The purpose of this paper is to examine the linkages between agricultural water and rural poverty. The paper demonstrates, through a series of real world case studies, how rural household deprivation of agricultural water leads to other socioeconomic deprivations, and how improved access can reduce the vulnerability of the poor. After presenting background information on the connection between agricultural water and poverty, the paper provides a framework for conceptualizing the impacts of irrigation on rural poverty, taking into account both direct and indirect effects as well as household status. The paper then presents a series of case studies, based on empirical data, examining the relationship between agricultural water and poverty. The case studies are based on the most recent research on agricultural water and rural poverty conducted by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). The paper concludes with several examples, based on recent fieldwork, of agricultural water sector practices initiated both through community   action and external   intervention which have had a significant impact on rural poverty.

No content to view in Sinhala

No content to view in Tamil