Local perception and use of the multifunctionality of tanks in two villages of Tamil Nadu, South India

Interventions aiming to devolve water management to local populations can be problematic if they overlook socio-cultural aspects, such as local perceptions and uses of water management systems. We used ethnographic and survey data collected in two villages in Tamil Nadu, India, to analyze local perceptions and uses of tanks, a traditional irrigation infrastructure. We found that informants recognize the importance of tanks for irrigation, but also acknowledge other socio-economic uses and ecological functions. Our data also suggest that marginal segements (i.e., Scheduled Castes) use tank resources in more diverse ways than other segements of the population. International organizations working on the revival of tanks aim to transfer water management to farmers for the purpose of irrigation. By recognizing that tanks benefit people other than farmers and in ways other than providing irrigation water, organizations working on tank rejuvenation could achieve a more equitable management of tank resources.