A Tradition in Transition presents an in-depth assessment of the century-old Wadi Laba indigenous spate irrigation system in Eritrea. This system has relied on earthern and brushwood structures and customary water rules to support subsistence livelihoods of the Wadi Laba communities for many years. The book presents original research, which analyzes the effectiveness of contemporary water laws and a new headwork in improving production and standard of living. It also compares the lack of success of these new approaches with traditional methods of water management.

An in-depth assessment of the century-old Wadi Laba indigenous spate irrigation system in Eritrea. This system has relied on earthen and brushwood structures and customary water rules to support subsistence livelihoods of the Wadi Laba communities for many years. This research analyses the effectiveness of the introduction of contemporary water laws and a new headwork which endeavour to increase production and standard of living. The lack of success of the new approach, compared with traditional methods of water management are discussed.