Modern Irrigation Scheme Modernisation and Water Conveyance Systems in Tbilisi

Programme Overview

Ageing conveyance infrastructure and changing hydrological patterns across the South Caucasus necessitate a systemic transition towards modernised agricultural water management.⁣​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌⁣ Open-channel networks face severe operational conveyance losses, sediment accumulation, and inequitable distribution across command areas. This four-day professional programme in Tbilisi delivers rigorous technical training on transforming deteriorated gravity systems into energy-efficient, pressurised, and demand-responsive water conveyance networks. Participants review modern hydraulic principles, transient analysis, and robust civil works design required to secure long-term agricultural resilience.

Engineers and technical planners will examine the design, retrofitting, and operation of hybrid irrigation systems, bridging main canal networks with modernised on-farm distribution. The curriculum explores closed-conduit piped conveyance, canal lining materials, automated flow control structures, and high-efficiency drip and micro-sprinkler networks. Participants gain practical insight into applying internationally recognised engineering standards, such as FAO Irrigation and Drainage Papers and relevant ISO benchmarks, to ensure hydraulic integrity, reduce water losses, and support productive farming operations.

Through applied exercises, participants learn to model pipeline networks, formulate discharge control protocols, and draft preventative maintenance regimes for secondary and tertiary systems. The course emphasises institutional readiness, asset management, and volumetric water allocation mechanisms essential for sustainable service delivery. By mastering modern monitoring instrumentation, supervisory control interfaces, and network rehabilitation workflows, technical officers can successfully prepare and implement complex public irrigation modernisation initiatives aligned with international development standards and modern engineering practice.

Public water authorities and technical departments across Armenia and the wider South Caucasus are actively preparing large-scale capital investments to rehabilitate fragile irrigation systems.⁣​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌⁣ Strategic project preparation, such as priorities addressed under the EDB technical assistance pipeline, demands advanced engineering capabilities to replace inefficient open canals with high-performance pressurised networks. Technical officers require up-to-date competence in hydraulic modelling, automated control systems, and volumetric monitoring to deliver commercially viable, climate-resilient water conveyance infrastructure that satisfies stringent multilateral development bank operational requirements.

Delivered by Risalat Consultants International in Tbilisi, Georgia, it combines expert-led sessions, real cases and group work, so that participants can apply what they learn in their own institution.

The Programme Strengthens Institutional Capability

• Engineering appraisal of ageing open-channel networks and conveyance loss assessment
• Modern canal lining technologies, geosynthetics, and structural rehabilitation methods
• Hydraulic design of transition structures, flumes, and automated discharge control gates
• Sediment transport dynamics, exclusion basins, and mechanical desilting designs
• Transient flow analysis, steady-state modelling, and operational stability in canal networks
• Transitioning from gravity canals to closed-conduit pressurised distribution systems
• Pipeline material selection (HDPE, GRP, ductile iron) and pressure class optimisation
• Hydraulic surge analysis, water hammer mitigation, and air-release valve sizing
• Climate and environmental risk assessment
• Adaptation and mitigation planning
• Sector strategies for energy, water and land
• Project design for climate and environmental goals

It is designed for state water committee engineers and civil works technical officers, irrigation scheme planners and rural infrastructure design specialists, agricultural water management officers from municipal and regional directorates and others who want practical, current skills in climate, environment and natural resources.

The Growing Importance of Modern Irrigation Scheme Modernisation and Water Conveyance Systems in Tbilisi

Climate change, environmental pressure and resource management now shape national plans, budgets and investment decisions. Financiers increasingly expect climate and environmental considerations to be built into projects from the start.

Institutions that can plan for climate risks, manage natural resources well and prepare sound proposals are better placed to protect services and to access the funding available for this work.

Organisations increasingly require professionals capable of:

• Assess climate and environmental risks to their services and assets
• Design projects that meet climate and environmental goals
• Prepare proposals that financiers can approve
• Measure and report results credibly
• Work with communities and partners across sectors

Strong climate, environment and natural resources systems help organisations:

• Protect services and infrastructure from climate risks
• Access climate and environmental finance
• Meet national and international commitments
• Use natural resources sustainably

This Modern Irrigation Scheme Modernisation and Water Conveyance Systems in Tbilisi programme brings these elements together in a practical format, so that participants understand not only what good practice looks like but also how to introduce it in their own setting, with the people and resources they have.

Who Should Attend This Modern Irrigation Scheme Modernisation and Water Conveyance Systems in Tbilisi Training?

