Checklist to assist preparation of small-scale irrigation projects in Sub-Saharan Africa
In many small-scale irrigation projects problems arise as a result of an overly top-down approach or poor project preparation. There is a need to improve the standards of preparation of such schemes, but the small nature of such projects means that a full, formal feasibility study cannot be justified. The checklist provides an alternative means to rapidly assess the potential for a community managed surface irrigation project using a participatory approach.
Background
Experience has shown that where the beneficiaries of a proposed small-scale irrigation scheme are enabled to contribute to its development and gain a sense of ownership of the project at an early stage, the project is more likely to be sustained in the long term.

The checklist
The checklist allows rapid assessment of the technical feasibility of establishing a small, community managed surface irrigation project. It is intended that the checklist is used in response to an initial request from farmers for assistance to confirm that there are no immediately apparent, major constraints to a proposed development. Tried and tested rules of thumb rather than classic, rigorous analyses have been used where appropriate.

The checklist has been designed for use on low-input schemes and covers surface irrigation from streamflows and shallow wells. It is anticipated that schemes where the checklist is applied will not normally be larger than 100ha. However, parts of the document may also be used for the appraisal of elements within larger schemes.

The checklist may also be adapted for application to extension or rehabilitation of existing schemes, rather than potential new schemes.

What it covers
The checklist comprises 4 parts:

1) Project proposal listing principal features of the scheme as outlined by the proposers.

2) Preparatory data sheets for completion, where appropriate, by specialists compiling background and technical data. These should serve as a briefing kit, prepared before a field visit.

  The data are subsequently checked and amplified, during a field visit to the site of the proposed scheme. The checklist includes guidelines on the types of data, their likely source and required accuracy for completing the preparatory sheets.

3) Field data sheets for use in the field by extension officers or junior engineers. It is intended that the information set out in the preparatory data sheets is checked and amplified through participatory discussion with farmers and measurements in the field. Guidelines are given on the implications of each item of data.

4) A Checklist summary, to be completed by the field-team before leaving the site and discussed with those requesting the site investigation. It should highlight any possible constraints to the proposed development by comparing information from the Field Data sheets with listed values indicating that the parameter might indicate a minor or major constrain or none at all.

Contributors
HR Wallingford Ltd, UK; Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, UK.

Intended users
The checklist is intended for use by regional design staff in irrigation departments in developing countries. It will also be of value to NGOs with an interest in small-scale irrigation.

Field, WP and Collier, FW, 1998. Checklist to Assist Preparation of Small-Scale Irrigation Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. ICID, New Dheli.

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