This quality management system (QMS) toolkit was developed for small-scale irrigation project development in SubSaharan countries. The toolkit includes guidelines, checklists, templates and tools that can help irrigation agencies and stakeholders at all levels to implement and maintain an effective quality management system. Furthermore, it was developed to provide guidance and support to establish a robust system that aligns with irrigated agriculture development best practices, standards and regulatory requirements. Two methods were employed: a literature review and case studies in the focal countries (Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda).
A review of best practices in irrigation development from the focal countries and global experience was conducted. This helped identify lessons and several parameters that contribute to poor project performance. The case studies were implemented in two stages:

conducting stakeholder consultations and field visits at selected project sites and holding focus group discussions. In the consultation meeting, stakeholders were briefed on the concept of QMS, the need for objectives and the scope of the toolkit. They were also introduced to the development phases and parameters proposed for use in the toolkit. During the case studies, the overall status of the selected projects was studied and focus group discussions were conducted with the project managers, extension officers, Irrigation Water Users Association (IWUA) committees of the respective projects and representatives of target beneficiaries. The studies aimed to enrich the proposed parameters and checklists based on the lessons learned from the field visits and focus group discussions. Parameters were investigated, lessons learned and consensus reached.