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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Structural adjustment programme and large scale irrigation systems in Nigeria
Author:Kolawole, AreISNI
Year:1991
Periodical:Review of African Political Affairs
Volume:5
Issue:1-2
Pages:5-16
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:economic policy
agricultural projects
irrigation
Abstract:This paper examines the impact of the structural adjustment programme (SAP) on the performance of large-scale irrigation systems in Nigeria. It looks first at the concept of river basin development authorities (RBDA) and the evolution of large-scale irrigation projects in Nigeria. Next it discusses the 1986 reorganization of Nigeria's RBDAs in the context of the country's structural adjustment programme. Henceforth, RBDAs were expected not only to be able to pay their way, but also to make profits. Subventions to RBDAs were reduced to the barest minimum, subsidies on diesel, petrol, engine oil and farm inputs were withdrawn, RBDAs were to restrict themselves to their original role of water resources development, flood control and the provision of infrastructure to farmers, without direct involvement in food production and processing, and the operation and maintenance functions of the irrigation projects hitherto performed by the authorities were to be turned over to the farmers. However, an irrigation system which has been conceived of and planned as a 'social service' can hardly be commercialized and privatized. The author concludes that SAP has undercut the integrated nature of irrigation systems with attendant dysfunctional consequences for their performance. Production costs have increased and productivity has declined. Bibliogr.
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