Rapid appraisal to improve canal irrigation performance : experience and options

Drawing on experience in Asia, four situations in appraising irrigation systems are reviewed: (1) the use of overly generalized appraisals in standardized irrigation programs such as India"s Command Area Development Authority; (2) the development of theoretical frameworks of appraisal (The Water Management Synthesis diagnostic methodology and Bottrall"s appraisal framework); (3) appraisals which failed to lead to action (e.g., those conducted 1975-80 by India"s Central Water Utilization Team); and (4) appraisals which did lead to action (the World Bank"s use of visiting experts followed by an investment program in India, and a "do-it-yourself" program in the Morna project). Such experiences show that: RRA techniques are less expensive and more beneficial than standard (or completely individual) programs; canal irrigation systems should be appraised in their entirety; continuity and commitment are required for irrigation implementation; and, most importantly, an operational plan for water distribution, which focuses appraisal on what can be done without delay, is necessary. Practical aspects of RRA are discussed, including: assembling an appraisal team and identifying information sources; ways of offsetting appraisal biases; RRA procedures; and pitfalls to be avoided in developing recommendations.