Water and Development: The Importance of Irrigation in Developing Countries By Karina Schoengold and David Zilberman 1. Overview 2. The Benefits and Cost of Irrigation 2.1. BENEFITS OF IRRIGATION 2.1.1. Contribution of Irrigation to Agricultural Productivity 2.1.2. Food Supply Expansion Irrigation and agricultural land expansion Irrigation and increased crop yields Irrigation and double cropping of land 2.1.3. Welfare Improvements Irrigation and employment opportunities Irrigation and land values 2.1.4. Irrigation Supply Stabilization 2.1.5. Environmental Benefits Irrigation and deforestation