101
© The Author(s) 2016
R.F. Hüttl et al. (eds.), Society - Water - Technology, Water Resources
Development and Management, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-18971-0_8
Chapter 8
Between Multiple Transformations
and Systemic Path Dependencies
Timothy Moss and Petra Dobner
Abstract This introductory section on water management in the Fergana Valley
makes the case for viewing this major water engineering project (MWEP) in terms
of two core positions: the interdependency of complex factors at play and the coexistence of forces for change and obduracy. We argue, fi rstly, that water management
in the Fergana Valley is inextricably tied up with agriculture policy and practice,
outlining how the region’s irrigation system is predicated upon post-Soviet agriculture. We illustrate, secondly, how this relationship is shaped not only by powerful
path dependencies – in the shape of physical structures, sunk costs and institutional
arrangements – but also by changes, both radical and incremental, in response to
system failure, shifting political preferences or the emergence of viable alternatives.
We conclude by setting the stage for the subsequent detailed analyses of selected
arenas critical to the development of Fergana Valley’s irrigation system.
Keywords Fergana Valley • Syrdarya River • Uzbekistan • Aral Sea • Irrigation •
Post-Soviet agriculture • Cash crop • Path dependency • Transformation • Major
water engineering projects
8.1 Post-Soviet Transformation as a Multi-dimensional,
Long-Term Process
Any study of water management in the Fergana Valley begins with a litany of problems associated with its immense and intricate irrigation system. Which problems are
selected, how they are presented and what solutions are proffered varies signifi cantly,
T. Moss (*)
Leibniz Institute for Regional Development and Structural Planning (IRS) ,
Flakenstraße 28-31 , 15537 Erkner , Germany
e-mail: MossT@irs-net.de
P. Dobner
Institute of Political Science and Japanese Studies , Martin-Luther-Universität
Halle-Wittenberg , Emil-Aberhalden-Str. 7 , 06099 Halle/Saale , Germany
e-mail: petra.dobner@politik.uni-halle.de
© The Author(s) 2016
R.F. Hüttl et al. (eds.), Society - Water - Technology, Water Resources
Development and Management, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-18971-0_8
Chapter 8
Between Multiple Transformations
and Systemic Path Dependencies
Timothy Moss and Petra Dobner
Abstract This introductory section on water management in the Fergana Valley
makes the case for viewing this major water engineering project (MWEP) in terms
of two core positions: the interdependency of complex factors at play and the coexistence of forces for change and obduracy. We argue, fi rstly, that water management
in the Fergana Valley is inextricably tied up with agriculture policy and practice,
outlining how the region’s irrigation system is predicated upon post-Soviet agriculture. We illustrate, secondly, how this relationship is shaped not only by powerful
path dependencies – in the shape of physical structures, sunk costs and institutional
arrangements – but also by changes, both radical and incremental, in response to
system failure, shifting political preferences or the emergence of viable alternatives.
We conclude by setting the stage for the subsequent detailed analyses of selected
arenas critical to the development of Fergana Valley’s irrigation system.
Keywords Fergana Valley • Syrdarya River • Uzbekistan • Aral Sea • Irrigation •
Post-Soviet agriculture • Cash crop • Path dependency • Transformation • Major
water engineering projects
8.1 Post-Soviet Transformation as a Multi-dimensional,
Long-Term Process
Any study of water management in the Fergana Valley begins with a litany of problems associated with its immense and intricate irrigation system. Which problems are
selected, how they are presented and what solutions are proffered varies signifi cantly,
T. Moss (*)
Leibniz Institute for Regional Development and Structural Planning (IRS) ,
Flakenstraße 28-31 , 15537 Erkner , Germany
e-mail: MossT@irs-net.de
P. Dobner
Institute of Political Science and Japanese Studies , Martin-Luther-Universität
Halle-Wittenberg , Emil-Aberhalden-Str. 7 , 06099 Halle/Saale , Germany
e-mail: petra.dobner@politik.uni-halle.de