This paper is concerned with such an approach to the institutional and organizational requirements of irrigated agriculture. To deal with this concern, several related topics will be discussed. First, a brief look at some historical attempts at irrigation development are presented. Next, a more detailed discussion of the nature of institutions and organizations is presented as a prelude to briefly examine three traditional systems of irrigated agriculture. Finally, based on the discussion of the importance of understanding patterns of interaction in traditional irrigation systems it is proposed that a major research activity be undertaken in the Mekong Basin for the purpose of identifying and analyzing such institutions and organizations as a primary task for future irrigation development.