The Role of Irrigation Associations and Privatization Policies in Irrigation Management in Turkey

Abstract

In Turkey, the nearly total transfer of irrigation systems to the irrigation associations improved the collection of irrigation fees, but not water use efficiency. The Irrigation Associations Law initially accorded decentralized irrigation associations clear legal status as decentralized entities, but amendments to the law have restored significant government control over their administration. Privatization through service procurement and build-operate-transfer models was promoted by an enabling legal environment, but failed in implementation due to lack of consensus among stakeholders.