"Irrigation has been and will continue to be a priority in agricultural and rural investments. Development of the irrigation sector faces multiple challneges, including water scarcity and degradation, competition over shared resouces and the impact of climate change. Innovations that address these challenges, as well as emerging needs, and promote productive, equitable and sustainable water management are needed. These Guidelines on irrigation investment projects, produced by an inter-agency team, highlight experiences and lessons learned from global irrigation investment operations. They introduce innovative approaches, tools and references, and provide practical guidance on how to incorporate or apply them at each stage of the investment project cycle. These Guidelines will be a useful resource for national and international professionals involved in irrigation investment operations"--Back cover.