ABSTRACT
The conveyance and distribution of water in canal irrigation systems are governed by hydraulic laws, which either relate to steady state or unsteady state hydraulic conditions. Performance assessment in irrigation is defined as the systematic observation, documentation and interpretation of activities related to irrigated agriculture with the objective of continuous improvement. Developing irrigation facilities has been a key strategy of many countries to increase crop production. The conceptual framework of rapid appraisal survey for the analysis of irrigation system performance is based on the recognition that such systems operate under a set of physical and institutional constraints and with a certain resource base. The Mapping System and Services for Canal Operation Techniques is a methodology for diagnosing canal irrigation system performance and analyzing modernisation of canal operation in order to improve the water delivery service and cost-effectiveness of canal operation. The rapid appraisal method is a quick but systematic way to gather data on system performance.
