Includes bibliographical references.

Introduction -- MASSCOTE -- Canal operation : objectives and organization -- The RAP evaluation -- Mapping the capacity of a canal system -- Mapping the behaviour of irrigation systems : sensitivity -- Mapping perturbations -- Water networks and water accounting -- Mapping the cost of operation against services -- Mapping the service to users -- Mapping the management units -- Mapping the demand for operation -- Improving subunit operation -- Integrating service-oriented management options -- Towards a plan to modernization and for monitoring and evaluation.

his publication describes the MASSCOTE methodology, illustrated by several applications in Asia. MASSCOTE is a comprehensive methodology for analyzing the modernization of canal operation. The aim is to enable experts to work together with users in determining improved processes for cost-effective service-oriented management. It is based on previous tools and approaches widely used in Asia by FAO in its modernization training program (rapid appraisal procedures and benchmarking). From diagnosis through the formulation of operational units and the planning of a service (based on the vision agreed upon with the users), MASSCOTE entails a systematic, ten-step, mapping exercise. The accompanying CD-ROMs contain the full document in English, excerpts in French, a draft version in Arabic and Chinese, training presentations and material, and a number of documents and references on irrigation system operation and management.

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