IWMI's 25 Years

This year, the International Water Management Institute-IWMI-is 25. It is customary on such occasions to dust off the trophies and review a long list of accomplishments. The truth is, these self-congratulatory narrative chronologies are of little interest to a wide audience. More importantly, they are dangerous, because they reinforce the tendency of all organizations to rest on their laurels and preclude the kind of critical self-examination most needed at these milestones in corporate evolution.

For these reasons, IWMI has commissioned a series of essays, On Being 25. Each essay is a reflection on one of the many aspects of an international agricultural research institution and what its past accomplishments mean for its future direction. Senior managers, past and present, and leading figures in the world of water have been invited to share their thoughts.
In addition to what we hope is a stimulating and thought-provoking series of essays, these pages offer a bit of history, some thoughts on corporate history, comments from former colleagues and announcements of events we are planning to celebrate this 25th Anniversary Year. We hope you will join us in some of the events and share your thoughts and suggestions on our content.

[advanced_iframe securitykey=”da39a3ee5e6b4b0d3255bfef95601890afd80709″ width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”//www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FIWMIonFB&width=315&height=290&show_faces=true&colorscheme=light&stream=false&border_color&header=true” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen]

- The link between small reservoir infrastructure and farmer-led irrigation: case study of Ogun Watershed in southwestern Nigeria. March 7, 2023
  Small water infrastructure in Nigeria needs to be utilized more efficiently. There are over 900 small reservoirs across the country. Many of these have yet to be put to productive use within the Ogun watershed in the Ogun Osun River Basin. The post The link between small reservoir infrastructure and farmer-led irrigation: case study of Ogun Watershed in sout […]
- Analysis of water reuse potential for irrigation in Lebanon September 14, 2022
  Water scarcity and pollution are major threats for human development in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and Lebanon is no exception. The post Analysis of water reuse potential for irrigation in Lebanon first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- Legal recognition of customary water tenure in Sub-Saharan Africa: unpacking the land-water nexus September 1, 2022
  Despite the progress made in conceptualizing and advocating for secure community-based land and forest tenure rights, there is a critical lacuna in advocacy and policymaking processes pertaining to community-based freshwater tenure rights. The post Legal recognition of customary water tenure in Sub-Saharan Africa: unpacking the land-water nexus first appeare […]
- Living Customary Water Tenure in Rights-based Water Management in Sub-Saharan Africa August 29, 2022
  Living customary water tenure is the most accepted socio-legal system among the large majority of rural people in sub-Saharan Africa. The post Living Customary Water Tenure in Rights-based Water Management in Sub-Saharan Africa first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- Change in global freshwater storage March 29, 2022
  Freshwater in both natural and man-made stores is critical for socioeconomic development. Globally, cumulative reduction in terrestrial water storage from 1971 to 2020 is estimated to be of the order of 27,079 Bm3. The post Change in global freshwater storage first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- Gender equality and social inclusion in community-led multiple use water services in Nepal. February 14, 2022
  The Constitution of Nepal 2015 enshrines everyone’s right of access to clean water for drinking and the right to food. The common operationalization of the right to water for drinking is providing access to infrastructure that brings water for drinking and other basic domestic uses near and at homesteads. The post Gender equality and social inclusion in comm […]
- Adaptation to Climate Variability in Sri Lanka: A Case Study of the Huruluwewa Irrigation System in the Dry Zone November 10, 2021
  This paper assesses how the Huruluwewa tank (HWT) irrigation system in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka adapts to climate variability. The post Adaptation to Climate Variability in Sri Lanka: A Case Study of the Huruluwewa Irrigation System in the Dry Zone first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- Economics of Index-based Flood Insurance (IBFI): scenario analysis and stakeholder perspectives from South Asia. November 10, 2021
  The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has recently developed an innovative Index-based Flood Insurance (IBFI) product to facilitate the scaling of flood insurance particularly in vulnerable economies, to provide risk cover to poor farmers against crop losses that occur due to floods. The post Economics of Index-based Flood Insurance (IBFI): sce […]
- Environmental risks from pesticide use: the case of commercial banana farming in northern Lao PDR. October 8, 2021
  Commercial farming of banana for export has rapidly expanded across northern uplands of Laos since 2008 with the establishment of new plantations by foreign companies. The post Environmental risks from pesticide use: the case of commercial banana farming in northern Lao PDR. first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- Chasing the water: the political economy of water management and catchment development in the Karamoja-Turkana Complex (KTC), Uganda. September 6, 2021
