Resettlement policy framework and specific resettlement action plan

ACRONYMS and ABBREVIATIONS

AW	Artesian well
BAIS	Basin Administration of Irrigation System
DIWIP	Drainage, Irrigation and Wetland Improvement Project
DP	Demonstration Plot
FS	Feasibility study
FV	Ferghana valley
FWRMP-I	Ferghana Valley Water Resources Management Project Phase-I
HGME	Hydro-Geological Meliorative Expedition
I&D	Irrigation and Drainage
ID	Interceptor Drain
LDFA	Leasehold and Dehkan Farmers Association
MAWR	Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources
M&E	Monitoring and Evaluation
MOM	Management, Operation and Maintenance
OFWM	On-Farm Water Management
O&M	Operation and Maintenance
PAD	Project Appraisal Document
RAP	Specific Resettlement Action Plan for the First Segment of the Project (for 37 farmers)
RF	Resettlement Policy Framework and Specific Resettlement Action Plan
PIM	Participatory Irrigation Management
PIU-WI PRW	Projects Implementation Unit for Water Infrastructure Pressure relief well
RAC	Rural Assemblies of Citizens
RBA	Rishtan-Bagdad-Altiarik
SHD	Subsurface horizontal drainage
TA	Technical Assistance
ToR	Terms of Reference
UZGI	Uzgiprovodkhoz Institute
UNDP VDW	United Nations Development Programme Vertical Drainage Well
WB	World Bank
WUA	Water Users Association

1Description of the project

1.1Background to Ferghana Valley Water Resources Management Project

The Ferghana Valley Water Resources Management Project Phase-I (FWRMP) has been devised to address constraints on agricultural productivity in parts of the Uzbekistan territory lying within the Ferghana Valley (FV). In addition, it seeks to tackle chronic problems of water-logging which are affecting infrastructure and buildings within this part of the Valley.
A major problem in the Valley is the high water table, especially in the lower and central parts. This widespread problem is particularly associated with the irrigated areas. The high water table is due to the absence of an adequate drainage system; or a drainage system that is no longer properly functioning because the necessary rehabilitation and maintenance has not been carried out during the past two decades. Poor water management practices have also contributed to this ecological problem. As a result, the area is suffering from substantial water logging as well as soil and water salinization. The high water table has mobilized salt in the soil which, together with water-logging, has resulted in destruction of buildings and residential houses located near the collector drains. For crops, it has resulted in lower yields and therefore lower incomes for the people living in the area.
As stated in the Final Feasibility Report (September 2008), the main objectives of the Ferghana Valley Water Resources Management Project Phase-I (FWRMP) are to:

(a) Promote sustainable irrigated agriculture production, increase employment, and generate farm incomes in the Uzbek part of the Ferghana Valley by improving drainage and irrigation systems and overall water resources management;

(b) Reduce damage to private and public infrastructure, and improve environmental and public health conditions by controlling water logging. In so doing, the Project will enhance standards of living;

(c) Introduce participatory irrigation management through Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) and improved agricultural and irrigation practices so as to enhance innovative cropping patterns and the value of agricultural produce and farm incomes in the Project area; and

(d) Strengthen water management, and irrigation and drainage institutions.

Improved water productivity is understood to mean greater agricultural output per unit of water used, and will be achieved through rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage (I&D) systems, improved groundwater management, and other measures to support local agricultural producers and communities. Improved overall water resources management will be measured through increased quantity and reliability of flows in Syr Darya basin on the basis of Water Balance studies. The Project’s objectives would contribute to Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) goals of increased agricultural production, employment, incomes and living standards as well as improved environment.