Irrigation and Drainage Systems 3: 255-264, 1989. © 1989 Kluwer Academic Publishers. Printed in the Netherlands. The Wye College Irrigation Game "Stop the breach" L.E.D. SMITH Department of Agricultural Economics, Wye College, University of London, Kent, TN25 5AH, UK Received 5 April 1989; accepted I 1 April 1989 Wye, Ash ford, Key words: management games, simulations, irrigation management, training, role-playing Abstract. An irrigation management role-playing game is described. The game aims to provide ex- perience of the problems and complexities of real irrigation management issues, and practice in the application of basic theoretical concepts and methods which are relevant to the successful oper- ation and maintenance of an irrigation scheme. Players acting as farmers or as scheme managers make decisiOns regarding the operation of a scheme which are processed by micro-computer. Ex- perience shows that the game can achieve its training objectives, stimulates discussion of a wide range of factors affectifig the success of irrigation schemes and has the potential for further de- velopment. 1. The role of gaming simulations in irrigation management training In most developing countries the agricultural sector contributes a high propor- tion of national output and foreign exchange earnings. Effective management has been recognised as one of the missing ingredients for the successful im- plementation and operation of many irrigation projects: the study concludes that there are immense opportunities for improvements in the performance of irrigation projects through management reform and better water distribution. (Bottrall 1981) Given that irrigated lands often represent a country's most productive agricultural resource and that irrigation schemes require a comparatively high level of management input, the problems of irrigation management can truly be said to be at the forefront of development work. Irrigation management is however a very complex subject encompassing a number of disciplines, for example agronomy, civil engineering, economics and sociology. It is to a large extent concerned with institutional work as management itself is an institution. The need for effective management may be recognised as a key constraint, but it is one which is very difficult to define.