FINAL REPORT

ecause their farmlands are located upstream where water supply was sufficient. Nevertheless
many supported theplan, understanding the importance of water availability for other farmers
and herders downstream which would benefit directly. Those who answered they wouldn’t
support the reconstruction were farmers who feared that Buyant sum would get less water
afterwards or who wished to have supportto improve their channels instead. Many expressed
that they would only support the reconstruction if afterwards Buyant sum gets 70% and
Khovd sum 30% of the available water resources. This was esteemed to constitute the present
water distribution. Officials reminded that Buyant River water is used not only by crop
farmers but also by herders, whose winter and spring camps are located downstream of the
cultivated land. Therefore, there is a threat to face a lack of water at those sites, leading to
pastureland degradation. In addition, wetlands with shrubs along Buyant River may dry out
causing ecological imbalance. Therefore, in case the facility is reconstructed,the Buyant sum
wishes to have 70% of water collected in the headwork. Most of surveyed households
reminded that in case the facility is reconstructed, a water distribution and decision making
councilwould have to be established, as well as proper guarding. Otherwise there would be a
high risk of damage and watertheft.
Concerning the question “Are you willing to pay a water fee if the irrigation facility is
reconstructed and other irrigation systems are built?” the great majority responded that they
were not willing to pay for water. At present, they have free water access and they are
unwilling to spend their little income on it.
15.2.4 Perceptions on the Physical Environment of the Buyant River Delta
98.6% of the surveyed household responded that they faced farmland degradation. They noted
the increase of diseases and pests as well as decreasing harvest. 86.7% of the surveyed
household responded that they observed climate changes. The following changes were
mentioned:
• late summer (temperature arises late in spring)
• hot summers
• increasing dust storms
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