  Neighboring groups in Kenya are part of this system and use resources of Karamoja as part of their livelihood strategies, sometimes bringing them into conflict with local populations. The post Chasing the water: the political economy of water management and catchment development in the Karamoja-Turkana Complex (KTC), Uganda. first appeared on International W […]
- Scaling up Index-based Flood Insurance (IBFI) for agricultural resilience and flood-proofing livelihoods in developing countries. September 1, 2021
  This research report presents the first comprehensive framework of business models in terms of developing, marketing and scaling Index-based flood insurance (IBFI). The report evaluated ten case studies on agricultural insurance schemes (macro, meso and micro levels), globally, to develop public-private partnership business models for creating value (product […]
- Examining social accountability tools in the water sector: a case study from Nepal August 23, 2021
  Enhancing accountability has become an important objective of the governance reforms over the past two decades. Yet, only a few studies have explored the use of social accountability tools in the water sector in particular. This report aims to fill this gap, based on a case study of a donor-funded water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) […] The post Examining s […]
- Solar Photovoltaic Technology for Small-scale Irrigation in Ghana: Suitability Mapping and Business Models July 5, 2021
  This report assesses the potential of solar photovoltaic (PV) irrigation for smallholder agriculture in Ghana, using elements of business planning and business models with a suitability mapping approach. These approaches take into account the economic as well as environmental sustainability of expanding such technology. Using data from existing solar PV irri […]
- Analyzing the enabling environment to enhance the scaling of irrigation and water management technologies: a tool for implementers. February 16, 2021
  Designing scaling strategies that are adaptive to context and available resources requires an understanding of the enabling environment in which the scaling processes are embedded. The post Analyzing the enabling environment to enhance the scaling of irrigation and water management technologies: a tool for implementers. first appeared on International Water […]
- Guidelines for community-led multiple use water services: evidence from rural South Africa. December 9, 2020
  The African Water Facility, together with the Water Research Commission, South Africa, as its implementing agent, supported the demonstration project Operationalizing community-led Multiple Use water Services (MUS) in South Africa. The post Guidelines for community-led multiple use water services: evidence from rural South Africa. first appeared on Internati […]
- Process and benefits of community-led multiple use water services: comparing two communities in South Africa. December 9, 2020
  The African Water Facility, together with the Water Research Commission, South Africa, as its implementing agent, supported the demonstration project Operationalizing community-led Multiple Use water Services (MUS) in South Africa. The post Process and benefits of community-led multiple use water services: comparing two communities in South Africa. first app […]
- Gap and opportunity analysis of hydrological monitoring in the Ziway-Shala Sub-basin, Ethiopia. November 20, 2020
  This working paper was prepared under a development and conservation project – Societal Development and Ecosystems Conservation in Sahelian Wetlands (SAWEL) – focusing on improving food security and nutrition in the Sahel region by helping to safeguard wetlands through ecologically sustainable agricultural water management. The post Gap and opportunity analy […]
- Citizen science in community-based watershed management: An institutional analysis in Ethiopia October 28, 2020
  The engagement of communities (non-scientists) in the collection of reliable hydrometeorological data (a citizen science approach) has the potential to address part of the data gaps in Ethiopia. The post Citizen science in community-based watershed management: An institutional analysis in Ethiopia first appeared on International Water Management Institute (I […]
- Business models for fecal sludge management in India September 25, 2020
  Globally, 50% of the population relies on on-site sanitation systems (OSS) such as septic tanks and pit latrines and is, hence, in need of Fecal Sludge Management (FSM) solutions. The post Business models for fecal sludge management in India first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- Underground Transfer of Floods for Irrigation (UTFI): exploring potential at the global scale. September 23, 2020
  This report presents a spatial analysis conducted at global scale to identify areas of high suitability for implementing the Underground Transfer of Floods for Irrigation (UTFI) approach. The post Underground Transfer of Floods for Irrigation (UTFI): exploring potential at the global scale. first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI). […]
- IWMI Annual Report 2019 September 10, 2020
  The year 2019 saw great progress across many of IWMI’s impact pathways and also the launch of our new strategy, which sets us on a path to achieving the vision of ‘a water secure world’. The post IWMI Annual Report 2019 first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- WLE Annual Report 2019 July 28, 2020
  Results from WLE demonstrate how new evidence and innovations contribute to sustainable intensification of agriculture at landscape level. The post WLE Annual Report 2019 first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- Exclosures for landscape restoration in Ethiopia: business model scenarios and suitability April 15, 2020
