Innovation Through Research and Development for Irrigation Water Management

Abstract

For irrigation water management, knowledge created through scientific research has to meet the criterion of being useful for decisions and actions. Research projects must therefore be directed and managed according to the innovation cycle. It means that research must be taken further to application of outputs and actually result in outcomes that are socially beneficial. Research‐based innovation is thus about turning opportunities into ideas and thereafter widely used practice, by following the iterative process of creativity, invention and exploitation. Innovation is the instrument of entrepreneurship, which is essential in research management. Decisions must be taken on the allocation of scarce funds for competent scientists to improve the knowledge base. In irrigation water management the key decision variables for efficient food production are measuring water use; reducing canal water losses; estimating crop water requirements; real‐time irrigation scheduling; costing and investment procedures; and selecting appropriate technology for water application. Case studies are presented of research on these priority issues, which were followed by technology transfer projects to review and improve practical application. Training guidelines and manuals were compiled in support of skills development through practical courses and extension programmes. This required a continuous, focused drive to promote technology adoption and implementation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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