Research at Development Support Centre

WATERSHED Research Studies / Research Papers Research Studies by Students/ Research Papers PARTICIPATORY IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT [PIM] Research Studies / Research Papers Research Studies by Students/ Research Papers Proceedings OTHERS / GENERAL Research Studies / Research Papers Research Studies by Students/ Research Papers Workshop/ Seminar Reports Monograph/ Papers Best Practice Series Articles BOOKS DSC's COMMUNICATION MATERIALS Watershed Participatory Irrigation Management [PIM] ONGOING RESEARCH STUDIES

Research at Development Support Centre
This pamphlet presents in a nutshell why and how DSC conducts research and delineates the stages in research process at DSC. It then provides a list of research studies done up to May 31, 2005.

Rationale for Research

• To find out whether the particular problem is area-specific or universal
• To build up argument/ support for policy advocacy through a detailed case study
• To gauge how well the stated objectives are met when of the scheme is implemented:
• What problems are encountered and if there are any policy implications arising out of the field situation.
• To study people's priorities/requirements for development as against those assumed on their behalf of the people by development agencies
• To determine the need and the scope for placing farmers' priorities on the agenda of agricultural enhancement programmes in watershed villages

Methodology

• Reliance on primary data
• Data collection through participatory rural appraisal exercises
• Supplemented by focus group discussions and personal interviews

Thematic Areas

• Rural Development - General
• Watershed Development
• Participatory Irrigation Development
• Agricultural Productivity Enhancement and Value addition
• Joint Forest Management

Geographical Areas of Research

• Mainly Gujarat State, with focus on areas with problem of natural resources
• DSC has co-ordinated two national level studies

Impact of Research

• Consequences on recommendation for policy reforms
• Policy Changes
• Changes in Practice

Stages in Research Project

• Identification of the Problem
• Preparation of Research design which includes Literature Review, Problem Definition, Selecting Methodology, Identifying Researchers, , Selection of Study Sites, Budget and Timetable
• Data Collection
• Analysis and Interpretation of data
• Report preparation
• Presenting Report to policy makers and others for Feedback
• Publication of Report
• Dissemination of Research through Publication, Policy Advocacy where appropriate, Practice change where necessary, and Using findings in training.    Top

WATERSHED

    Research Studies / Research Papers:

