<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Irrigated agriculture has the potential to ensure food security, contribute to sustainable management, and preserve freshwater resources. At the same time, it is connected to problems such as water scarcity, environmental degradation and pollution, and poverty. This so-called “wicked” nature is addressed by comparatively analysing the strategies used for water governance in irrigated agriculture. To highlight its cross-sectoral nature, the concept of cross-sectoral alignment is introduced based on three governance criteria. The Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia and Vietnam are used to compare strategies as their differing political systems may lead to varying strategies and can thus offer greater insight into regional water management practices. The analysis suggests that the governance strategies used for irrigated agriculture have many similarities but also distinct differences. In particular, the influence of ODA in Vietnam as well as the way farmers are included in water management stand out in regards to the differences. Similar, however, are organisational set-ups, sectoral fragmentation, and insufficient supply of participatory mechanisms as well as generally low alignment across all categories. In consideration of the global importance of water management practices, only the aligned management of freshwater resources can increase environmental health and food security in the long term.</p></abstract>

Irrigated agriculture has the potential to ensure food security, contribute to sustainable management, and preserve freshwater resources. At the same time, it is connected to problems such as water scarcity, environmental degradation and pollution, and poverty. This so-called “wicked” nature is addressed by comparatively analysing the strategies used for water governance in irrigated agriculture. To highlight its cross-sectoral nature, the concept of cross-sectoral alignment is introduced based on three governance criteria. The Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia and Vietnam are used to compare strategies as their differing political systems may lead to varying strategies and can thus offer greater insight into regional water management practices. The analysis suggests that the governance strategies used for irrigated agriculture have many similarities but also distinct differences. In particular, the influence of ODA in Vietnam as well as the way farmers are included in water management stand out in regards to the differences. Similar, however, are organisational set-ups, sectoral fragmentation, and insufficient supply of participatory mechanisms as well as generally low alignment across all categories. In consideration of the global importance of water management practices, only the aligned management of freshwater resources can increase environmental health and food security in the long term.

Irrigated Agriculture in Malaysia and Vietnam: A Comparative Analysis of Water Governance Strategies

Vienna Journal of East Asian Studies

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Irrigated agriculture has the potential to ensure food security, contribute to sustainable management, and preserve freshwater resources. At the same time, it...

Irrigated Agriculture in Malaysia and Vietnam: A Comparative Analysis of Water Governance Strategies

Pubblicato online: 13 set 2020

Pagine: 31 - 61

Ricevuto: 29 set 2019

Accettato: 13 apr 2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/vjeas-2020-0002

Parole chiave
Integrated water resources management, water governance, irrigated agriculture, water management, water resources

© 2020 Hanna Andrea Sand, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Irrigated Agriculture in Malaysia and Vietnam: A Comparative Analysis of Water Governance Strategies

Pubblicato online: 13 set 2020

Pagine: 31 - 61

Ricevuto: 29 set 2019

Accettato: 13 apr 2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/vjeas-2020-0002

Parole chiaveIntegrated water resources management, water governance, irrigated agriculture, water management, water resources

© 2020 Hanna Andrea Sand, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Parole chiave
Integrated water resources management, water governance, irrigated agriculture, water management, water resources