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Next generation irrigation systems

July-August 2024 Research Journal Roundup

Roundup of research, journal and other academic articles from July and August 2024.

Solar irrigation success in Makonde, Zimbabwe

IWMI has a track record for developing affordable, climate-smart irrigation solutions, targeting the context-specific needs of smallholder farmers in the Global South.

IWMI’s SoLAR project benefits South Asian agriculture

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is leading efforts to support national commitments in reducing agricultural emissions in Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan.

IWMI modernizes agricultural practices in Pakistan

Farmers in the Gomal Zam Dam Command Area are learning to adopt climate change-resilient cultivation techniques.

IWMI’s new strategy shows the way forward for collective action on water security

Strategy 2024–2030 sets course for the next stage of the organization’s research and innovation journey.

BARC, IWMI sign MoU to strengthen research on agriculture

The Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) and IWMI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen research in irrigation and agriculture water management within Bangladesh.

Solar pumps are empowering women farmers in India

On top of its climate benefits, the technology is boosting women’s income and confidence while challenging traditional gender norms, writes IWMI's Tanmoy Bhaduri.

Solarising Nepal’s irrigation canals

Solarizing Nepal’s extensive irrigation canals offers huge advantages including improved irrigation reliability, higher crop production, greater farm income and improved food and nutritional security, according to IWMI researchers.

Peter Oppong’s inspiring journey

Smallholder farmers like Oppong are reaping the benefits of solar-powered irrigation, a cost-effective and easy-to-implement technology.

Cocoa farmers in Ghana show strong interest in solar-based irrigation, but pump costs are often too high

IWMI research shows that cocoa farmers in Ghana are interested in solar-powered irrigation pumps but face financial barriers. Policy changes and education are needed.

IWMI and partners prioritize inclusivity at Africa Food Systems Forum 2023

The annual event gathers a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss the agricultural challenges facing the continent.

Making Nepali farmers happy

The integration of groundwater-based irrigation systems with farmer-managed irrigation systems holds great potential, says IWMI researchers.

Conference lays out shared vision of strategies and investments needed to catalyze farmer-led irrigation development in Africa

Affordable finance, digital tools and innovation bundles are among the enablers that can help meet Africa’s irrigation potential of 60 million hectares in the next five years. 

Sustainable groundwater development through solar irrigation in India

In an op-ed on Gaon Connection, Alok Sikka argues that solar irrigation is an opportunity to manage groundwater and help Indian agriculture adapt to climate change.

Climate change is hurting India’s rice crop

Aditi Mukherjee explained that, with extreme weather events affecting cropping patterns, growers need to be equipped with new farming methods.

Supporting Nepal’s hill farmers to enhance their livelihoods through mixed farming

The hilly region of Nepal faces low productivity issues in the mixed farming system due to its’ challenged agro eco-system.

How irrigation scaling partnerships are boosting farmers’ resilience and livelihoods

Solutions have helped to strengthen demand and supply linkages along irrigated agricultural value chains, increasing farmers’ access to solar irrigation technologies and services, and ultimately boosting yields.

Transforming water research through integrated approaches

Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi’s collaborative, integrative approach to research yields studies that reveal and address the complex interconnections between water and all aspects of life.

Cultivating innovation in Africa’s food systems

Evidence-based irrigation scaling strategies co-developed by IWMI aim to accelerate innovation in agricultural value chains.

Arsenic risk to humans: How crops, trade, and groundwater contribute

The study represents a first step towards improving our collective understanding of the magnitude of global risk stemming from crops irrigated with arsenic-contaminated groundwater.

Agrilinks: Catalyzing farmer-led irrigation development in a changing climate

This blog identifies four key research areas to catalyze farmer-led irrigation at scale in a sustainable manner.

Exploring agricultural water challenges and opportunities in West Africa as climate change signals a new normal

Enhancing the sector’s climate resilience through the scaling of innovative and integrated water management solutions in West Africa.

Researchers map Ethiopia’s irrigated areas at a previously unavailable resolution

Remote sensing data enables IWMI researchers to identify irrigated areas at a resolution of 30 meters, providing valuable insights for water policy and agricultural planning.

Putting water at the heart of sustainable development in West Africa

According to the latest report published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, West Africa could face particularly high water risk. Largely dependent on rain-fed agriculture and already vulnerable to floods and droughts, the region faces declining crop yields by as early as 2050 if the large-scale water cycle changes already observed get any worse.

How smarter water management can help strengthen food security for the 500 million people who call the Nile Basin home

A recently completed study conducted by IWMI presents scenarios where water can be used sustainably and efficiently for cultivating crops.

Agriculture climate science in Zambia gets boost with launch of new World Bank-backed grant

The World Bank and IWMI will rapidly scale climate science to support agri-business in Zambia, tackling the climate challenge head on through the new AICCRA-Zambia Accelerator Grant.

With COP26 around the corner, explore how a proactive approach to drought management could help Southern Africa

With proper preparedness, drought doesn’t have to be such a killer. But being prepared means being proactive rather than responding to crises.

Four ways IWMI is using water to advance climate adaptation and mitigation around the world

During COP26 and beyond, IWMI will continue to advance a wide range of water-focused climate solutions and develop a diverse set technical, policy, and financial tools.

Climate, water, and poverty reduction – exploring the critical links

We have arrived at a crucial moment that calls upon us to incorporate smarter water management strategies into our longer-term planning.

From livestock to livelihoods: Lifelines through training for rural women in Pakistan

New initiative anticipates that strengthening water governance and management will improve rural livelihoods by increasing incomes for farming households.

Water availability concerns surface as irrigation area in Nile Basin projected to increase significantly by 2050

This study will contribute to sustainable and efficient investment planning to meet the growing water demands of the people of the Nile Basin

How water can boost environmental health and biodiversity

As a result of IWMI’s work in the realms of e-flow monitoring and aquifer recharge, water management for rivers and aquifers has been strengthened.

Water for whom? Realizing contemporary water allocation through age-old customary tenure practices

Ultimately, rights-based water resource allocation may appear to be the most effective to address legal pluralism for poverty alleviation and broad-based agricultural growth.