A successful experience of participatory irrigation management (case study: irrigation and agricultural joint-stock company of Mojen-Shahrood)

According to the current challenges toward low water use efficiency in agriculture, paying attention to the role of public participation in order to improve irrigation efficiency and effectiveness with useful methods and tools is essential. Hence, approaches such as participatory irrigation management has been proposed and applied. After the primary investigation in this study, experiences of irrigation and agricultural joint-stock company of Mojen -Shahrood has been studied as an example of successful management of irrigation networks in last five decades. Therefore, social, economic and environmental impacts of the company have been investigated using qualitative methods and SWOT analysis. The most important social impacts of the company’s activities were establishing justice toward water distribution; regulating water distribution; minimizing offenses and theft of water; reducing in water conflicts; increasing confidence in the company; and reducing the immigration rate. In addition, the main economic effects were: more water use efficiency; livelihood improvement; orchards development; increase in lateral activities besides agriculture and horticulture in the region; creation of job opportunity in the city. About the environmental impacts, it can be mentioned that by constructing canals and planting trees and shrubs on the riverbank, floods have been effectively controlled. Implementation of cement/stone canals and optimal distribution of water have reduced flooding and damage to natural species and forests in the area.