The modernization of indigenous irrigation systems into large scale modern irrigation systems has witnessed tremendous interest and investments by the governments and international financial institutions in developing countries in recent years. These are high priority projects in national development plans that visibly aims for high farm productivity, import substitution and economic growth. Additionally, such projects come with an agenda of creating local livelihood opportunities and reduce youth out-migration. Evidence suggest that despite the expansion of large scale irrigation systems, youth mostly men, continue to out-migrate for labour jobs. Women, (mostly from marginalised sections) are increasingly stepping into roles traditionally held by men, however, they are largely excluded from decision making processes related to irrigation management. Furthermore, without adequate interventions to address underlying structural constraints, they are increasingly exposed to newer forms of gendered vulnerabilities and violence, issues that have been less documented.
These dynamics raise critical concerns about the future of indigenous irrigation systems, as well as youth’s relations to irrigation commons. Despite being integral to the questions of sustainable irrigation futures, the existing scholarship lacks a systematic assessment of knowledge regarding the intersection of irrigation and youth. This presentation aims to fill this gap by providing an overview of existing scientific literature on changing human-water relationships with a specific focus on youth (differentiated by gender, caste, class, age) and irrigation. The review will explore key questions including how youth’s engagement with irrigation water have been conceptualised in the literature, and what this means for youth’s future as stewards of irrigation commons.
This is a work in progress. In addition to the review findings, the presentation will include insights from exploratory field visit in Nepal.
Key words: Commons, Indigenous, Irrigation, Systemic review, Youth
