Irrigation and poverty alleviation: review of the empirical evidence

The purpose of this study is to clarify the linkages between irrigation and poverty by offering an objective review of recent research on the subject. The key questions addressed herein are: (1) what is the role of irrigation development and management in poverty alleviation? (2) what are the linkages and pathways through which irrigation contributes to poverty alleviation? (3) what is the magnitude of anti‐poverty impacts of irrigation? and (4) what are key determinants of anti‐poverty impacts of irrigation? Our review focuses on topical empirical research studies in Asia.