THE MAN SWIMMING AGAINST THE STREAM KNOWS THE STRENGTH OF IT

摘要

In this paper we discuss hydraulic behavior of irrigation infrastructure within a context ofrnspatially distributed power relations in an Argentinean irrigation system. In the Río Dulce basinrnthe irrigation area known as the Proyecto Río Dulce (PRD, command area 350,000 hectares) isrnthe main irrigated area . An interesting characteristic of the PRD is that the larger landowners arernmainly situated in tail end areas. Despite this potentially disadvantageous position, downstreamrnfarmers do not encounter problems. This should not be regarded as self-evident: the hydraulicrnproperties of the canals induce a need for downstream farmers to take deliberate action to ensurernproper water delivery to their farms. When upstream farmers do not irrigate, too much water canrnflow downstream; when they irrigate too much, or manipulate cross regulators, downstreamrnwater scarcity can be the resu when canals are not maintained, extensive plant growth willrnincrease hydraulic resistance and decrease discharges. It is not a coincidence that therndownstream farmers invest heavily in canal maintenance. These investments appear to bernappropriate, as larger farmers tend to irrigate much more on average compared to the smallerrnfarmers upstream.