  Land degradation is a critical problem around the world. Intensive rain-fed and irrigated crop and livestock systems have contributed to the degradation of land and natural resources. The post Exclosures for landscape restoration in Ethiopia: business model scenarios and suitability first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- Community water management and agricultural extension services: effects, impacts and perceptions in the coastal zone of Bangladesh March 13, 2020
  The coastal region of Bangladesh is prone to natural disasters and these events are expected to worsen as a result of climate change. The post Community water management and agricultural extension services: effects, impacts and perceptions in the coastal zone of Bangladesh first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- Training manual for fecal sludge-based compost production and application January 14, 2020
  Based on IWMI’s experience, this training manual has been compiled for plant managers and trainers to help ensure that staff involved in FS treatment and production, and application of an FS-based co-compost adopt best practices in all processes involved. The post Training manual for fecal sludge-based compost production and application first appeared on Int […]
- Global Experiences on Waste Processing with Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens): From Technology to Business November 14, 2019
  The report showcases some of the leading global businesses in Black Soldier Fly production. The post Global Experiences on Waste Processing with Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens): From Technology to Business first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- Assessment of Environmental Flows for River Health July 9, 2019
  Based on years of research, the assessment of environmental flows (or E-flows) has begun to take on a strategic role in the efforts of developing countries to keep their rivers healthy. With support from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and its partners, countries are using E-flow calculators to plan the management of water resources […] T […]
- Revolutionizing Smallholder Irrigation in Africa July 9, 2019
  Intensifying small-scale irrigation is an especially urgent imperative for sub-Saharan Africa, where scarce or variable rainfall severely handicaps agriculture, curbing productivity and resilience. The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and its partners have taken bold steps to tackle this challenge, developing business models for irrigation tec […]
- Small Reservoirs in Africa: A Review and Synthesis to Strengthen Future Investment July 9, 2019
  Small reservoirs are a critical coping mechanism in water-stressed rural areas in Africa, providing immense livelihood benefits that include improved food and water security, entrepreneurial activities and climate resilience. Challenges associated with the implementation of investments in small reservoirs include appropriate site selection, weak institutions […]
- Unpacking the water-energy-environment-food nexus: working across systems. June 6, 2019
  The increasing demand for water, energy and food, and the interdependence of these systems could lead to potential human conflict in the future. The post Unpacking the water-energy-environment-food nexus: working across systems. first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- Quantifying the services of natural and built infrastructure in the context of climate change: the case of the Tana River Basin, Kenya. April 4, 2019
  This report presents findings from a study conducted to explore the synergies and trade-offs between built (i.e., engineered) and natural (i.e., ecological systems) infrastructure in the Tana River Basin, Kenya. The post Quantifying the services of natural and built infrastructure in the context of climate change: the case of the Tana River Basin, Kenya. fir […]
- Mechanizing Water Lifting through Pumps: A Case Study in Sri Lanka March 25, 2019
  A reliable supply of water is critical for agricultural intensification and yield improvement. Technological devices that lift, transport and apply water contribute to increased yield from improved crop varieties and high input cultivation. The increasing use of motor pumps is a significant contribution to the development of small-scale irrigation. The objec […]
- From the Mountains to the Plains: Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources in the Koshi River Basin March 14, 2019
  The Koshi Basin, spread across China, Nepal and India, is perceived as having high potential for hydropower and irrigation development, both seen as ways to promote economic development in the region. The post From the Mountains to the Plains: Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources in the Koshi River Basin first appeared on International Water Managemen […]
- Community-managed groundwater irrigation on the Vientiane Plain of Lao PDR: planning, implementation and findings from a pilot trial January 18, 2019
  Laos has vast surface water resources. However, in areas located far away from surface water sources or those that are prone to surface water scarcity, groundwater is gaining recognition as a valuable source of water for agricultural development. Households in Ekxang village on the Vientiane Plain, for example, depend on rainfall for the cultivation of […] T […]
- Improving the availability and effectiveness of rural and “Micro” finance for small-scale irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review of lessons learned December 18, 2018
  This paper reviews the evidence available on the provision of financing for African smallholder farmers to purchase irrigation equipment such as pumps, pipes and drip irrigation systems. The post Improving the availability and effectiveness of rural and “Micro” finance for small-scale irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review of lessons learned first appear […]
