1. Conceived and implemented the IPTRID Network structure. Liaised with counterparts from other countries in organising regular consultations and in helping to implement Country Networks for developing countries. Carried out support missions to Malaysia, Morocco, Egypt, Russia and India.

2 Produced GRID Newsletter biannually in English, French and Spanish, and mailed out to 4,500 irrigation and drainage professionals throughout the world.

3 Established the Bibliographic Search Service for the benefit of IPTRID members in developing countries, using CDROMs from CABI and WRA (USA)

4 Established the IPTRID Text Delivery Service. This was initially sey up using a document imaging system, but was uprated to be available as a www internet service.

The IPTRID Network has maintained steady growth to achieve a membership of almost 6,000 professional and technical staff in the irrigation and drainage sector throughout the world. The Central Network grew from 4 to 6 members, reflecting the international support for providing network facilities. The Central Network members are UK (HR), France (CEMAGREF), Netherlands (ILRI) and the World Bank (IPTRID Secretariat). These have been joined by USA (US Bureau of Reclamation) and the ICID Central Office (New Delhi). All the major objectives set for the Central Network have been realised and are now implemented. In addition to these 6 member organisations, the IPTRID Network now has representation in about 20 countries.

This project has been the catalyst for the overall expansion of IPTRID. UK funding was augmented by resources from France, The Netherlands, USA, The World Bank and Spain. Funding for direct support of staff in Country Networks has been provided by INTAS (European funding for FSU), the British Council (for Hungary) and the Dutch Government (for Egypt, India, Pakistan and Uzbekistan). In addition, all organisations in developing countries supporting Country Networks have provided their own in-kind contributions.

The success of this project should be viewed in the light of contributions made by the other members of the IPTRID Network, as well as the substantial input provided by the UK. These are:-

France

- Database of research projects and organisations
- Database published
- Installed database on Internet server

Netherlands

- Implemented DRAiN thematic network on waterlogging and soil salinity
- Installed DRAiN text delivery service
- Installed DRAiN bibliographic searches
- Installed DRAiN Q&A services
- Initiated DRAiN regular dissemination booklets
- Supported implementation of IPTRID Country Networks in 4 organisations

USA

- Implemented IPTRID Technical Advice Service

The World Bank

- General support provided by IPTRID Secretariat for IPTRID Network activities, eg material for GRID

Spain

- Translation and checking of Spanish version of GRID

The major objectives for the IPTRID Central Network have been achieved. Ten IPTRID Country Networks were established in developing countries. Feedback continues to show that the initiative is appreciated and the services are being utilised, eg positive responses were received from UNDP and ICID.

There is a need for the network to improve its profile within the irrigation and drainage sector of different countries, but this to a large extent depends on local arrangements. This is being addressed in the new IPTRID Support Project (R6571), and the IPTRID Network's influence is steadily increasing in these situations.

GRID Magazine published at 6-monthly intervals from October 1992

Maintenance and expansion of project activities, and gradual transfer of the activities to developing countries, was carried out under the follow up Project R6571. This itself is being continued under the new IPTRID Support Project R7201

Tel: +44 1491 835381
Fax: +44 1491 826352
Email: dfid-kar-water@hrwallingford.co.uk