This programme is designed for:

• State water committee engineers and civil works technical officers
• Irrigation scheme planners and rural infrastructure design specialists
• Agricultural water management officers from municipal and regional directorates
• Water Users Association technical directors and operations managers
• Project implementation unit (PIU) hydraulic engineers working on donor-financed schemes
• Ministry of Agriculture irrigation and land reclamation specialists
• Canal network operations and maintenance supervisors
• Civil and hydraulic engineering consultants supporting public sector schemes
• Climate change and environment officers
• Energy, water and agriculture sector staff
• Planning and policy officers
• Project and programme managers

The programme suits experienced professionals as well as those moving into new responsibilities. Groups that mix institutions and countries are encouraged, because participants learn a great deal from each other’s experience.

Modern Irrigation Scheme Modernisation and Water Conveyance Systems in Tbilisi Training Objectives

Upon successful completion of this Modern Irrigation Scheme Modernisation and Water Conveyance Systems in Tbilisi Training, participants will be able to:

• Evaluate existing gravity-fed canal conveyance networks to identify operational bottlenecks, seepage losses, and structural retrofitting priorities
• Design pressurised water conveyance pipelines and pumping stations in compliance with international hydraulic engineering standards
• Integrate automated discharge control structures and SCADA-compatible monitoring devices within main and secondary canal systems
• Formulate equitable volumetric water allocation schedules based on crop water requirements and real-time network capacities
• Develop comprehensive pipeline maintenance protocols, asset registers, and non-revenue water reduction programmes
• Plan on-farm drip and micro-irrigation system connections to optimise pressure distribution and overall scheme efficiency
• Structure capital investment proposals and project procurement packages aligned with multilateral development bank standards
• Explain the main climate and environmental challenges for their sector
• Assess climate and environmental risks to services and assets
• Plan adaptation and mitigation measures

Each objective is practised during the programme through exercises, cases or group work, so that participants leave able to do it, not only to describe it.

Programme Contents and Structure

Modern Irrigation Scheme Modernisation and Water Conveyance Systems in Tbilisi Training Methodology

The programme utilises interactive technical lectures, applied design exercises, and real-world hydraulic case reviews. Participants work through guided engineering calculation problems using standard spreadsheet tools and open-source hydraulic calculation models. Group working sessions simulate project appraisal scenarios, enabling participants to evaluate pipeline profiles, surge protection strategies, and water balance reconciliations directly applicable to ongoing modernisation works in Armenia and the wider region.

The programme combines:

• Expert-led sessions on current practice
• Regional and international case studies
• Group work and practical exercises
• Simulations and role plays where relevant
• Discussion of participants' own challenges
• Peer learning across institutions and countries
• Practical tools and templates to take back to work
• Daily reflection and action planning

Before the programme, a short pre-assessment helps the facilitators understand each participant’s role and priorities, so that examples and exercises can be adjusted to the group.⁣​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌⁣ Each day ends with a short reflection in which participants note what they will apply at work.

Expected Outcomes

Upon completion of this Modern Irrigation Scheme Modernisation and Water Conveyance Systems in Tbilisi Training, participants will be able to:

• Determine hydraulic parameters and pipe dimensions for pressurised agricultural conveyance networks
• Select appropriate flow-control instrumentation and filtration assemblies for modernisation works
• Produce robust preventative maintenance and inspection checklists for buried pipeline assets
• Calculate crop-specific irrigation delivery schedules using international standard reference data
• Mitigate destructive hydraulic surge events through proper placement of protective valves
• Prepare comprehensive technical specifications compliant with multilateral bank procurement requirements
• Assess climate and environmental risks
• Plan adaptation and mitigation measures

Participants leave with a personal action plan and practical tools they can use in their institution from the first week back. Institutions that send several participants can use the programme to agree shared methods and templates across teams, which makes improvements easier to sustain.

Institutional Application of Modern Irrigation Scheme Modernisation and Water Conveyance Systems in Tbilisi Training

This programme supports organisations in strengthening:

• Climate and environmental planning
• Project design
• Access to finance
• Results measurement
• Stakeholder involvement

Participants return with practical tools to improve:

• Risk assessments
• Concept notes
• Results frameworks
• Monitoring systems
• Partnership arrangements

The programme is built so that learning moves from the classroom into the institution. Participants work on their own processes and documents where possible, and leave with an action plan that their managers can review and support.

Regional Relevance & Application

Europe

European institutions apply climate, environment and natural resources within detailed regulatory frameworks and reform agendas. Participants from Europe can compare their practice with colleagues from other regions and test how established methods work under different conditions.

