Manual on small earth dams
FAO irrigation and drainage paper no. 64.
This manual has been prepared to help practitioners design and construct small earth dams in rural areas. It has been designed specifically for engineers, technicians and extension workers involved in agriculture, commercial farmers and contractors – all with some understanding of engineering and some experience of dams, irrigation and water supply – involved in the siting, design and construction of small earth dams in the drier parts of the African continent. Such dams are suitable for supplying water to irrigation schemes, for rural and other water supplies (when properly treated) and for conservation measures.
The manual includes an introduction to community participation, social and gender issues in siting, constructing and operating dams, environmental issues and fish production as well as sections on costing dams, tendering for construction and awarding contracts.