Social–ecological dynamics in irrigated agriculture in dry zone Sri Lanka: a political ecology

Resilience Thinking and Strategies to Reclaim Sustainable Rural Livelihoods: Cascade Tank-Village System (CTVS) in Sri Lanka

“…In their study Wijekoon et al [14] conclude that enhanced resilience can be achieved by 'augment(ing) tank storage by removing aquatic weeds and de-silting, introduce water saving measures/technologies, strengthen the FOs (Farmer Organisations), improve governance of MIS (Minor Irrigation Systems) and develop access to market facilities' [49]. Koepke et al [16] find weak implementation of environmental laws, preference for high use of pesticides by farmers, on-going tensions between local communities and government, and migration of youth to the cities. They conclude also that what looks like a typical tragedy of the commons scenario [50], that is 'the overuse of water as a common pool resource by multiple rational actors, can be more likely be related to structural causes and societal dynamics' [16].…”

“…Koepke et al [16] find weak implementation of environmental laws, preference for high use of pesticides by farmers, on-going tensions between local communities and government, and migration of youth to the cities. They conclude also that what looks like a typical tragedy of the commons scenario [50], that is 'the overuse of water as a common pool resource by multiple rational actors, can be more likely be related to structural causes and societal dynamics' [16]. Therefore, overall one might conclude that particular focus on a balance between restoration and transformation is required with a view to sustainable livelihoods.…”

“…Outdated policy frameworks, weak and overlapping governance role in water management and improving traditional technologies, and opaque power structures have driven to a whole system operational and management issues in the dry zone, Sri Lanka. Koepke et al [16] have noted recently that the 'social structure of rural life in the areas under research is today characterized by small-scale agriculture (paddy cultivation and chena, a form of slash-and-burn vegetable farming) on relatively fragmented plots' [16]; clearly not a basis for sustainable livelihoods.…”

“…Similarly, alterations in the Agrarian Services Act in 1979, the influence of 'Green Revolution Technology' in the 1960s to 1990s, and the effects of open-economic policy in the 1980s have resulted in abuse of the traditional system's core values. Consequently, these internal and external factors reinforced the centralised bureaucratic setup in water administration and management of Sri Lanka [16]. Wijekoon et al [14] recently concluded that the multiple overlapping and uncoordinated governance systems not only exclude active community participation but now require a complete institutional review.…”

“…In the literature, the outcome of these interactions on the CTVS community is alluded to albeit not from an SLF perspective and includes: frequent and extreme natural calamities; increasing temperature and humid levels; exposure to economic pressures. The effect of these vulnerabilities and risks on assets and capitals as a product of the current inadequate nature of institutions [33], including primary health care, village and community governance processes includes: relative poverty; suffering from non-communicable diseases such as chronic kidney disease, cancer, and diabetics; high rate of outmigration; declining trends of the diversity and quantity of biodiversity, soil fertility, natural resources, and other issues [16].…”