ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to present some useful conceptual/ visual frameworks for thinking and communicating about the management of irrigation systems and the schemes they serve. Assuming the objective of irrigation development is to improve human well-being, addressing water management at the irrigation scheme level is thought provoking. It begs the following questions: What are irrigation schemes and their objectives; how can we best communicate and think about irrigation management within and between the discipline areas involved; and would using the word "system" instead of "scheme" make any difference?
