The following article traces EDI's involvement with participatory irrigation management. In the mid-1980s, when the government of Mexico was faced with an overwhelming debt crisis and it became impossible for the government to continue subsidizing irrigation services, it handed over the management of the irrigation systems to water user associations. The track record of the new associations has been impressive. Many associations have embarked on systematic repair programs to undo the damage caused by government neglect.
Operational standards are the same or better than under government management.
The new farmer-run associations have hired only the best engineers and associated staff who once worked for the government. These staff must now work harder, but are better paid, and better motivated. They are now accountable directly to the farmers, working as technical members of a management team. In May 1992, a group of World Bank irrigation staff visited Mexico and was extremely impressed by the magnitude and speed of its irrigation management turnover program. The group urged EDI to launch a training program to disseminate the lessons of Mexico.