Irrigation Management Transfer in Mexico: Process and Progress

Considerable literature is available on irrigation management transfer from government agencies to Water User Organizations (WUOs) worldwide. Since 1989, the Mexican government has implemented a radical program of restructuring the irrigation sector. An important element of this program has been the transfer of irrigation district management to WUOs. However, there is inadequate documentation of the transfer process in English. This paper is an initial effort to fill the gap. Elements of irrigation management transfer in Mexico presented in this paper include the status of the program, the legal and institutional frameworks, the financial arragements, and the training and communications programs. This paper is not intended as an evaluation of the program. Some initial lessons for other countries attempting to start or expand such a transfer program are offered. Annexes to the paper present the National Water Law and a sample Title of Concession giving the users the legal right to operate and manage the irrigation system.