The findings matter beyond one region. Across Indonesia, agriculture remains the backbone of food security, and rice farming in particular depends on steady and affordable water supplies. When irrigation systems fail, farmers absorb the shock through higher expenses, reduced profits, and growing uncertainty. The Gorontalo case provides a clear picture of how water management choices directly affect farmers’ livelihoods.
Irrigation Problems at the Farm Level
In North Gorontalo City, irrigation canals are designed to be the main source of water for rice fields. In practice, many of these channels no longer function properly. Water flows are irregular, some canals are damaged, and others fail to reach downstream fields. Farmers interviewed in the study described situations where water arrived too late or not at all during critical growing periods.
As a result, groundwater pumping has become the default alternative. While it keeps crops alive, it comes at a price. Fuel, electricity, pump maintenance, and labor costs quickly add up. For smallholder farmers, these expenses can consume a significant portion of their income, leaving little room for profit or reinvestment.
The researchers note that irrigation water, when available, is far cheaper and easier to use than groundwater. Yet without repairs and proper management, irrigation canals no longer serve their intended role as a cost-saving public resource.
How the Study Was Conducted
Rather than relying solely on statistical models, the research team used a qualitative case study approach to capture real conditions in the field. Data were collected through:
- Direct observations of irrigation canals and water distribution patterns
- In-depth interviews with farmers, irrigation managers, and local government officials
- Reviews of policy documents, maps, and related institutional reports
This approach allowed the authors to connect infrastructure conditions, farmer behavior, and government responses into a single narrative. By comparing perspectives from different stakeholders, the study identified not only technical problems, but also institutional gaps in water management.
Key Findings from North Gorontalo
The study highlights several consistent patterns affecting farmers’ productivity and income:
- Irrigation canals are not operating optimally, forcing farmers to rely on groundwater.
- Groundwater pumping significantly increases production costs, reducing profit margins.
- Water quality is declining in some areas due to household waste entering irrigation channels.
- Government response has been limited, with few concrete actions to repair canals or engage farmers in problem-solving.
Farmers reported that while they continue to pay land taxes, they receive little support in addressing the rising costs linked to water scarcity. Government involvement is often limited to fertilizer distribution, without meaningful dialogue on irrigation or water quality issues.
Why Water Accounting Matters
The central recommendation of the study is the adoption of water accounting as a planning and management tool. Water accounting involves systematically recording how much water is available, how it is used, and what costs are associated with each source.
According to the authors, this approach can help farmers and policymakers:
- Understand the real economic cost of groundwater use
- Identify inefficiencies and water losses in irrigation systems
- Design fairer and more effective water management policies
Zulkifli Bokiu and colleagues argue that water accounting provides a shared factual basis for decision-making. With accurate data, governments can prioritize repairs, while farmers can adjust practices to reduce waste and expenses.
As the authors from Gorontalo State University emphasize, effective water accounting is not only about numbers. It also encourages collaboration. When farmers are involved in tracking and discussing water use, solutions become more grounded in actual field conditions.
Broader Implications for Policy and Food Security
The implications of this research extend beyond North Gorontalo. Many agricultural regions in Indonesia face similar pressures from aging infrastructure, urban expansion, and competition for water resources. Without intervention, dependence on groundwater may intensify, increasing costs and threatening long-term sustainability.
The study suggests several practical policy directions:
- Rehabilitating irrigation infrastructure to restore affordable water access
- Integrating water accounting into agricultural planning at local and regional levels
- Improving household waste management to protect irrigation water quality
- Strengthening dialogue between farmers and government agencies
By aligning infrastructure investment with transparent water management, policymakers can reduce farmers’ financial burdens while supporting national food security goals.
Voices from the Research
In their analysis, the authors underline that stable irrigation is not a luxury but a necessity for rice farming. Drawing on field interviews, they note that farmers are willing to adopt more efficient practices if basic water access is guaranteed.
The research team from Gorontalo State University ethically paraphrases this conclusion by stressing that sustainable agriculture depends as much on institutional commitment as on natural resources. Without coordinated action, even abundant water resources can become economically inaccessible to farmers.
Author Profiles
- Zulkifli Bokiu, S.P., M.Si. – Lecturer and researcher at Gorontalo State University, specializing in agricultural economics and natural resource management.
- Eduart Wolok, Ph.D. – Academic at Gorontalo State University with expertise in public policy and sustainable development.
- Hasyim, M.Si. – Researcher in agriculture and environmental studies at Gorontalo State University.
- Sahmin Noholo, M.Si. – Lecturer at Gorontalo State University, focusing on development economics and agribusiness.
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