THE EVOLUTION OF IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT IN MONSOON ASIA AND HISTORICAL LESSONS

The development of water control systems in the Asian region began from a small- scale/community system to become an integrated larger system of a kingdom. Technological development had been in line with the accumulation of knowledge and wisdom in the local areas. Over the years, resource endowments have led to different paths of development for rice- producing countries. All rice-exporting countries in Asia (Thailand, Myanmar. Cambodia and Vietnam) have major river deltas, and water control in these areas requires huge investment and management capacity. Such development did not begin until the arrival of the colonial powers in the nineteenth century. Rice cultivation in Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia remains extensive, with large areas under rainfed lowland or deep water cultivation. Vietnam is moving into the second stage of developing its delta areas with an increased share of irrigation and better control of water, resulting in a higher yield level. There are differences between the Asian and Western approach to development. The Western approach tends to be dominating and controlling, placing more emphasis on engineering theory and making light of traditional wisdom or human/institutional factors. The Asian approach, on the other hand, is more flexible and is in harmony with nature and the socio-cultural environment. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.