Irrigation and development

The three major models of irrigation worldwide—large-scale hydraulic systems, community irrigation, and private irrigation—are presented in their historical context, based on an in-depth documentary analysis and illustrations of specific cases, with a focus on the Mediterranean region.

These three different irrigation models are presented (ideology, construction, water management, agricultural development, stakeholders, etc.) using a theoretical framework based on oxymorons. These models are then illustrated through various concrete examples, presented in PowerPoint presentations, videos, and articles.

The various main references for each type of irrigation system will be presented and discussed. Each irrigation model is discussed with the students, who present their analyses through a guided exercise. Once the three irrigation models are understood, the course focuses on the analysis of rural development models related to irrigation. The analysis is based on a critical analysis of the dualist theory of development, applied to irrigation systems.

The objective of this module is to provide the theoretical and practical foundations for understanding and critically analyzing different irrigation models and the rural development approaches that underpin them.

Knowledge of the water cycle; water uses, particularly irrigation; and water stakeholders. An awareness of rural development issues and water governance.

Writing a report in working groups (group work) based on a set of questions (100%).

The module content is divided into four sections:

(1) Large-scale Hydropower. "From water from the sky to water from the State: domination or emancipation?" 

(2) Community irrigation. "Community water: tradition and modernity";

(3) Private Irrigation. "The 'groundwater economy': liberation or anarchy?"; 

(4) Irrigation and development: concepts and realities.

Alternating lectures and tutorials

Presentation of the EU and formation of working groups

Theme: "Large-scale hydropower: domination or emancipation?" and film: "Around the Boumaiz Canal"

Group work: reading and report writing

Theme: "Community irrigation: tradition or modernity" and film by Maryse Bergonzat on the Ait Bouguemez

Group work: reading and report writing

Theme: "Groundwater economy: anarchy or liberation" and Hassan Kemmoun's film "Developing agriculture when the water table drops"

Group work: reading and report writing

Theme: "Agricultural development models in the South: perspectives and questions"

Group work to finalize the written summary on the topics covered during the module