- Gender dimensions of community-based groundwater governance in Ethiopia: using citizen science as an entry point October 15, 2018
  The leading role played by women in obtaining and safeguarding water is not usually reflected in the institutional arrangements for water management. The post Gender dimensions of community-based groundwater governance in Ethiopia: using citizen science as an entry point first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- Investigation of the modalities for an innovative financing mechanism for participatory natural resource management in the Bale Eco-region, Ethiopia. August 27, 2018
  This study reviewed the status of natural resources and the driving forces for change, as well as past and ongoing approaches in natural resource management at the watershed scale in Ethiopia. The post Investigation of the modalities for an innovative financing mechanism for participatory natural resource management in the Bale Eco-region, Ethiopia. first ap […]
- Highlights of soil and water conservation investments in four regions of Ethiopia. August 13, 2018
  This paper provides details of soil and water conservation (SWC) investments in Ethiopia over the past 20 years. It presents SWC practices and estimates the level of SWC investments in different regions. The paper focuses on four principal agricultural regions: Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR and Tigray. Primary and secondary data were collected for the analysis, and […]
- Resource Recovery from Waste July 31, 2018
  The book provides a compendium of business options for energy, nutrients and water recovery via 24 innovative business models based on an in-depth analysis of over 60 empirical cases, of which 47 from around the world are described and evaluated in a systematic way. The post Resource Recovery from Waste first appeared on International Water Management Instit […]
- Water user associations: a review of approaches and alternative management options for Sub-Saharan Africa. June 18, 2018
  The objective of this paper is not to challenge the myth of WUAs but to learn how to better deliver on the promised outcomes. The post Water user associations: a review of approaches and alternative management options for Sub-Saharan Africa. first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- Annual Report 2017 June 12, 2018
  We are pleased to share with you our new annual report, presenting a wide array of recent advances that underline the importance and value of IWMI's "focus on global water challenges". The post Annual Report 2017 first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- Business model scenarios and suitability: Smallholder solar pump-based irrigation in Ethiopia March 29, 2018
  This report outlines a business model approach to assessing the feasibility and for encouraging investment in smallholder solar pump irrigation. It also proposes a new methodology for mapping the suitability of solar energy-based irrigation pumps. The proposed business model framework and the methodology for suitability mapping are applied to Ethiopia as a c […]
- IWMI Research Report – 171: Joint Ventures in the Flag Boshielo Irrigation Scheme, South Africa: A History of Smallholders, States and Business February 2, 2018
  The report analyzes the changing tripartite constellations between South African black smallholders, the pre- and post-apartheid state, and the country’s large-scale agribusiness and irrigation industry. The post IWMI Research Report – 171: Joint Ventures in the Flag Boshielo Irrigation Scheme, South Africa: A History of Smallholders, States and Business fir […]
- IWMI Working Paper – 179: Dependence of riparian communities on ecosystem services in northern Ghana January 23, 2018
  This study investigated the dependence of three riparian communities on ecosystem services in northern Ghana. Participatory mapping and ranking exercises in gender-segregated groups were used to elicit information on the communities’ livelihoods. The post IWMI Working Paper – 179: Dependence of riparian communities on ecosystem services in northern Ghana fir […]
- IWMI Working Paper – 178: Understanding the Hydrological Impacts of Climate Change in the Tana River Basin, Kenya January 17, 2018
  This report presents the findings of a study to determine the possible impacts of climate change on the hydrology of the Tana River basin. The post IWMI Working Paper – 178: Understanding the Hydrological Impacts of Climate Change in the Tana River Basin, Kenya first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- IWMI Working Paper – 177: Sticks and carrots: managing groundwater overabstraction in La Mancha, Spain. November 15, 2017
  This paper presents a historical analysis of the different policy tools used to manage and regulate groundwater abstraction in the Western Mancha aquifer. Without much initial regulation and control, groundwater resources and aquifer levels decreased dramatically, threatening agriculture and also highly valuable groundwater-dependent wetland ecosystems. The […]
- IWMI Working Paper – 175: Public participation in environmental impact assessment of hydropower plants in Nepal: a context-specific approach. September 28, 2017
  This paper investigates the public participation (PP) process in environmental impact assessments (EIA) of three large-scale hydropower plants (HPs) in Nepal, and looks at how the process can be improved to include the interests of citizens impacted. It is the theoretical standpoint of this paper that improvements to the PP process can be implemented only [… […]
- IWMI Working Paper – 176: Adapting aquifer storage and recovery technology to the flood-prone areas of northern Ghana for dry-season irrigation. September 19, 2017
