A public–private partnership experience in the management of an irrigation scheme using decision-support tools in Burkina Faso

Within the framework of a national policy on food sufficiency dating back to the late 1960s, a 1200 ha State-run irrigated rice scheme, called the ‘Kou Valley’ scheme, was established in south-western Burkina Faso. Jointly managed over a long period by State officials and a series of international development agencies, all aid ended abruptly in 1993, leaving the farmers and their hastily assembled Water Users Association (WUA) poorly prepared to assume management of the scheme.Concerned about the poor state of the water management and aware of their lack of management skills, the WUA turned to a private external operator for support via a public–private partnership (PPP), which involved outsourcing the water management. Initially, the PPP was funded and assisted by an international development agency. The costs are now gradually being met by the WUA and will ultimately represent 12% of the water fees collected from WUA members. An irrigation advisor was appointed on a full-time basis, and technical studies were conducted to assess the water management problems and put forward viable solutions using decision-support tools (SIMIS).At various stages, participatory meetings were organised to enable the farmers to express their opinions and to propose and discuss possible solutions. After 3 years, there was some improvement in the land occupation situation and the water distribution was more equitable in some parts, as shown by various performance indicators and a general survey. However there are limits to what water management change alone can achieve without essential infrastructural improvements.As the WUA members lacked the necessary education, effective knowledge transfer was not possible and therefore assistance on water management is likely to remain in private or State hands. The farmers, however, have indicated their satisfaction with the proposed approach and their willingness to participate in PPP-based management of the scheme.

► A public–private partnership is installed for the water management on the irrigation scheme.
► Water distribution rules are being developed using decision-support tools.
► Improvements in livelihood are recorded thanks to a more equitable water distribution.