was applied to a sample of 42 irrigation districts. First, 6 groups of homogenous IDs were formed applying Principal Component Analysis, and Cluster Analysis using variables such as: number of users, irrigated area, main crops, and water distribution forms. Afterwards, in accordance to available records, performance variables and indices were selected for systems of infrastructure, finance, production, and natural environment. Finally, significant performance variables and indices were identified through Tobit regression. For illustration purposes, two clusters (CS5 and CS6) were selected to evaluate irrigation performance. Benchmarking resulted an adequate strategy to evaluate performance of IDs at a cluster level, and systems level within each cluster. The scale efficiencies and yield metrics calculated showed strengths and weaknesses within each district. Average efficiencies, by district allowed to rank the districts, and to identify the benchmarker district, in each cluster. Lastly, the Tobit regression allowed to identify significant inefficiency factors in each cluster.