  The Bhungroo Irrigation Technology (BIT) is a system designed to infiltrate excess ‘standing’ floodwater to be stored underground and abstracted for irrigation during the dry season. The system was developed in India and piloted in three sites in northern Ghana. This paper documents the implementation of BIT, the operating principles and criteria for selecti […]
- IWMI Working Paper – 173: Agro-climatic and hydrological characterization of selected watersheds in northern Ghana August 10, 2017
  This paper provides the climatic and biophysical context of three watersheds in northern Ghana. The objective of the study is to describe the agro-climatic and hydrological features of the watersheds from a landscape perspective. The analyses show that water surplus occurs about 3 months in a year, with only one month providing a significant surplus. […] The […]
- IWMI Annual Report 2016 August 1, 2017
  We are pleased to share with you a sampling of our most recent research-for-development results in IWMI Annual Report 2016. The post IWMI Annual Report 2016 first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- IWMI in Action June 19, 2017
  Read on to learn what we aim to achieve, how our researchers work and where we concentrate our collaborative efforts. The post IWMI in Action first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- IWMI Working Paper – 174: Smallholder irrigation schemes in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. June 16, 2017
  A survey of 76 public smallholder irrigation schemes in the Limpopo Province was jointly conducted by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), South Africa, and the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD), as part of the ‘Revitalization of Smallholder Irrigation in […]
- IWMI Research Report – 170: Mapping Multiple Climate-related Hazards in South Asia June 7, 2017
  This Research Report presents the first comprehensive overview of the multiple climate hazard risks, and the proposed key issues and challenges facing the South Asian region. This report suggests methods for mapping such risks and estimating their impacts on people and agriculture in South Asia. Regional, country-wise and sub-national assessment of five clim […]
- IWMI Working Paper – 172: Mapping irrigated areas in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. April 20, 2017
  This report summarizes the findings of a collaborative effort to map and assess irrigated areas in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study was conducted by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development […]
- IWMI Research Report – 169: Beyond ‘More Crop per Drop’: Evolving thinking on agricultural water productivity March 16, 2017
  This Research Report chronicles the evolution of thinking on water productivity in the research agenda of IWMI. The post IWMI Research Report – 169: Beyond ‘More Crop per Drop’: Evolving thinking on agricultural water productivity first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- IWMI Research Report – 168: Global environmental flow information for the sustainable development goals March 14, 2017
  Environmental flows (EF) are an important component of Goal 6 (the ‘water goal’) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet, many countries still do not have well-defined criteria on how to define EF. In this study, we bring together the International Water Management Institute’s (IWMI’s) expertise and previous research in this area to develop a […] Th […]
- Resource Recovery & Reuse, series-7: A review on production, marketing and use of fuel briquettes February 2, 2017
  Where modern heating and cooking fuels for domestic, institutional, commercial and industrial use are not readily available, briquettes made from biomass residues could contribute to the sustainable supply of energy. This study reviews the briquette making process, looking at the entire value chain starting from the type and characteristics of feedstock used […]
- IWMI Working Paper – 171: Multiple uses of small reservoirs in crop-livestock agro-ecosystems of the Volta River Basin with an emphasis on livestock management. February 2, 2017
  This working paper was based on the study on multiple uses of small reservoirs in the Volta River Basin of Burkina Faso. The study was conducted in communities using five small reservoirs in Yatenga Province. The aim of the study was to document the multiple uses of small reservoirs in the study sites with an […] The post IWMI Working Paper – 171: Multiple u […]
- IWMI Working Paper – 170: An assessment of integrated watershed management in Ethiopia. December 20, 2016
  Sustainable participatory watershed management is an approach promoted by the Ethiopian government to restore natural resources and agricultural productivity across the country. This comparative study between six watershed programs shows that this approach increases farmers’ food security and incomes (around 50% on average), as well as their resilience to dr […]
- Wastewater Irrigation in Maharashtra: An exploration November 16, 2016
  This Highlight presents a synthesis of field explorations in 11 locations in Maharashtra which cover the extent of wastewater irrigation. The post Wastewater Irrigation in Maharashtra: An exploration first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- The Art of Glacier Grafting: Innovative water harvesting techniques in Ladakh November 16, 2016
  This Highlight looks at how combining sound science with credible local knowledge is helping people improve climate resilience. The post The Art of Glacier Grafting: Innovative water harvesting techniques in Ladakh first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- Watershed Moments: A photographic anthology celebrating 30 years of research for a water-secure world November 8, 2016