• Advantage Reclaimed, Joydeep Sen, Preface by Anil C. Shah, May 2005. 45p.
  Part- IV of the longitudinal study comparing and measuring the impact of drought on watershed and non-watershed villages in drought affected districts of Gujarat. Longitudinal study is being conducted in the same 16 watershed and non-watershed villages every year for the last four years. This paper highlights that watershed village quickly regained their advantage over non-watershed villages when there is good rainfall year after series of drought years, However in the case of non-watershed villages the extent of recovery is low.
• Equity in Benefit Distribution in Watershed, Joydeep Sen, May 2005. 50p.
  Participatory watershed guidelines emphasised on providing benefits of watershed to the resource poor and deprived communities through income generation and involvement in watershed programme. This paper critically examines who benefits from watershed programme. In this paper an attempt has been made to understand whether women, landless, small and marginal farmers are gaining from the watershed intervention. The study also finds out what is the proportion of investment for generating individual and common benefits.
• Maintenance of Physical Assets in Watershed, Vaibhav Chaturvedi, Preface by Anil C. Shah, April 2005. 55p.
  Under the watershed programme various assets are created in both public and private land. Ensuring proper maintenance of watershed assets is imperative for ensuring continuous return from the high investment made in creating these assets. The objectives of the study are to find out the present state of maintenance of private and public assets in the post implementation period, ascertain the status of fund, meant for the maintenance of the public assets. The status brought out the need for a regime to be established for the maintenance of physical assets at the village level and how the contribution collected for watershed development can be better utilised for post project maintenance and enhancement of the livelihoods of the rural communities.
• Cost Benefit Analysis of Watershed Development: an exploratory study in Gujarat, Vaibhav Chaturvedi, Preface by Anil C. Shah, March 2005. 84p.
  The watershed programme under Ministry of Rural Development is implemented since 1994 and after 10 years it is opportune time to assess what is the benefit in relation to the substantial cost in watershed implementation .The objective of this study is to calculate costs incurred in terms of structures created, human resource cost, administrative expenses incurred under the watershed project against which to measure in money terms the tangible and intangible benefits.
• Drinking water security in watershed villages, Rushabh Hemani and Manju Ravi, Preface by Anil C. Shah, August 2004. 27p. (English/ Gujarati).
  One of the objectives of the watershed programme is ensure drinking water security in the watershed villages. This study explores what is the status of drinking water security in the watershed villages. One of the major findings suggests that in the watershed villages drinking water security has not been given adequate priority in the watershed planning and implementation. The founding and recommendations of the study led to modifications of the watershed guidelines of Ministry of rural development.
• Advantage Declined: Part III of A Longitudinal Study of Sixteen Drought-prone Villages of Gujarat, Anil C. Shah, April 2004. 29p.
  Part III of the longitudinal study comparing and measuring the impact of drought on watershed and non-watershed villages in drought affected districts of Gujarat. This paper highlights that when the drought condition continues for more than two/three years, watershed villages lose their advantage over non-watershed villages. This paper critically brings out declining advantage of watershed villages in continuing drought years.
• Policy Changes That Didn't Work: Forestland in Watershed, Preface by Anil C. Shah, October 2003. 25p.
  Scientific treatment of watershed is to begin the treatment of the watershed at the ridge and then come down to the valley. Under the ridge to valley approach forestland that are in the ridge has to be treated. In the 1994 watershed guidelines there was no provision for treatment of forestland. Therefore Government of India issued instructions in 1998 that specified that PIA's should also treat the forestland under Joint Forest Management programme. This paper reports the finding that the revised guideline is not being implemented.
• Advantage Watershed (In the second year of drought), Anil C. Shah, May 2002. 24p.
  Part II of the longitudinal study comparing and measuring the impact of drought on watershed and non-watershed villages in drought affected districts of Gujarat. Findings of this study indicate that in the second year of drought the watershed village continues to enjoy advantage over non-watershed villages.
• Eloquent "Silent" Revolution (In the first year of drought), Anil C. Shah, 1999-2000. 23p.
  The hypothesis of this study was that watershed villages have advantage over non-watershed villages in drought prone areas. This is the first study to test the hypothesis for the comparison and measurement of the impact of drought on watershed and non-watershed villages in drought-affected districts of Gujarat-the original study that later became Part I of the Longitudinal Study.
• Scope for Federation of Watershed Associations, Rana Alok Singh, 2003. 35p. [Unpublished].
  This study was conducted to find out the feasibility of federating the watershed associations for taking up 'Watershed Plus' activities. This study looks critically into the functioning of federations of agriculture-based village level institutions with an emphasis on their financial viability and support provided by promoting non-governmental organizations.
• Catalysing Village Level Institute for Natural Resource Management, Lisa Armstrong, E.M.Shasidharan, Pankaj Kumar, 1997-98. 73p. [Unpublished].
  Documentation of different models and mobilization process operationalised by different NGOs throughout India, identification and prioritisation of variables contributing to the success and sustainability of village institutions in managing natural resources, and arriving at design principles that could be adapted on wider scale without impinging on area specific factors.    Top

    Research Studies by Students/ Research Papers:

