SIMIS: the FAO decision support system for irrigation scheme management

Scheme irrigation management information system (SIMIS) is a decision support system for managing irrigation schemes. It can be used either as a management tool or as a training tool. The data needed for the technical and administrative management of the scheme can be stored, edited and displayed in various forms. They can then be used for helping in water management, calculating irrigation requirements, developing irrigation layouts, scheduling water deliveries, and keeping records of water consumption. The SIMIS approach is based on simple water balance models with capacity constraints. The user can simulate management alternatives, assess the results and try out new alternatives, until a satisfactory solution is found. SIMIS also helps in the administrative aspects of managing irrigation schemes (accounting, calculating water charges, controlling maintenance activities) and in assessing their performance.