Nepal is well known for its tradition of farmer managed irrigation systems (FMIS). In this system, farmers are collectively engaged in irrigated agricultural development as an enterprise. Numerous FMIS in Nepal ranging from high lands to mid hills and tarai region, provides irrigation services to about 70 percent of the country’s total irrigated area of little over of 1.2 million ha. However, due to recent changes in the socio-ecological systems, FMIS has come under increased pressure. Some of the systems are defunct while others are facing problems in operation and maintenance. There is an increased groundwater usage in the command area in tarai region and farmers are experiencing reduced flow of water systems. Due to increased migration in hills and tarai, feminization of agricultural labour has been reported. Understanding the recent challenges, this session is organized to understand the climatic, gender and socio-ecological challenges faced by small irrigation systems and the way forward.
