Manual - Participatory rapid diagnosis and action ... - FAO.org

60 Annex A. Description of toolsBox A4. Guidelines/checklist for a Rapid Diagnosis “STEP 2a”Things to observe:Design and construction.• Differences between design document and actual situations (changes made byfarmers; scheme expansion).Irrigation scheme.• Maintenance status of the headwork. If not well maintained: current impact andlikely future impact on total water availability for the scheme.• Damages to infrastructure, conveyance canals, night storage facilities.• Locations with large structural water losses (damages, high seepage, too lowcanal capacity, high plot-end losses).• Do plots receive water?• Do plots receive adequate water?• Waterlogging• Presence and status of drainage systems (compare to “As Built” document)• Multiple uses (other than irrigation of plots).• Field levelling• Field application method (furrow, basin, sprinkler)• Main d’eau (= plot level discharge) in relation to plot size• Soil erosion on irrigated plots.Plot use• Are crops planted on all plots?• What type of plants?• Crop Pests/ Diseases• Other major land use besides irrigation (forest, settlement).Topics for discussion with farmers met on the walk• Water delivery or gate operation rules (check if all farmers agree/tell the samestory and compare what farmers say about the “official” rules)• Reasons for inadequate or no water delivery to plots (when appropriate)Irrigation and drainage system mappingWhyAssess the functioning (quality) and organization of the water supply situation.A map of the area can be used by farmers to explain where constraints occurand what the cause is. Also, farmers can assist to make an improved map ofthe irrigation scheme.