Nine principles for irrigation water management drawn from A.I.D.'s successful Small Farm, Self-Help Irrigation program in Guatemala are presented and discussed. (1-2) Identify site suitability and benefit potential and locate farmers willing to participate in a self-help project. (3) Determine a funding source prior to the project. (4) Prepare a preliminary plan, including cost estimates, and present it to funding agencies and participating farmers. (5-6) Identify a sponsoring organization committed to working with farmers to improve agricultural production and marketing and work with that organization to provide farmers with technical assistance. (7) Locate or train personnel willing to work with farmers in the field. (8) Carry out seven basic field tasks - form and legally organize farmer groups, conduct basic survey design activities, help farmers arrange financing for the project, supervise and train farmers to build their system, operate and maintain it, and to use agricultural and marketing methods needed for new crops. (9) Extend the program to other areas and regions as appropriate.