Achieving food and nutrition security, reducing inequality, and preserving terrestrial ecosystems
Sub-Saharan Africa faces major challenges around agriculture, food security and water access over the next half century. To address these effectively, decision-makers must have access to the most current and relevant information available. In an effort to help meet this need, SENTINEL (Social and Environmental Trade-offs in African Agriculture) is partnering with a team of researchers at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in a horizon scanning activity aimed at gathering insights on “achieving food and nutrition security, reducing inequality, and preserving terrestrial ecosystems.” Horizon scanning is a comprehensive approach that provides a platform for all to voice their views on factors driving future change. This activity involves asking a wide range of stakeholders to highlight important questions, the answers to which will shape the future of agricultural research in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this activity is to define 100 critical research questions for decision-makers across the region.
If you are an individual or organization involved or working in sub-Saharan Africa, you can contribute by sending in your proposed research questions. Find out more here: http://bit.ly/sentinel-iwmi
The deadline for submissions has been extended to August 31, 2019.
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