The purpose of this study has been to assess the traditional spate irrigation in Raya Valley with special reference to three spate irrigation systems in the southern zone of Tigray region, Ethiopia. The study attempted to find out the spate irrigation management practice in the community, institutional arrangement in the spate irrigation systems and identify challenges with improving the traditional spate irrigation systems. For this research household survey, farmer group discussion and key informant were interviewed to collect primary data. In addition relevant literatures and documents were reviewed. The result of this study shows that spate irrigation improvement intervention works should be accomplished through real participation of farmers and initiate them to practically influence the planning and designing process so that successful modernization projects could be accomplished.