Correlations, Causes and the Logic of Obscuration: Donor Shaping of Dominant Narratives in Indonesia's Irrigation Development

Main author: Suhardiman, Diana
Other authors: Mollinga, Peter
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-13769
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description This article analyses policy trends in Indonesian irrigation, particularly during the last five decades, from the perspective of dominant narratives, as authored, suggested and pushed by international donors. It argues that international donors' adherence to ‘deferred maintenance’ as the core element of irrigation policy problem framing does not match with farmers' and the irrigation agency staff perceptions and practices. The logic of obscuration and the discursive manoeuvers that maintain it are analysed. The article concludes that there is space for more profound conceptual contestation and for alternative actions pathways even within the ‘dominant paradigm’ to address management problems more effectively.
format Journal Article
author Suhardiman, Diana
author_facet Suhardiman, Diana
Mollinga, Peter
authorStr Suhardiman, Diana
author_letter Suhardiman, Diana
author2 Mollinga, Peter
author2Str Mollinga, Peter
title Correlations, Causes and the Logic of Obscuration: Donor Shaping of Dominant Narratives in Indonesia's Irrigation Development
publisher Taylor and Francis
publishDate 2012
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/13769/