Smallholder irrigation: ways forward. Volume 1. Guidelines for achieving appropriate scheme design

One of 2 volumes on smallholder irrigation

Abstract

The guidelines, presented in two volumes, aim to assist with identification of principal socio-economic issues and to suggest ways of improving the implementation process, so that designers fully understand the background to a development and the needs of the users. Designers are then enabled to commission necessary further work and investigations as appropriate.

This Volume 1 is a structured guide for identifying and dealing with technical and non-technical issues which affect the viability and sustainability of small-scale irrigation developments. It deals with:

  • scheme identification
  • establishing the adequacy of the available resources
  • identifying beneficiaries
  • promoting consultative processes between farmers and irrigation staff
  • identifying and implementing appropriate designs
  • anticipating and planning for scheme operation and maintenance

This volume emphasises issues that must be addressed in progressing from identification of small schemes through to detailed design. Methods of acquiring background information, basic to the scheme development process, are identified. Guidance on appropriate design is provided and procedures for encouraging and gaining participation of farmers, both male and female, throughout the scheme development process and subsequently in operation and maintenance, are recommended. The bibliography at the end of Volume 1 contains a useful list of leading design texts along with other references.

Volume 2 is entitled - Smallholder irrigation: ways forward. Volume 2: Summary of case studies

Citation

Chancellor, F.M.; Hide, J.M. Smallholder irrigation: ways forward. Volume 1. Guidelines for achieving appropriate scheme design, HR Wallingford, UK. (1997), 101 pp.

Smallholder irrigation: ways forward. Volume 1. Guidelines for achieving appropriate scheme design

Published 1 August 1997