This manual has been prepared to help practitioners design and construct small earth dams in rural areas. The manual is designed specifically for engineers, technicians and extension workers involved in agriculture, commercial farmers and contractors all with some understanding of engineering and some experience of dams, irrigation and water supply involved in the siting, design and construction of small earth dams in the drier parts of the African continent. Such dams are suitable for supplying water to irrigation schemes, for rural and other water supplies (when properly treated) and for conservation measures.