TRAINING MANUAL FOR AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS

This training manual contains the lesson plans and outlines the course of study given to water management extension specialists ("agricultural officers") in the OFWM Development Project in Pakistan before they are assigned to the field team. The course"s major objectives are to develop the participant"s confidence in his ability to work with farmers; provide him with the skills needed to convince farmers to undertake a watercourse improvement or a cleaning and maintenance program and how to supervise these programs; and equip him with knowledge and skills so that he can demonstrate to farmers how more efficient use of irrigation water can increase crop production. This interdisciplinary training program encompasses seven professional areas: (1) Irrigation and drainage studies outline courses on the evaluation and improvement of irrigational practices. In addition, classes on watercourse improvement, design, cleaning, and maintenance are provided. (2) Agricultural extension training involves organizing and implementing a watercourse cleaning and maintenance program. Also, methods on agronomic and irrigation improvement are illustrated. (3) Agronomic studies provide training on crop production guidelines, the implementation of field demonstrations, and field trips. (4) Soil science studies discuss areas such as water quality, and soil and fertilizer components. (5) Farm power and machinery courses cover the operation of farm equipment under field conditions. (6) Farm management studies include classes on farm budgeting and economic principles of farm management. (7) Rural sociology training demonstrates how to organize a watercourse committee and implement a watercourse cleaning and maintenance program. The lesson plans are developed for an audience with B.S. degrees. Graphs and tables are provided throughout the lessons to facilitate the learning process. The course is 103 days in length, of which 71 days are spent in practical fieldwork. In addition, 60 water management technical reports presented by Colorado State University are listed and priced.