Participatory irrigation management in Turkey

Turkey has developed 50% of its total irrigable land. Transfer of irrigation systems to users started at a slow pace in the early 1950s. By the end of 2001, an area of over 1 663 730 ha, which corresponds to nearly 87.2% of the DSI operated irrigation area, had been transferred to and was being managed fully by water user organizations. A comprehensive review of land and water resources, monitoring and evaluation of irrigation projects, transfer of irrigation systems and the effects of transfer on socio-economic structure and environment is provided, considering the results for the year 2001.