Serious monitoring and evaluation of irrigated agriculture projects in developing countries tends to be neglected by both national and donor agencies. After outlining a conceptual framework for monitoring and evaluation of irrigation projects, this article presents a case study of an evaluation carried out using the framework developed on the Bhima Command Area Development Project in Maharashtra, India. It is argued that if the irrigated agriculture projects are to achieve their initially planned potential, it is essential to carry out regular monitoring and evaluation as an integral part of the management process.
By Asit K. Biswas, 1987. Article published in Food Policy, Volume 12, Issue 1, Pages 47-61.