Evolution of Water Management in Irrigation Systems: Sudan  Experience and Future Perspective Dr. Ahmed K. Eldaw  Prof. Abdalla A. Ahmed  Abstract  Large scale irrigations in Sudan were established for the first time at the beginning of the 20th century. Gezira scheme was officially inaugurated in 1925, starting with an area of 300,000 acres and increased gradually to over 2,000,000 acres. Gezira Scheme acts as a model for other large and small scale projects. Since its inception the scheme has undergone many changes in policies, administrative setup and relationships between the different parties (agriculture, irrigation, farmers). Although the irrigated area represents only 10% of the cultivated area in Sudan, however, it contributes more than 25% to the GDP. However, Sudan self-sufficiency policy in food crops adopted in the early 1990s has replaced to large extent the cash crops such as cotton with food crops such as wheat, in turn has its impact on productivity. In addition, management of irrigated agriculture also has been affected by globalization.  Irrigation schemes are complex systems where many factors and activities interact: human resources, physical systems, natural resources, climate, crop production, financial transactions and many others. Most of the present day problems are the result of poor or mismanagement of the existing resources. All efforts, even at governmental level, are being wasted to control them instead of managing them. In Sudan, management of the irrigation system in most of the irrigation schemes remains in the domain of the public sector. However, irrigation management in the country witnessed great changes over the years. Private sector owned small irrigation schemes are managed wholly by their owners. Irrigation systems can be classified into three basic management types, agency managed, jointly managed and farmer managed. The paper is intended to study irrigation systems management experience in Sudan through investigating its problems, constraints and set future perspective to improve managing irrigation schemes. There is a potential for tremendous increase in agricultural production, simply by making use of existing facilities by adopting proper management. In addition, with proper management an appreciable amount of water could be saved to be used elsewhere. The paper discusses issues such as private sector involvement, stakeholder participation, and globalization and their role in improving management. The paper concludes with recommendations to help improve managing irrigated agriculture.  Associate Prof. UNESCO chair, Eng. Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources,  Director, UNSECO Chair in Water Resources, Sudan Disclaimer: The information, ideas and views expressed in this paper are the sole responsibility of the author, and do not necessarily represent those of the MOIWR or any other organization referred to.