The International Irrigation Management Institute (IIMI) began research projects in Dewahuwa Tank and Mahaweli 11-2 during the Yala season (May-Aug.) of 1985. The research focussed initially on agricultural economics (e.g., farmers' use of agricultural inputs and returns from different crops) and on irrigation engineering (water distribution and flow rates).

A trial conducted to examine the effects of watering Boran cattle once daily, once every two days and once every three days on birth and weaning weights, post-weaning growth and cow performance under extensive grazing conditions.

Discusses livestock water needs and the variation of water dependence in dif. circumstance, mentioning body water functions; physiological aspects of water balance; channels of gain & loss; and factors affecting water balance, particularly energy production, thermoregulation and water availability. Examines energy and water use, as well as water & livestock development in pastoral areas of Africa.

Deals with water resource & its exploitation in tropical Africa from an engineering point of view, giving an insight into the wide range of problems in water development & providing general guidelines for future planning. Considers such issues as the mechanics of the hydrological cycle, the origins of wide variations in rainfall, the potential for water resources development in pastoral areas & low cost methods of exploiting these resources, & problems of water quality.