What is needed to improve the public policies and programs aimed at building new and rehabilitating existing small-scale irrigation systems? The present paper utilizes a variety of experiences from Asian settings to provide a policy framework and an overall program approach to this question. Discussion focuses on the need to: achieve an optimal mix of government and local responsibilities (preferably by reducing government involvement); develop a "sociotechnical perspective" to irrigation development (namely, one which integrates irrigation technology with irrigation organization); and use this sociotechnical, rather than merely a technical perspective, in designing the irrigation system. A discussion of financing small-scale irrigation systems covers, inter alia, the need for local people to cover operation and maintenance costs, and mechanisms (e.g., revenue sharing, grants) for channeling public funds into system development. Practical suggestions for potential donors are presented in conclusion.