Women’s Exclusion in Farmer Management of Irrigation Systems in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The Tamil Nadu Farmer Management of Irrigation Systems (TNFMIS) Act (2000) has legalised the participation of registered landowners (men and women) in the management of major and medium irrigation systems in the state. This article analyses the nature and extent of women’s exclusion in the management of a medium irrigation system in this state. The evidence indicates that gender discrimination underlies both land ownership and election strategies to exclude women from participation.

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