This book brings together current issues in and approaches to the development, utilization, and management of water resources in developing countries. It analyzes these irrigation issues and offers future strategies to help bridge the gap between potential and reality in Third World agriculture.

This paper provides the basis for the preparation of manuals necessary for managers and staffs to perform needed activities at the proper time. The guide provides a comprehensive list of issues that should be addressed in operation and maintenance manuals for irrigation and drainage systems, and a listing of published materials and working papers which will assist in the formulation of plans for operation and maintenance. The paper serves as a valuable tool to help improve the performance of irrigation and drainage systems and to assist managers in developing and improving effective organizations to serve water consumers better.

This volume, number 15 in the Studies in Water Policy and Management Series and joins two other volumes (8 and 10) that collectively summarize a significant part of the post-World War II experience of Western experts and donors with the development and management of irrigation in Third World countries. The evolution of understanding of Third World irrigation issues has been toward a greater appreciation of the potential for augmenting traditional production and water allocation systems with improved institutional arrangements for achieving allocative efficiency and equity. The need for local inputs for planning, system operation, and system maintenance is now widely recognized, as is the need for providing proper motivation for system administrators. The authors of this volume offer improved conceptual frameworks and analytic techniques applied to specific country and regional problems in hopes of edifying future experts and donors.

"In order to face the challenge of disappointing returns on public investment in irrigation and drainage new solutions have emerged. These solutions are based on widely available technology and new management and governance options. The main message of Re-engaging in Agricultural Water Management is that the irrigation and drainage sector should not continue to be dealt with as a standalone sector, but should be integrated into a broader perspective, one that embraces the objectives of productivity growth, poverty reduction, natural resources management and environmental protection."