• Impact Assessment of Development Support Centre's (DSC) Intervention in Watershed management on Livelihoods of the Rural Communities, Siddhartha Gupta, 2005. 83p.
  Watershed programme aims at improving the livelihoods of the rural communities. This pilot study was conducted in one village of Dhari Taluka of Amreli district, Gujarat where DSC has implemented watershed programme. The objectives of this study were to identify the various stakeholders (only from the village communities), primary and secondary, in the watershed development programme. Identify their existing sources of livelihoods with the respective contributions to their overall household economy. Identify the various institutions affecting their livelihoods and the specific effect of the institutions formed under the watershed development programme, and their inter-relationships.
• Cost Benefit Analysis of Watershed Programme, Sachin Kumar, 2003. 89p.
  The pilot study was conducted in Rampur and Hirava villages of Dhari block of Amreli district, Gujarat. The main objectives of the study were to identify and estimate the direct benefits and costs involved in the watershed development program implemented in the study, Also to understand and analyse benefits of watershed development program.
• Maintenance of Physical Assets: Role of Village Institutions (Part I), Sachin Kumar Badkas, 2003. 57p
  An examination of the initiatives taken by user groups and village institutions to manage the physical assets created under watershed programme. The study was conducted with the following objectives to understand the expected role of PIA / PRI / WA / WC / UG, understanding / awareness of each of these of their role, the actual roles being played by each in the maintenance of assets post project and the consequence of not maintaining the physical assets.
• Comparative Analysis of Panchayati Institutions and Other Agencies as Project Implementation Agencies in Watershed Development, Aman Gupta, 2002. 68p.
  The study is a comparative analysis of the performance of government organisations, non-governmental organisations, and panchayati raj institutions as project implementing agencies of watershed programmes.
• Impact Assessment of Watershed Programmes Implemented by DSC, Ritesh Kumar Sinha, 2002. 130p.
  Examination of the economic and social impact of watershed development project and people's participation in project related activities in the villages of Dhari taluka, Amreli district.
• Lessons from the Field vis-à-vis MoRD Guidelines in Watershed Development Programmes with Reference to Inclusion of Forestland in the Watershed Development Area, Shailesh Mujumdar, 2002. 128p.
  An enquiry into whether the ridge to valley principle of watershed development which requires treating forestland within the watershed is adhered to by project implementing agencies as prescribed in the guidelines.
• A Detailed Report on Impact Assessment of Training in Watershed Development Organisation, DSC (Ahmedabad), Smita Nariyal, 2001-02. 106p.
  DSC is one of the institutes recognised by Government of Gujarat for training the watershed functionaries. Therefore it was important for DSC to understand Impact of DSC's training on its participants and the scope for its improvement. The objectives of this study were assessing trainee familiarity with concepts and processes of watershed development programme; investigating the extent to which participants have tried to operationalise approaches/concepts/practices learned during training; determining the extent to which participants disseminated the information/concepts. Ascertain current and future training needs of PIAs in terms of topic and methodology.
• Application of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Participatory Natural Resource Management: An Exploratory Study, Asif Pradhan, 2001. 118p.
  An examination of the use of remote sensing technology (RST) in watershed planning by government and non-government organisations, especially the sequencing when the RST is used with the participatory approach.
• A Study in Self Help Groups, Delna Karanjia, 1999. 33p.
  The study looks into the contributions of Self Help Groups in ensuring equitable distribution of benefits in watershed programme implemented by DSC and achievement of long term goals set by DSC.    Top

  PARTICIPATORY IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT [PIM]:

    Research Studies / Research Papers:

• Financial viability of irrigation co-operatives: an exploratory study in Gujarat, Vaibhav Chaturvedi, Preface by Anil C. Shah, June 2004. 54p.
  Irrigation cooperatives at minor level are important institutions that have a pivotal role in success of Participatory Irrigation Management. Therefore it was important to examine the financial viability of the canal water users association. Financial viability of the irrigation cooperatives implies that they are able to generate enough income to meet their regular and emergency expenses and at the same time invest adequately in the maintenance and repair of the canals. The objectives of the study were to identify and analyse the critical factors for financial viability, elicit the conscious steps taken by the supporting agency and farmers for ensuring the financial strength of these ICs and develop recommendations for fostering and enhancing financial viability of the ICs and ensuring proper and regular maintenance & repairs.
• Tail-enders and other deprived in canal irrigation system (Overall summary), Preface by Anil C. Shah, DSC, 2003. 178p.
  DSC conducted a state level study of Gujarat entitled " Deprived" to understand the plight of the tailend farmers in any canal irrigation system. "The Deprived" brought out the fact that in most of the cases tailenders are deprived of the benefits of the canal water as farmers in the head and middle reach capture more water than their share. Therefore to understand the situation of tailend farmers on a national level this study was scaled up and study was conducted in other five states. A summary of the study of the extent and the causes of deprivation of tail-enders and other deprived in Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu.
• Women, Water, Irrigation, Anil C. Shah, March 2001. 19p.
  Involvement of women in the affairs of water Users Association is considered important for improving the canal management. This paper is an examination of two issues: 1. How canals can serve better women's priorities for domestic use of water and 2. What women can do to improve canal management and functioning of Water Users Associations?
• The Deprived: In the Command Area of Irrigation System, Anil C. Shah, August 2000. 21p.
  DSC through its experience of promoting PIM realised that tailend farmers in the canal irrigation system are deprived of their due share of water and at times they don't get any water. Therefore DSC found this deprivation existed at the end of various parts of the irrigation system.
• Mohani May Fail Again, Anil C. Shah, Pankaj Kumar, Pinakin Vyas 1999. 16p.
  Mohani is an irrigation cooperative in the command area of Ukai projct of Surat district of Gujarat, India. Mohani is a legendary irrigation cooperative that functioned exceptionally well for 10 years from its inception in 1978. Mohani was role model for other irrigation cooperatives and was the acclaimed in the Sixth and Seventh Five Year Plan. However, after 10 years of success this society faced disruption. DSC was asked by a high level working committee to study the case of Mohani. This paper is an examination of the reasons for the initial success and subsequent problems of Mohani Water Users Association and lessons that could be learnt by others.    Top

