Collaborative Research on the Improvement of Operation and Management between Council of Agriculture (COA) and International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
The International Water Management Institutes (IWMI) has implement a research project in farm hydraulic development and techniques in Taiwan, which are deemed to the useful reference for many under-developed countries. Taoyuan and Kaohsiung irrigation associations are well-organized associations and function effectively in the management of their irrigation systems. As the country developed and modernized, the associations have been able to bring in modern technologies and new ideas to it’s the operation and management. At the same time, the irrigation associations have been facing new challenges. Striking a balance between resource conservation and development, specifically achieving industrial development without allowing it to affect crop productivity and the environment is an important issue they are currently facing. Some lessons and experiences of irrigation development in Taiwan could be adopted by many developing countries where appropriate. It is a good example of how irrigation has been developed along with the industrialization of a country.