  Understanding issues, assessing options for change, and proposing solutions. The post Watershed Moments: A photographic anthology celebrating 30 years of research for a water-secure world first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- Reviving the Ganges water machine: potential and challenges to meet increasing water demand in the Ganges River Basin September 27, 2016
  (IWMI Research Report 167) Although the Ganges River Basin (GRB) has abundant water resources, the seasonal monsoon causes a mismatch in water supply and demand, which creates severe water-related challenges for the people living in the basin, the rapidly growing economy and the environment. Addressing these increasing challenges will depend on how people ma […]
- Energy recovery from domestic and agro-waste streams in Uganda: a socioeconomic assessment August 11, 2016
  Recovering energy from waste offers dual benefits – a) improved waste management, and b) provision of reliable energy to households, institutions and commercial entities. In this report, we present a socioeconomic assessment of three energy business models (briquette manufacturing, on-site (public toilet) energy generation, and agro-waste electricity generat […]
- Testing the implementation potential of resource recovery and reuse business models: from baseline surveys to feasibility studies and business plans June 28, 2016
  This report presents a detailed methodological framework that can be used for the feasibility assessment of Resource Recovery and Reuse (RRR) business models in the context of developing countries. Its purpose is to support public and private sectors as well as investors in determining the potential viability of RRR in a particular location and context. […] […]
- Methods to investigate the hydrology of the Himalayan springs: a review June 2, 2016
  This paper reviews the methods to investigate the flow rates of springs in small mountainous watersheds within the Himalayan region. The post Methods to investigate the hydrology of the Himalayan springs: a review first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- IWMI Working Paper – 165: Baseline review and ecosystem services assessment of the Tana River Basin, Kenya. May 11, 2016
  This report provides an overview of the biophysical characteristics, ecosystem services and links to livelihoods within the basin. The post IWMI Working Paper – 165: Baseline review and ecosystem services assessment of the Tana River Basin, Kenya. first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- IWMI Working Paper – 166: Water resources assessment of the Volta River Basin. May 11, 2016
  The ‘WISE-UP to climate’ project aims to demonstrate the value of natural infrastructure as a ‘nature-based solution’ for climate change adaptation and sustainable development. Within the Volta River Basin, both natural and built infrastructure provide livelihood benefits for people. Understanding the interrelationships between the two types of infrastructur […]
- IWMI Research Report – 166 Evaluating the flow regulating effects of ecosystems in the Mekong and Volta river basins May 4, 2016
  By altering evapotranspiration and influencing how water is routed and stored in a basin, natural and agrarian ecosystems affect river flow. To quantify the impact of ecosystems on streamflow in two large river basins in Asia and Africa, simple statistical relationships were calculated, enabling flow characteristics to be ascertained from basic catchment fea […]
- IWMI Research Report – 165: Controlling floods and droughts through underground storage: from concept to pilot implementation in the Ganges River Basin. May 4, 2016
  The concept of ‘Underground Taming of Floods for Irrigation’ (UTFI) is introduced as an approach for co-managing floods and droughts at the river basin scale. UTFI involves strategic recharge of aquifers upstream during periods of high flow, thereby preventing local and downstream flooding, and simultaneously providing additional groundwater for irrigation d […]
- IWMI Working Paper – 168: Measuring transboundary water cooperation: learning from the past to inform the sustainable development goals December 22, 2015
  Water cooperation has received prominent focus in the post-2015 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While proposals for measuring water cooperation appear to be converging toward a small set of indicators, the degree to which these proposed indicators draw on past work is unclear. This paper mines relevant past work to generate guidance for […]
- IWMI Working Paper – 167: Review of hydro-economic models to address river basin management problems: structure, applications and research gaps December 22, 2015
  Efficient use of water resources is gaining priority in global development policy debates due to the increasing demand for water from agriculture, industry, energy production and ecosystem services. This study systematically reviews the recent hydro-economic modeling (HEM) literature to characterize the relevance of HEM tools for analyzing problems of water […]
- IWMI Research Report – 164: Integrated Assessment of Groundwater Use for Improving Livelihoods in the Dry Zone of Myanmar October 26, 2015
  In the Dry Zone of Myanmar, improved access to water is widely acknowledged as being vital for livelihood enhancement and the general well-being of around 10 million people, most of whom depend on agriculture. Thus, expanding the sustainable use of groundwater is of great importance for socioeconomic development. According to this study, opportunities for ac […]
- IWMI Working Paper – 163: Characteristics of urban and peri-urban agriculture in West Africa: results of an exploratory survey conducted in Tamale (Ghana) and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) October 8, 2015
  Agriculture is a long-standing feature of urban and peri-urban West Africa. The technical, environmental, social and political implications of urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) have been researched throughout the twentieth century and into the twenty-first. Such work starts with description (Rakodi 1988; Lee-Smith 2013), and moves through valorization o […]
