111e purpose of this study has been to assess the traditional spate irrigation in Raya Valleyrnwi/h special reference to three spate irrigation systems in the southern zone of Tigrayrnregion. The study al/empted to find out the spate irrigation management practice in therncommunity, institutional arrangement in the spate irrigation systems and identifYrnchallenges wi/h improving the traditional spate irrigation systems. For this researchrnhousehold survey, farmer group discussion and key informant were interviewed to collectrnprimary data. In additionrelevallllileratures and documellls were reviewedrnThe findings of this study show that the farmers in the study sites are self organized underrnWater User Organization (WUA) to manage the community spate irrigation systems. 111ern.Iystems are managed by elected Abo-Gereb (Father of the river) and Abo-Mais (waterrnmasters). The 'pate water distribution in the sludy areas is using network of primary,rnsecondary and tertiary canals or field canals. The spate water is diverted from the river tornthe primary canal then further divided in to secondary canals. Each secondary canal isrnallocated to serve a group of farmers locally known as Melwen. Groups are liable to getrnspate water based on a predetermined sequence by 10llery draw performed at the beginningrnof each rainy season. Spate water distribution wuh in the Melwen starts from the subgroupsrn(Glyile) situated at the head then to the middle andfinally to the tail.rnThe amoulll of spate water a fanner is entitled to Is the inundation of individual plot. Eachrnspate irrigation system has rules and regulations (Siri/) by which the Abo-Gerebs and Abomaisrnenforce the fair distribution of spate water and regulate any offence against thernsmooth running of the system. The SirU is used to solve confliCts among farmers andrnpenalize offenders of the rules and regulations.rnThe major problem with the traditional spate irrigation systems is the repeated damagerncased to the traditional diversion weir and irrigation infrastructures by floods. As a resultrnfarmers are engaged in repeated maintenance of the weir and in/rastnlctures. On the otherrnhand the modernised spate irrigation systems have failed to divert the designed amount ofrnspate water and affected by heavy siltation problem.rnThe result of this study shows that spate irrigation improvement illlervention works shouldrnbe accomplished through real participation of farmers and initiate them to practicallyrninfluence the planning and designing process so that successfol modernization projectsrncould be accomplished