Irrigation plays a significant role in the path of agrieulture development with its consequent ef fect on the progress and livelihood of agrarian-based society like Nepal. Majority ofthe irrigated areas are served under Farmer Managed Irrigation System (FMIS). This study is carried out to detennine the socioeconomic , demographic factors influencing satisfaction of the users in the Kumroj Farmer Managed Irrigation System (KFMIS) regarding water availability in piain area ofNepal, using the farm household survey data collected from 1OO beneficiaries. Viiriation is apparent among the water users regarding severat socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. The logit model is used to analyze the relationship bctween dichotomous relations of satjsfaction level (satisfiedrdissatisfied) with the irrigation system by the help of certain independent variables. The result shows that the variables such as water availability on time, location of fann, land size, education in terms of schoeling years and rice productivity significantly influenced the satisfaction of the system beneficiaries in the study area. It is funher suggested that water distribution system should be upgraded in view of the water availability, farm location and size of the farm to improve users' satisfaction for the effective management of FMIS in the long run, Kby words: FLMiS; Napal; Fbrtnens 'satistZiction; Logit model regarding water availability in a plain area efNepal. 2 Materials and methods 2.1 Selection ofthe study area JOURNAL OF RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMSIVOL, rt 5 NO.2 201O-M NII-Electronic

Irrigation has playecl a contributing role in enhancing agricultural production and productivity in Nepal. Farmer-Managed Irrigation Systems (FMIS) have bcen operating for rnore than 25years using local capacities. A survey was accomplished during April-May, 200S to evaluate the changes that have been brought about by the introduction ofFMIS at Kumrej in Chitwan district. The changes in crop species, cropping area, irrigated area, crop production, productivity and cropping intensity after the introduction ofFMIS were explored. Comparisons were made in between farmers participating and not participating in FMIS. There was a total increase ef abeut 47% in irrigated Iand sincc the introduction ef FMIS. This has helped increase crop production as crops can be growll more than once a year and as a result cropping intensity has been tremendously irnproved to more than 256 percent. Further, the cropping areas as well as the crop productivity have bcen greatly influence with the inception ofFMIS. Thc change in the erepping pattern from cash crop oriented te foed crop production to combat food insuraciency in Nepal. Considering the successes of FMIS, development of small-scale farmers rnanaged irrigation system to improve agricultural production in Nepal should be emphasized,

This study was carried out during April-May, 2005 to explore the management and operation of the Kurmej FMIS, one of the Farmer Managed Irrigation Systems operating (FMIS) in three village development committees (VDCs) of the eastem Chitwan district, Nepal. The Kurru/ej FMIS eornmittee is responsible for the operational and managerial affairs of the system while the East Rapti Water Users Association is the apex body that provides majorlexternal financial help for this system including all the FMISs in that area, This system delivers service to the beneficiaries on an unbiased and transparent manner. The rights, rules, and duties related to' operation and management are entirely under the control of the water users themselves. In this system, water in each branch canal is allocated depending upon the area and type of land to be irrigated as well as the season. The irregular water supply resulting from the unlined eanals is the major constraint encountered in the ¢ ffeetive service delivery of this system. Further, the tail users receive less ofthe irTigation water as compared to the head users. The practice of labor mobilization based on households utilizes little technology. Proper repair and maintenance as well as canal improvement work is ofutmost important to reduce the conveyance loss. The administrative work, especially communication, is heavily dependent on Panipale (water guards), hindering the smooth operation of system. Therefore, restmcturing the administrative framework as well as improving the canals is of utmost importance for the sustainable and effective functioning ofKumej FMIS. Klaytvords: FA4ISL' }vater distribution; canat ttezpair; Panipale; head useiT; tail users

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