- IWMI Working Paper – 164: Consumer perceptions of fruit and vegetable quality: certification and other options for safeguarding public health in West Africa. October 8, 2015
  Urban areas in developing countries have many formal and informal food chains and face diverse food-quality and -safety challenges resulting from infrastructure (e.g., cold transport and storage) and institutional capacities (e.g., for monitoring of compliance with safety standards), and legislations in general might not be able to keep pace with the dynamic […]
- Improving water management in Myanmar’s Dry Zone for food security, livelihoods and health September 25, 2015
  This research study was initiated as part of the project: Sustainable management of water to improve food security and livelihoods in the Dry Zone of Myanmar. The post Improving water management in Myanmar’s Dry Zone for food security, livelihoods and health first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- IWMI Research Report – 163: Demonstrating Complexity with a Role-playing Simulation: Investing in Water in the Indrawati Subbasin, Nepal September 21, 2015
  This report documents the use of a role-playing game to demonstrate the interaction between migration, social capital and the effectiveness of water storage. The post IWMI Research Report – 163: Demonstrating Complexity with a Role-playing Simulation: Investing in Water in the Indrawati Subbasin, Nepal first appeared on International Water Management Institu […]
- IWMI Annual Report 2014 June 26, 2015
  Our latest annual report is published as an online version as well as a downloadable summary. The post IWMI Annual Report 2014 first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
- IWMI Working Paper – 162: Review paper on ‘Garden Kits’ in Africa: lessons learned and the potential of improved water management April 2, 2015
  The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the available knowledge and lessons learned from past experiences in promoting kitchen or home gardens for food production, with a special emphasis on water management. The benefits of home gardens for better family nutrition, health status of children and mothers, and as an entry point for empowering […] The post I […]
- Managing water and fertilizer for sustainable agricultural intensification March 11, 2015
  This book is a timely contribution as it cuts across the water and fertilizer sectors and summarizes the state-of-the-art knowledge on plant nutrition and water management and the challenges we face in achieving the food security component of the Sustainable Development Goals. The post Managing water and fertilizer for sustainable agricultural intensificatio […]
- IWMI Working Paper – 159: A framework to Understand Gender and Structural Vulnerability to Climate Change in the Ganges River Basin: Lessons from Bangladesh, India and Nepal February 18, 2015
  As climate change becomes accepted as a reality in the scientific community, it is critical to continue to understand its impact on the ground, particularly for communities dependent on agriculture and natural resources. This report reviews the extensive literature on the vulnerability to climate change in South Asia, with a focus on gender. It highlights ho […]
- IWMI Research Report – 161: Is ‘Social Cooperation’ for traditional irrigation, while ‘Technology’ is for motor pump irrigation? February 11, 2015
  Based on a case study in Ethiopia, this paper shows that while farmers understand the social nature of community-managed irrigation, they share a narrow understanding of pump irrigation with policymakers as being primarily ‘technical’. They perceive pumps as liberating them from the ‘social’ limitations of traditional communal irrigation. However, the rapid […]
- IWMI Research Report – 160: Understanding farmers’ adaptation to water scarcity: a case study from the western Nile Delta, Egypt February 11, 2015
  This study was undertaken to analyze farmers’ adaption to water scarcity in the command area of a secondary canal in the Nile Delta of Egypt. The results revealed that farmers’ responses were driven by a multiplicity of factors, beyond water scarcity or profit maximization. These additional factors include food security of the family, risk management, […] Th […]
- IWMI Working Paper – 161: Extent of Arsenic Contamination and Its Impact on the Food Chain and Human Health in the Eastern Ganges Basin: A Review February 11, 2015
  Exposure to arsenic and the use of arsenic-contaminated groundwater in agriculture causes serious health issues. Complete or partial contamination of groundwater is reported worldwide, especially in the Eastern Gangetic Basin (EGB). This study aims to create an overall assessment of arsenic contamination in the EGB based on existing literature, demarcate the […]
- IWMI Research Report – 159: Climate Change, Out-migration and Agrarian Stress: The Potential for Upscaling Small-scale Water Storage in Nepal December 5, 2014
  Climate change could have a critical impact on agriculture in Nepal due to dry-season water shortages, and changes in the variability of water availability and associated uncertainty. This makes water storage systems (most notably ponds and tanks) increasingly important. This report explores the potential role of small-scale water storage infrastructure in t […]
- Revitalizing Canal Irrigation: Towards Improving Cost Recovery September 24, 2014
  Cost recovery from irrigation in almost all the countries presents a dismal picture. Low cost recovery coupled with declining government finances has led to the deterioration of both the quality of the built infrastructure and institutions managing and governing such infrastructure. This has created a vicious circle of low cost recovery, poor maintenance of […]
