Irrigation advisory service : a proposed organization for improving on-farm water management in Egypt

An opening section on current in-country conditions reveals that, despite the conservative nature of Egyptian farmers and the lack of resources available to support an IAS, an IAS could serve as a viable mechanism for helping farmers meet their irrigation needs. The second section covers several specific points. Philosophically, the IAS should adopt an action-oriented systematic research procedure and should be composed of an interdisciplinary team embracing at least the fields of agronomy, economics, engineering, and sociology. Programmatically, the IAS should: (1) base planning on factual analysis; (2) focus on recognized needs; (3) maintain the flexibility needed to respond to long- and short-term situations and to emergencies; (4) use an educational approach directed toward improving farmers" ability to solve their own problems; (5) employ democratic methods in dealing with farmers; (6) orient programs to farmers" technical, economic, and social level; (7) have objectives that are clearly defined and understandable by farmers and by program evaluators; (8) employ well-trained and effectively supervised personnel; and (9) be realistic in allocating personnel, finances, time, and facilities. Concluding sections of the report discuss components of the IAS"s internal structure (personnel, facilities and infrastructure, and procedures) and its need to establish external linkages. It is noted that final authority to establish an IAS rests with the Government of Egypt.