The sedimentation problem in small-scale irrigation is primarily a design problem (this thesis). 2. Farmers' perceptions are more important for tackling sedimentation problems than the engineers' views (this thesis). 3. Local communities are key to overcoming data scarcity in developing countries. 4. Modernization of irrigation schemes without farmers' capacity development is an act of demodernization. 5. Vision and hope are the driving force that transforms a nation. 6. The lack of passion, rather than workload, makes a job cumbersome.