Introduction

The chapter focuses on perception, production, communication and application of knowledge by the farmers while managing an indigenous irrigation system. The data generated were form a fieldwork conducted in Chattis Mauja indigenous irrigation system (CMIS) located in the plains of Rupandehi district in western Nepal. The population in the command area is characterised by cultural and caste/ethnic diversity and despite this, the irrigation system has been effectively functioning for a long time and is often cited as an example of the participatory and sustainable irrigation system in Nepal. Ethnographic methods like key informant interviews, field observation and household census were the principal data-gathering tools. In addition, focus group discussion was also used.

Nepalese farmers have recognised the importance of water resources for centuries and have been constructing irrigation systems at their own initiatives to augment agricultural yields. This tradition has given birth to Farmer Managed Irrigation Systems (FMISs). Historically, irrigation development has fallen under the domain of a religious trust, individual initiatives and/or community effort. The legal tradition and local administrative structures over a period of time have permitted FMISs to operate without interference from an irrigation agency or administrative unit. However, they have been assisted by the government from time to time when natural calamities required resources beyond the capacity of the farmers (Paradhan 1989; Pradhan and Bandaragoda 1998).

A substantial portion of the country's irrigated area is under numerous FMISs scattered across the country.