Received: 04-03-2024 / Accepted: 12-06-2024
This study was conducted to analyze the current situation and propose solutions to strengthen state management in utilizing small and medium irrigation systems in BaoYendistrict, Lao Cai province. Results of a survey of 45 irrigation project managers and 120 households showed that decentralizing the management of irrigation works according to scale has been done well. The district People's Committee and the exploitation company had good cooperation in planning for the operation of irrigation works. The irrigatioon works have also been repaired and maintained to ensure safety in flood season and stabilize irrigation water, contributing to fulfilling new rural construction criteria on irrigation. However, there was still overlap between state management agencies and the irrigation companies in the exploitation and use of irrigation workswithlimitedstate bugget. The irrigation works were degraded due to improper operation, long-standing, and poor construction quality. The research proposes some solutions to improve management decentralization and mobilize integrated capital from National Target Programs and strengthen inspection and supervision to promptly detect violations in the use of irrigation works.