The participation of farmers in the management of limited water resources through their participation in the planning and management of the operation and maintenance of the irrigation and drainage networks at district level is one the pillars of the comprehensive institutional reform of the water resources sector. The alignment of the reform strategies of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI) with the day to day practices of its irrigation and drainage administration at delivery level, the district, stands as one of the key organizational challenges for reaching the national goal of sustainable Water resources management. District chief engineers and managers are the driving force for the implementation of MWRI strategies at operational level. Their views and practices of farmers participation in public decision making can significantly influence the performance of the implementation of the water reform at service delivery level, yet the understanding and the interpretation of the participatory water management policy into new behavior and practices of the district chiefs and managers remain one of the least researched area of the reform program.

Born in Algeria, brought up in France, Dr. Zohra Merabet has been working on development issues

through design, management and evaluation of development programs funded by international

cooperation agencies. She holds a diploma of engineering from EPF – Ecole d’Ingenieurs Paris (1975),

post graduate degree in behavioral mechanics (1976) Paris VI University and a Doctor Degree of

Management of Organizational Leadership.  University of Phoenix, Arizona. She is the founder and

executive director since 1988  of North South Consultants Exchange, an Egyptian Consulting firm

specialized in sustainable development.