Abstract

In this study, the program of management transfer of the Kahramanmaras Irrigation Scheme was evaluated. The result of effects on water use and agricultural effectiveness were determined using appropriate performance indicators and the opinions of farmers. According to the results, the transfer process was not profitable for farmers; on the other hand, governmental expenditures were decreased. Farmers had insufficient knowledge of the transfer of irrigation management. Farmers did not understand the transfer of management, which indicates that one of the major aims of the transfer program - farmer participation - failed. Thus, the transfer program had no effect on indicators of water use efficiency such as sufficiency, equality, and irrigation time; it had negative effects on maintenance and operation of irrigation and drainage channels.

Key words: Irrigation, irrigation management, irrigation system performance, water use efficiency.