A design is presented for a Manpower Development and Training Program (MDTP), part of a proposed A.I.D. project (Irrigation Systems Management) to upgrade the institutional capabilities of Egypt's Ministry of Irrigation (MOI). The design team recommends that the MOI meet short-term needs for engineering staff through a training program, a recruiting drive to attract newly graduated engineers, and an incentive program to reward outstanding MOI staff performance. The Water Research Center should have responsibility for the training program. Training should largely consist of short courses in the following order of subject matter priority: (1) irrigation design, construction, and construction methods, materials, and quality control; (2) operation and maintenance and on-farm water management; and (3) administration and management. Latter training should take place in the United States and be complemented by in-country seminars for senior managers. Also proposed are long- and short-term technical assistance, and on-the-job training for all MOI departments.