   Research Studies by Students/ Research Papers

• Impact Assessment of Development Support Centre's Intervention in Participatory irrigation Management on the Livelihoods of Rural Communities, 2005. 71p.
  This is a pilot study of one PIM village with the objectives to identify the various stakeholders (only from the village communities), primary and secondary, in the PIM programme; identify their existing sources of livelihoods with the respective contributions to their overall household economy; identify the various institution, affecting their livelihoods and the specific effect of the irrigation cooperatives, and the interrelationships
• Social and Financial Viability of Institutional Management of Irrigation Systems, Vaibhav Chaturvedi, 2002. 82p.
  The main objective of the study was to assess the 'Social and Financial Viability of the Irrigation Cooperatives'. The secondary objective for the purpose of attainment of the main objective was identification of criteria for social and financial viability.
• Learning about Gender Issues in Irrigation, Michelle McCombs, 2000. 40p.
  The role and stakes of women in irrigation.    Top

    Proceedings:

• Proceedings of the National Workshop on Tail-enders and Other Deprived, DSC, 2004. 35p.
  A synopsis of the problems of tail-enders and the recommendations emerging from the National Workshop on Tail-enders.
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OTHERS / GENERAL:  

   Research Studies / Research Papers:

• Cost-benefit Analysis of Joint Forest Management Programme Undertaken by Government and Non-government Agencies in Gujarat, Anil C. Shah, 2000-01. 49p.
  Exploration of the of real benefits enjoyed by the people, the array of costs in Joint Forest Management (JFM), and the perception of the common people and officials towards the JFM programme.    Top

    Research Studies by Students/ Research Papers:

• Comparative Analysis of Agricultural Productivity and System Efficiency of Different Modes of Irrigation, Maitreyi Mandal, 1999-2000. 120p. [Agriculture Productivity Enhancement].
  Comparison of agricultural productivity between different irrigation systems--private wells, tube wells, dug wells, community managed tube wells, and government-managed canals, and the factors responsible for the differences.
• Developing Tools for Cost Effectiveness Assessment of NGO Programmes: Case Study 3, Frances Sinha and Samir Garg, 1998. 66p.
  Testing the methodology for assessing cost effectiveness of the NGOs providing support or implementing livelihoods programmes.
• Development Support Centre, Training Unit Impact Assessment, Lisa Armstrong, 1998.38p.
  Assessment of the effectiveness of DSC's training programmes and their impact on the participants.    Top

    Workshop/ Seminar Reports:

• Proceedings of the National Meeting on Non-negotiable Principles of Development & Management of Natural Resources in Sustainable manner, (Bopal Declarations), 16th January 2005, Development Support Centre at Bopal, Ahmedabad. 2005. 46p.
  The national meeting of eminent leaders of the country in the development areas, endorsed eight principles. That should be in place for the success of schemes of participatory management of natural resources.
• Report of the workshop on Operationalizing participatory approaches in natural resource management, October 16-17, 2002. Held at EDI, Ahmedabad. Development Support Centre, Ahmedabad. 2002. Reprint. 40p.   Top

    Monograph/ Papers:

• Sequential steps for empowering community organisations:
  cost benefit approach to local developments by Anil C. Shah, Development Support Centre, Ahmedabad. 2004. 12p.
• Gamloko ne saksham karava matena krambaddha pagla:
  sthanik vikas mateno kharch-labh abhigam (Gujarati) by Anil Shah, Development Support Centre, Ahmedabad. 2005. 16p.
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    Best Practice Series:

• Operationalising the equity principle in watershed development AKRSP(I) approach
  by Joydeep Sen, Development Support Centre, Ahmedabad. 2004. 16p.
• Opperetionalsing Ridge to Valley Approach In watershed, AKRSP (I) experience at Teliamba, Sagbara, Gujarat.
  by Joydeep Sen, Development Support Centre, Ahmedabad. 2004. 16p.
• Integrated Approach in Watershed. AKRSP (I) approach at Motakakdiamaba, Gujarat.
  by J. Ravishanker, Development Support Centre, Ahmedabad. 2004. 20p.
• Importance of Gram Sabha in Watershed. AKRSP (I) experience at Mokasar.
  by Joydeep Sen, Development Support Centre, Ahmedabad. 2004. 12p.    Top

