WHY BLUE PRINTS ON ACCOUNTABILITY OF WATER USER ASSOCIATIONS DO NOT WORK: ILLUSTRATIONS FROM SOUTH KAZAKHSTAN

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union there have been two major changes in the agricultural sector in Kazakhstan. First agricultural production changed from centrally planned large scale state and collective farms to small scale private farms. Secondly, the water management of on-farm irrigation system was transferred from hydro-technical units to WUAs. The creation of WUAs in South Kazakhstan is based on blueprints, which promote equity and accountability. The paper critically evaluates the existing blue prints of WUAs. It is argued that even these blueprints do not live up to the spirit of equity and accountability of the organization to its members and between members. Examples of WUAs in South Kazakhstan are presented, which shows weak organizations, lack of accountability and farmers which are not empowered to change their own organization.