Assessment of operational and maintenance cost efficiecy and structure for small-pumping scale irrigation systems in Red river delta

Abstract

   Using the Data Envelopment Analysis according to the input orientated model and hypothesis of variable returns to scale VRS, the study conducted in 48 small-pumping scale irrigation systems in Red River Delta and cost data by 7 input variables being indirect labor, direct labor, materials, electricity, recurrent repairs, overhead cost, depreciation cost and an output being irrigated paddy areas. The achievements were scores of technical efficiency and cost efficiency being 0.946; 0.856; 0.812, respectively at efficient layers. The
parallelly, cost structure and their efficient cost structures were indicated. Cost allocation according to cost structure shown the impacts on enhancement of operational and maintenance performance of the irrigation systems. They were the basis which the operation and maintenance agencies could establish the target plans on input governance and governmental agencies could set up the compensation policies by input rates.