When projects collapse: Irrigation failure in the Gambia from a household perspective

In: Journal of international development

Abstract

This paper examines a case of development project failure from the perspective of the rural households the scheme was designed to serve. The project in question, which aimed at expanding pump-irrigated rice production in Gambia, was implemented by the World Bank between 1972 and 1977. Focusing on the experience of one of the participating villages, Cha Kunda, the article considers the reasons for the projects failure (technical deficiencies, institutional and management problems, lack of user participation in the planning of the project) and describes what happened to the participants after the project have come to an end. (DÜI-Hns)