This manual was prepared for use by Peace Corps trainees and volunteers as a resource in gaining understanding and knowledge of basic irrigation principles and practices. It is intended as a practical handbook that can be understood by a generalist, with subject areas limited to those observed as being of most frequent concern to volunteers in their project activities in irrigation in agricultural programs abroad. Many of the irrigation problems, exercises, and equipment descriptions have been developed from on-the-job experiences of volunteers. The manual is organized into five units that cover the following topics: irrigation principles, water measurement, irrigation water control, draining, and irrigation planning and special information related to irrigated crop production and relevant problems. Units consist of information in a step-by-step format, illustrated by line drawings. Appendixes to the manual contain an explanation for irrigation implements and plans for animal-drawn implements useful in field preparation for irrigation. A reading list completes the document. (KC)