Africa

Across Africa, ministries, agencies and project teams working in climate, environment and natural resources increasingly operate alongside donor-financed programmes that expect clear systems and evidence. The programme helps participants adapt good practice to the institutions and resources they work with.

Middle East

In the Middle East, national development strategies and diversification plans place growing demands on climate, environment and natural resources. Participants explore how to build the capability these plans need inside public bodies and companies.

Asia

Institutions across Asia combine rapid growth with ambitious modernisation programmes. Participants from Asia can share their experience of scaling systems quickly and learn from approaches used elsewhere.

Pacific

Small island and Pacific states face particular constraints of size, distance and capacity. The programme highlights practical, proportionate approaches to climate, environment and natural resources that suit smaller institutions.

Holding the programme in Tbilisi, Georgia brings participants together away from their daily pressures, so they can compare how climate, environment and natural resources is handled in different settings. The same programme can also be delivered in-house for one institution, in its own country or online, with cases taken from its current work.

Host Country Profile – Georgia

Programmes, Workshops, Exposures, Training Courses in Tbilisi, Georgia by Risalat Consultants International

Studying away from their own country gives participants time to focus, a fresh view of their own institution and the chance to build a network with colleagues from other countries.

Modern Irrigation Scheme Modernisation and Water Conveyance Systems in Tbilisi Training Deliverables

Participants receive support before, during and after the programme, so that preparation, learning and follow-up form one continuous experience.

Before the Programme

• Participant Pre-Assessment
• Modern Irrigation Scheme Modernisation and Water Conveyance Systems in Tbilisi Readiness Assessment
• Modern Irrigation Scheme Modernisation and Water Conveyance Systems in Tbilisi Resource Pack
• Preparatory Reading Materials
• Complimentary Visa Support & Advisory

During the Programme

• Airport Pickup & Welcome Assistance
• Accommodation with Breakfast
• Welcome Networking Dinner
• Risalat Training Kit (Bag, Bottle, Mug, T-Shirt, Cap, Passport Cover, Pens, Notebook, Magnet & Keychain)
• Comprehensive Modern Irrigation Scheme Modernisation and Water Conveyance Systems in Tbilisi Training Manual
• Climate Risk Screening Checklist
• Options Appraisal Template
• Concept Note Template
• Results Measurement Template
• Practical Workshops & Simulations
• Group Discussions & Peer Learning
• Daily Lunch and Refreshments
• Full Access to Training Venue Facilities
• Mini Pad / Tablet with Digital Learning Materials
• Field Visit (where applicable)
• Entertaining City Tour

After the Programme

• Certificate of Completion
• Risalat Programme Participation Recognition Award
• Post-Training Reference Materials
• Funding Readiness Checklist
• Monitoring and Reporting Template
• Post-Training Support & Follow-Up Guidance
• Programme Report

Institutions can also request a tailored in-house version of this programme, delivered at their premises or online. Request a proposal.

Common Challenges in Modern Irrigation Scheme Modernisation and Water Conveyance Systems in Tbilisi, And How This Training Helps

How can institutions assess climate and environmental risks to their services and assets?

The programme addresses this directly on the first day (Modern Hydraulic Engineering and Canal Scheme Modernisation), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions design projects that meet climate and environmental goals?

The programme addresses this directly on the second day (Pressurised Pipeline Conveyance and Pumping Station Design), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions prepare proposals that financiers can approve?

The programme addresses this directly on the third day (On-Farm Systems Integration, Drip Irrigation, and Scheduling), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions measure and report results credibly?

The programme addresses this directly on the fourth day (Asset Management, Network Operations, and Project Implementation), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions work with communities and partners across sectors?

The programme addresses this directly on the first day (Modern Hydraulic Engineering and Canal Scheme Modernisation), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where does the Modern Irrigation Scheme Modernisation and Water Conveyance Systems in Tbilisi programme take place?

It runs from 16 Aug 2027 to 19 Aug 2027, in Tbilisi, Georgia. The registration deadline is shown at the top of this page.

Who should attend?

The programme is designed for state water committee engineers and civil works technical officers, irrigation scheme planners and rural infrastructure design specialists, agricultural water management officers from municipal and regional directorates, water Users Association technical directors and operations managers, and others who want practical skills in climate, environment and natural resources.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. Participants who complete the programme receive a Certificate of Completion from Risalat Consultants International.

Can this programme be delivered for our institution only?

Yes. We can deliver a tailored in-house version at your premises, in another city or online, built around your own cases. Use the proposal request on this page.

Do I need prior experience in climate, environment and natural resources?

No specialist background is required beyond experience in a related role. A short pre-assessment helps the facilitators adapt the sessions to the group.

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