Margaret Catley-Carlson (UNSGAB) said IWRM requires a series of changes in the development model, including institutional change, priority setting, protection of the interests of the poor and women, and reforms and investments on the ground. Mike Muller (South Africa) pointed out that there is no global water crisis, except challenges at local levels, and emphasized IWRM. David Molden (International Water Management Institute) noted that water is available globally, but lack of access to water is the constraint for food production, and highlighted the need for IWRM, institutional reform and a change of consumption patterns. Daniel Zimmer (World Water Council), on behalf of Loïc Fauchon, World Water Council President, proposed: viewing water as a development tool; involving policy makers on water issues as water sharing is political; and supporting international cooperation at the city level.
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Source: http://www.iisd.ca/vol05/enb05262e.html













Population pressure and increasing water competition in a changing climate require us to take stock of the availability and use of water across scales. Water availability not only influences farmers’ commercial prospects but also irrigation-related enterprises and agri-businesses. Greater water scarcity could jeopardize irrigation and agricultural markets while excessive water use can lead to declining ecosystems, water quality and soil health. IWMI advises development partners and the public and private sectors on all aspects of water resource availability and use through a variety of advanced modeling and remote-sensing products and tools, including
The ability of farmers to engage in or expand irrigation depends on the prevailing socioeconomic, ecological and political contexts, which are often complex, non-linear and changeable. Overcoming systemic barriers to farmer-led irrigation development while taking advantage of existing opportunities
A lack of affordable credit, particularly for women and resource-poor farmers, is one of the main barriers to expanding farmer-led irrigation in low- and middle-income countries. But
Scaling farmer-led irrigation requires strengthening human capacity and knowledge exchange among all actors and stakeholders involved. IWMI takes an action research approach, working with national and international research institutions, governments, extension agents and public and private organizations to co-develop the scaling ecosystem and strengthen capacity to drive scaling networks and collective action. We support the