DOES IRRIGATION WATER MATTER FOR RURAL POVERTY ALLEVIATION ? EVIDENCE FROM SOUTH AND SOUTH-EAST ASIA

Irrigation and poverty in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Irrigation water does matter for poverty alleviation. Unequal land distribution is associated with equitable distribution of agricultural water benefit. Rural poverty alleviation requires that agricultural water/irrigation development be targed at poor communities. The benefits of irrigation water to the poor and smallholders can be enhanced to help achieve the largest reduction in poverty.