Overview of the workshop; papers related to design outcomes; papers related to the design process; case studies; country papers.

"This edition provides the latest technology in the design of surface, sprinkler, and microirrigation systems along with basic information about soils and current information on estimating crop water requirements. New chapters have been added on planning systems, environmental issues, efficiency and uniformity, chemigation, and use of wastewater for irrigation."--Preface

Recent experiences are presented in 6 analytical introductions and 33 case-studies

Traditionally, indigenous irrigation in many countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America has been managed quite well by water users, who design, build, operate, and maintain often sophisticated, but usually small-scale, systems. More recently, in connection with large-scale development programs and government-managed schemes, the planned introduct

In many countries irrigated agriculture consumes a large proportion of the available water resources, often over 70% of the total. There is considerable pressure to release water for other uses and, as a sector, irrigated agriculture will have to increase the efficiency and productivity of its water use. This is particularly true for manually operated irrigation systems managed by government agencies, which provide water for a large number of users on small landholdings and represent 60% of the total irrigated area worldwide. Drawing on the author's 30 years of experience in some 28 countries, this book offers knowledge of the management of irrigation and drainage systems, including traditional technical areas of systems operation and maintenance, and expanding managerial, institutional and organizational aspects. Chapters provide guidelines to improve management, operation and maintenance processes, which move management thinking out of traditional public-sector mindsets to a more customer-focused, performance-oriented service delivery. As a practical guide to improve efficiency and productivity in irrigated agriculture, this book will be essential reading for irrigation managers and technicians as well as students and policy makers in water management, agriculture and sustainable development.

Argues that single irrigation systems managed by autonomous system-specific organizations accountable to their customers, perform better and are more sustainable than those managed by agencies dependent on the government, or by agencies responsible for multiple systems. Selected cases are reviewed and the plausibility of this hypothesis established. General recommendations are made for policy makers designing irrigation reform programs.