Water and Africa 
bibliographic database
| Previous page | New search |
The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here
 Book chapter |
 Leiden University catalogue |
 WorldCat |
| Title: | Cost recovery, equity, and inefficiency in irrigation schemes in Sudan |
| Author: | Ahmed, Taha Eltayeb |
| Book title: | Issues in African rural development 2 |
| Year: | 1994 |
| Pages: | 139-154 |
| Language: | English |
| Geographic term: | Sudan |
| Subjects: | agricultural projects irrigation production costs |
| Abstract: | In Sudan, the capital and recurrent costs of irrigation water are greater than the costs of any other agricultural input. Hence, a system of charging beneficiaries is seen as important in the formulation and operation of irrigation schemes. This study approaches the land and water charge policy implemented since 1981-1982 in all of Sudan's irrigation schemes from a purely financial viewpoint in order to examine cost recovery, efficiency, and equity. Secondary financial data covering the period 1981/1982 to 1990/1991 were collected from the records of the Gezira Scheme, the Rahad Scheme, and the Ministry of Irrigation. The quantitative data was supplemented by qualitative data obtained through interviews with key managers in these organizations. It was found that irrigation schemes were far from achieving full cost recovery. The average levels of cost recovery for Gezira and Rahad were 52 percent and 60 percent, respectively. It was also found that cost allocations between crops were distorted, and accordingly some crops were unfairly taxed. Moreover, managerial inefficiency in setting water rates, controlling costs, budgeting and collecting water charges was found to have far-reaching implications for cost recovery and equity. Policy interventions based on these findings are proposed. Bibliogr., sum. in English (p. 139) and French (p. 210-211). |