DETERMINANTS OF FARMERS’ COOPERATION IN IRRIGATION: THE CASE OF SAMARKAND PROVINCE, UZBEKISTAN

Аннотация

Objectives. In this study, we focus on learning determinants of farm cooperation in irrigation by answering main research question that “what are the factors influencing farmers’ decision to cooperate in irrigation?”. Methodology. We use probit model, which is the one of the binary decision models, to estimate cooperation. General formula of the model given as follows in the literatures 

P(Y = 1|X) = G(Β₀ + Β₁X₁ + ˙˙˙ … Β_KX_K) = G(Β₀ + XΒ)

Where G is a function taking on values strictly between zero and one: 0<G(z)<1, for all real numbers z. Results. The findings suggest that education level of farm managers matters in farmers’ cooperation decision. Moreover, our findings show that middle age farm managers impact on cooperation in irrigation. We uncovered that “cotton growing farmers” perform negatively in “irrigation cooperation” which the relationship was statistically significant. Furthermore, fertility of plots has negative impact on irrigation cooperation. Our model results show that if a farmer took own initiatives in participation in informal labor mobilization (hashar) and informal agreements with households and other farmers, it has a positive association with irrigation cooperation. Moreover, there is a positive relationship between river or canal irrigation regime (without pumps) and irrigation cooperation in the province. Scope of results. The results of the research can be widely used in the development of cooperation between farmers in Samarkand province. Findings. Cotton-growing farmers in Samarkand province are less likely to cooperate in water allocation decisions with other water users. if a farmer irrigates its field from canal, he/she is more likely to cooperate with other water users in Samarkand province. Location of the farm field within the irrigation system matters in farmers’ decision to cooperate.