The Irrigation Systems Management (ISM) project is the first major instance of foreign donors directly supporting the activities of the Provincial Irrigation Departments (PIDs) in the construction, operation and maintenance of irrigation and drainage systems. Each department has extensive field organizations and central secretariats with offices responsible for design, planning, equipment management, hydrology, and research. Despite similarities in structure and operations, the PIDs vary in their capabilities and traditions as well as in the range of hydraulic and agronomic conditions they face.