Assessing and enhancing the sustainability of lift irrigation systems

Developing irrigation infrastructure is vital for enhancing agricultural productivity and securing livelihoods, especially in regions with challenging terrains and limited water resources. Lift irrigation systems (LISs) are increasingly recognized in national policies as a solution to water scarcity. However, ensuring their sustainability remains a major concern. This study examines the sustainability of 15 LISs in Nepal using a mixed-method approach that combines desk research, field studies, questionnaire surveys, and key informant interviews. A comprehensive indicator-based framework, encompassing five components and 15 indicators, was designed to quantify sustainability through the lift irrigation sustainability index (LISI). The findings reveal varying degrees of sustainability of 15 LISs: fully sustainable (6.7%), partially sustainable (53.3%), partially unsustainable (26.7%), and fully unsustainable (13.3%). Structural issues were identified as the primary cause that affects sustainability, and only half of the systems were found to be fully operational. The study highlights the importance of integrating key indicators into future projects to improve resilience and sustainability, and suggests learning from past failures to enhance the design of future lift irrigation systems.