The index system for the implementation effect evaluation of water-saving renovation of key medium-sized irrigation districts: A case study

Abstract

Irrigation district plays an important role in China’s agricultural production. In recent years, China conducted many water-saving renovation construction projects of irrigation districts. However, the current implementation effect of irrigation district water-saving renovation has not been well-characterized. Comprehensive and systematic evaluation of the implementation effect of water-saving renovation in irrigation districts can provide scientific basis for further construction and management of irrigation districts. This study screened preliminary index system in four dimensions: preliminary work, completion of construction tasks, completion of planned investment, management and reform. Based on the statistical results of the questionnaire surveys and subsequently analyzed, fourteen key evaluation indicators were finally identified. Percentile system and expert evaluation method were then used to determine the assigned score of every indicator. Based on the evaluation criteria, the evaluation method of the implementation effect was formulated. Ten key medium-sized irrigation districts in southeastern China were taken as a research example in this study, with the implementation effect of water-saving renovation of 10 irrigation districts being comprehensively evaluated. The results show that these irrigation districts have a relatively high implementation effect of water-saving renovation. The data results from the scores of four dimensions and fourteen indicators show that the index system is reasonable and practicable, and the evaluation results are basically in line with actual situation. These findings have a good practical reference value for making decisions about how to instruct the modernization development of water-saving renovation of irrigation districts in China.