    Articles:

• Whither Common Property Resources, Anil C. Shah, 1997-98.A study of problems of common lands -- found to be exhausted with over-exploitation and widely encroached upon -- and problems in their protection, restoration and development because of the indifference of the villagers in Junagadh and Bharuch districts in Gujarat.
• Wheat Research and Farmers, Anil C. Shah, 1997. 7p.
  A comparison of characteristics kept in view by researchers and farmers while selecting wheat seeds.    Top

BOOKS

• In the hands of the People: Selected papers of Anil C. Shah, Ed. By Sudarshan Iyengar and Indira Hirway, Development Support Centre, Ahmedabad. 2001. 360p. Rs. 300/-
• In the hands of the People: Vol. II by Anil C. Shah, Development Support Centre, Ahmedabad. 2005. 198p. Rs. 150/-
• Loksahyogthi Vikas Bhani: Shri Anil Shah na lekhono sanchay Comp. By Mansukh Salla, Navbharat Sahitya Mandir, Ahmedabad. 2004. 258 p. Rs. 200/- (Gujarati)
• Vikas ne Varela: Shri Anil Shah na lekhono sanchay Compiled By Sanjay Dave, Navbharat Sahitya Mandir, Ahmedabad. 2004. 116p. Rs. 100/- (Gujarati)
• Samullas Nisbat: Selected varied writings by Shri Anil Shah Compiled By Mansukh Salla, Gurjar Grantha Ratna Karyalaya, Ahmedabad. 2005. 232p. Rs. 150/- (Gujarati).    Top

DSC's COMMUNICATION MATERIALS  

   Watershed:

• Sajeev: booklet, 1997. 24p. Rs. 15/- (Gujarati)
• Lalak : Participatory processes in watershed development - VCD, 50 Min. Rs. 100/- (Gujarati)
• Jal - Jeevan no Dhabkar: A technical manual for water harvesting structures - VCD, 45 Min. Rs. 100/- (Gujarati)
• Compilation of orders of the Government of India & Gujarat on Watershed Management, 1999. 50p. Rs. 75/- (Gujarati)
• Checkdam ane Nala Plug Margdarshika, 2001. 52p. Rs. 75/- (Gujarati)
• Sajeev: poster / sticker, Rs. 10

    Participatory Irrigation Management [PIM]:

• Chalo, Uthao Bidu Khedu: Participatory irrigation Management - VCD, 28 Min. Rs. 100/-(Gujarati)
• Kiyadar ni Vat: Sahabhagi sinchai vyavasthanun safal drashtant - VCD, 35 Min. Rs. 100/- (Gujarati)
• State Government Bylaws for Irrigation Cooperative Societies, 24p. Rs. 30/- (Gujarati / English)
• Sahbhagi Sinchai Vyavastha: booklet, 2003. 24p. Rs. 10/- (Gujarati)
• Paricipatory Irrigation Management: Compilation of Orders of the Government of Gujarat, 2nd Edition, 1999, 93p. Rs. 125/- (Gujarati/English)
• PIM - Posters/ Stikers, Rs. 50/-   Top

ONGOING RESEARCH STUDIES

1. Cost-Benefit Analysis of PIM
2. Impact of PIM on livelihoods of the rural communities- National level study
3. Impact of Watershed development programme on livelihoods of the rural communities- state level study-
4. Social and political factors influencing management and outcome of watershed.
5. Parameters and Indicators for monitoring PIM in three states (Gujarat, MP and AP)
6. Role of watershed in drought proofing- 5th year of longitudinal study of watershed and non-watershed villages.
7. Impact of PIM (with and without rehabilitation) on efficiency in irrigation. Comparison of PIM and non-PIM villages.
8. "Mapping farmers perception" Factors considered by farmers while choosing to become members of irrigation cooperative.
9. Best Practices in Watershed- 4
10. Water accounting in watershed (before and after watershed)
11. Identifying issues for improving the rural water supply in Liliya-Lathiya system in Amreli district
12. Developing target technologies for ensuring short-term economic benefits for meeting needs of marginal and small farmers.
13. Status of implementation of Government Orders in PIM in Gujarat .    Top