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

PRDA Manual 61Materials• large map of the irrigation area with the rivers, intake structure, irrigationpumps, wells, layout of the irrigation and drainage canals (drinking watersources);• markers/pens/pencils;• (Another option is to ask farmers to draw a map in the sand with sticks,pebbles, leaves, etc.).How to1. Start by briefly introducing the purpose of the tool. Make sure that it isclear to everyone.2. Present a map of the irrigation scheme with the main characteristics ofthe area.3. Ask farmers if they think the map is good or if they want to make changesor add details.4. Ask each farmer to mark the location(s) of his or her field(s) on the mapand discuss its distance from the main intake and main canal.5. Ask farmers questions on water distribution and maintenance issues (see“Questions to be asked”). Try to stimulate discussion when certain issuesare causing constraints (Table A5, Figure A2 and Box A5).It is not necessary to include all these elements. Make your own judgementbased on what information you already have. Adding too many details to amap costs time and can make it more complicated to understand.Table A5. Examples of elements that can be included in the mapGeneral Irrigation and drainage Small irrigationstructures• Roads• Houses/villages• Temples/churches/mosques/holy forests• Rivers, streams, lakes• North-southdirections• Bridges• Hills/mountains• Water intake (weir,pumps, wells, reservoirs)Canal layout (primary,secondary, tertiary, fieldcanals and drains)• Command area• Boundaries of tertiaryunits• Water flow directions inthe field• drop structures• cross regulators• distributors• tertiary off-take• field canal off-take• siphons, aqueducts