PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WITH IRRIGATION
The choice of an irrigation method also depends on the irrigation tradition within the region or country. Introducing a previously unknown method may lead to unexpected complications. It is not certain that the farmers will accept the new method. The servicing of the equipment may be problematic and the costs may be high compared to the benefits.
Figure 65 Surface irrigation requires a high labour input
Often it will be easier to improve the traditional irrigation method than to introduce a totally new method.