Most water users associations organized in large systems are found only at the turnout level. Few irrigation system managers have ventured to organize water users associations above the turnout level. As a result, farmers are seldom given the opportunity to participate in the preparation of water delivery schedules, cropping calendars, collection of service fees and in the operation and maintenance of irrigation facilities in the sub-lateral and lateral canals. Formally organized water users' associations can play an important role in improving the efficiency of irrigation systems, and even in the construction of small irrigation projects. In places where irrigation project management has strong support from other private and government agencies, formally organized water users' associations can also play an important role in increasing production and income of the farmers by policing their ranks for the proper management of production loans and marketing of farm products.