Human and Institution Capacity Building

Water Users Associations

In Asia and the United States, CADI provided O&M and water control training programs for government staff and farmers through field activities, talk programs, and seminars. The programs focused on: (a) developing appropriate O&M guidelines; (b) implementing improved irrigation system O&M procedures; (c) conducting hydraulic operations, flow control structure calibration, and seepage loss; (d) measuring flow in the field; (e) designing regulation and measurement structures to meet agency and farmer requirements; and (f) applying research methodologies (e.g., diagnostic analysis, rapid appraisal, performance evaluation, baseline studies, and impact evaluation). All of these programs included training of trainers' components and direct applications in the field.

Irrigation System Management - O&M, Water Control and Measurement

In Asia and the U.S., CADI has provided O&M and water control training programs for government staff and farmers through field activities, talk programs, and seminars. The programs have focused on: (a) developing appropriate O&M guidelines; (b) implementing improved irrigation system operations and maintenance procedures; (c) conducting hydraulic operations, flow control structure calibration and seepage loss; (d) measuring flow in the field; (e) designing regulation and measurement structures to meet agency and farmer requirements; and (f) applying research methodologies (e.g., diagnostic analysis, rapid appraisal, performance evaluation, baseline studies, impact evaluation). All of these programs included training of trainers' components and direct applications in the field.

Watershed Sciences and Natural Resources Management

Training programs provided in Asia and the United States have focused on watershed management and soil conservation. The courses concentrated on training local government staff to: (a) develop guidelines for integrated watershed management plans; (b) introduce computer applications in soil and water conservation surveys, planning, and monitoring and evaluation; and (c) secure sustained productivity of forest land. In Myanmar, as a direct result of CADI training, participatory watershed planning has become an official function of the Ministry of Forestry.

Water Resource Management - Computer Applications

CADI is a pioneer in providing professional and institutional development in computer applications for irrigation system management. Since 1987, CADI staff have worked in India, Nepal, Indonesia, and the United States, introducing and training government staff in computer curriculum development models; computerized water resource database management systems; and computer applications in irrigation system planning, design, and O&M. Trainers' guides and videotapes have been produced and distributed in Asia and the U.S.

Remote Sensing, Image Processing, and GIS Applications

CADI conducted remote sensing, image processing, and GIS workshops in India, China, El Salvador, and the United States focusing on irrigation management, forest planning and management, watershed management, and soil and water conservation. Topics included: (a) principles of remote sensing; (b) the basics of vector and raster GIS; (c) digital image analysis; and (d) the use of GIS in irrigation management, land capability classification, landuse classification, and forest landscape analysis and design.

Training Program Development and Implementation

CADI provided long- and short-term technical assistance to government agencies in Central, South, and Southeast Asia focusing on training, institutional development, and strengthening of human capabilities. Services included conducting professional training needs assessments, designing and conducting training programs for government staff, producing training modules and materials, and monitoring and evaluating the progress and impact of the training. In Indonesia, CADI trained government staff in all aspects of training program development and implementation, leading to full institutionalization of these training programs within key Indonesian government agencies.

Training Methodologies

CADI staff have conducted numerous workshops focusing on improving the training skills of host country government staff. Emphasis has been on adult learning principles, the experiential learning cycle, and methodologies of conducting output-oriented conferences, seminars, workshops, and demonstrations. Field manuals were prepared, focusing on training appraisal, support, evaluation, and developing a comprehensive list of steps for initiating and completing training programs.