Agricultural drainage: Towards an integrated approach

Abstract

Abstract. Drainage needs to reclaim its rightful position as an indispensable element in the integrated management of land and water. An integrated approach to drainage can be developed by means of systematic mapping of the functions of natural resources systems (goods and services) and the values attributed to these functions by people. This mapping allows the exploration of the implications of particular drainage interventions. In that sense an analytical tool for understanding a drainage situation is proposed. The process dimension of the functions and values evaluation and assessment is participatory planning, modelled on co-management approaches to natural resources management. This provides a framework for discussion and negotiation of trade-offs related to the different functions and values related to drainage. In that sense the approach is a communication, planning and decision-making tool. The tool is called DRAINFRAME, which stands for Drainage Integrated Analytical Framework. The implementation of an integrated approach posits challenges for the governance, management and finance of drainage, as well as for research and design of drainage infrastructure and operation. Both have to be rethought from the perspective of multi-functionality. The paper concludes with five main policy messages.

Strengthening the capacity of irrigation schemes to cope with flood through improved maintenance: a collaborative approach to analySe the case of Chókwè, Mozambique

“…Focusing on economic efficiency and reduction of state involvement (and spending), the IMT policy reform limited the capacity for action of the scheme manager to react to emergency situations. The 2013 flood event highlighted the role of the scheme's drainage systems, especially important in densely populated areas (Ladki et al ., ) but which are generally disregarded at policy level (Abdeldayem et al, ; Ritzema et al ., ) . The intensification of agriculture enabled by irrigation is accompanied by the development of various economic activities around input supply or value chains, which make these areas attractive for the population.…”

Resource asymmetry and property rights in agricultural drainage systems: Implications for collective action

“…Drainage management is a challenge across the world, making it a topic of relevance for both practice and policy (Abdeldayem et al 2005). Paradoxically, however, drainage has become a 'forgotten factor' in international water discourse as a theme and a concern (Scheumann and Freisem 2002;Abdeldayem et al 2005;Tollefson et al 2014).…”

“…Drainage management is a challenge across the world, making it a topic of relevance for both practice and policy (Abdeldayem et al 2005). Paradoxically, however, drainage has become a 'forgotten factor' in international water discourse as a theme and a concern (Scheumann and Freisem 2002;Abdeldayem et al 2005;Tollefson et al 2014). Scholars argue that unlike irrigation management, for which institutional arrangements abound, institutions for managing agricultural drainage are lacking (Scheumann and Freisem 2002;Schleyer 2009).…”

Towards the transdisciplinary engineer: Incorporating ecology, equity and democracy concerns into water professionals' attitudes, skills and knowledge

“…The focus of knowledge development in transdisciplinary engineering may be summarised with the phrase ''designing for multifunctionality'' (cf. Abdeldayem et al, 2005). The creation of multifunctional water systems through an inclusive design process is the main professional challenge in the new water resources management paradigm.…”