We hope that the paper will promote debate and act as a stimulant for new action to reach the poor through irrigated agriculture. The paper also identifies the issues that need to be addressed if the effectiveness of maintenance is to be improved. Technical Publications Joint Publication with the World Bank Plusquellec, H, C. M. Burt and H. W. Wolter. World Bank Technical Paper No. 246. FAO, Rome FAO 1999 - Modern water control and management practices in irrigation.
Treadle pumps for irrigation in Africa.
To answer this question the authors describe in simple terms what a treadle pump is and how it can be used. These pumps have been very successful in South Asia and provide an affordable way to lift and move water in the quantities that farmers want. The technology is aimed at farmers with small holdings of a few hectares. The African cases studies show that the treadle pump can provide an affordable means of irrigating small areas of land and allow farmers and their families to grow crops for their own consumption but also for sale. Not only can use of the treadle pump help in contributing to food security and reducing poverty by making irrigated agriculture an attractive venture but the manufacture and supply of the pumps is also creating employment and income opportunities.