- Water for Food in Bangladesh: Outlook to 2030 September 16, 2014
  This study assesses the changing consumption patterns of rice in Bangladesh and its implications on water demand by 2030. Rice dominates food and water consumption patterns in the country; it contributed to 72% of the total calorie supply from food, and 81% and 79% of the total cropped and irrigated area, respectively, in 2010. Forecasts […] The post Water f […]
- Global Water Demand Projections: Past, Present and Future. August 28, 2014
  A review of global water demand projections (WDPs) show substantial over- or under-estimation. The pre-1990 WDPs, with population as the main driver of change, over-projected current water use by 20 to 130%. The post-1990 WDPs, with sophisticated modeling frameworks, show substantial underestimation under the ‘business-as-usual’ scenarios and are more downwa […]
- Land Reforms and Feminization of Agricultural Labor in Sughd Province, Tajikistan. July 10, 2014
  This report analyzes the influence of agrarian transformations on the feminization of agricultural production in rural Tajikistan. It explores women’s multiple labor relations for meeting basic needs of the household. The evidence shows that households have to depend on more types of agricultural work to secure day-to-day as well as long-term livelihood secu […]
- Review of Literature on Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka May 21, 2014
  This manuscript undertakes a review of current published information (peer-reviewed and grey literature) on Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka. It attempts to provide an overview of the possible environmentally-induced causal factors that have been implicated in the development of the disease, and identifies the gaps in research a […]
- Determinants of Adoption of Rainwater Management Technologies among Farm Households in the Nile River Basin. May 16, 2014
  Gebregziabher, Gebrehawaria; Rebelo, Lisa-Maria; Notenbaert, A.; Ergano, K.; Abebe, Yenenesh. 2013. Determinants of adoption of rainwater management technologies among farm households in the Nile River Basin. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 38p. (IWMI Research Report 154) [doi] Keywords / Abstract | Fulltext (2.48 MB) […]
- A Participatory Approach for Hydrometeorological Monitoring in the Blue Nile River Basin of Ethiopia. April 22, 2014
  Zemadim, B.; McCartney, Matthew; Langan, Simon; Sharma, Bharat. 2013. A participatory approach for hydrometeorological monitoring in the Blue Nile River Basin of Ethiopia. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 32p. (IWMI Research Report 155) [doi] Keywords / Abstract | Fulltext (1 MB) The post A Participatory Approach for Hy […]
- Hydrogeology of the Eastern Ganges Basin: an overview February 17, 2014
  Rajmohan, N.; Prathapar, S. A. 2013. Hydrogeology of the Eastern Ganges Basin: an overview. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 42p. (IWMI Working Paper 157). [doi] Keywords / Abstract | Fulltext (830KB) The post Hydrogeology of the Eastern Ganges Basin: an overview first appeared on International Water Management Institut […]
- Manual well drilling investment opportunity in Ethiopia. February 17, 2014
  Weight, Elizabeth; Yoder, R.; Keller, A. 2013. Manual well drilling investment opportunity in Ethiopia. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 25p. (IWMI Working Paper 155) [doi] Keywords / Abstract | Fulltext (1.1MB) The post Manual well drilling investment opportunity in Ethiopia. first appeared on International Water Manag […]
- Facilitating outcomes: multi-stakeholder processes for influencing policy change on urban agriculture in selected West African and South Asian cities. December 23, 2013
  Amerasinghe, P.; Cofie, O. O.; Labri, T. O.; Drechsel, P. 2013. Facilitating outcomes: multi-stakeholder processes for influencing policy change on urban agriculture in selected West African and South Asian cities. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 34p. (IWMI Research Report 153). [doi] Keywords / Abstract | Fulltext (1. […]
- Managed aquifer recharge: the solution for water shortages in the Fergana Valley. August 19, 2013
  Karimov, Akmal; Smakhtin, Vladimir; Mavlonov, A.; Borisov, V.; Gracheva, I.; Miryusupov, F.; Djumanov, J.; Khamzina, T.; Ibragimov, R.; Abdurahmanov, B. 2013. Managed aquifer recharge: the solution for water shortages in the Fergana Valley [Central Asia]. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 51p. (IWMI Research Report 151) [do […]
- IWMI Annual Report 2012 August 5, 2013
  A look back at the previous year of IWMI’s activities, achievements and accolades. Download the Annual Report [1.94mb] Features include: [fancy-ul style=”rounded-arrow-list” variation=”blue”] IWMI awarded highest accolade in water research IWMI-led research program on Water, Land and Ecosystems gets under way IWMI social scientist wins first Norman Borlaug A […]
- Agricultural Water Storage in an Era of Climate Change: Assessing Need and Effectiveness in Africa July 17, 2013
  McCartney, Matthew; Rebelo, Lisa-Maria; Xenarios, Stefanos; Smakhtin, Vladimir. 2013. Agricultural water storage in an era of climate change: assessing need and effectiveness in Africa. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 37p. (IWMI Research Report 152) [doi] Keywords / Abstract | Fulltext (1.40MB) The post Agricultural Wa […]
- Glacier systems and seasonal snow cover in six major Asian river basins: hydrological role under changing climate July 8, 2013
  Savoskul, Oxana S.; Smakhtin, Vladimir. 2013. Glacier systems and seasonal snow cover in six major Asian river basins: hydrological role under changing climate. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 45p. (IWMI Research Report 150) [doi] Keywords / Abstract | Fulltext (1.12MB) The post Glacier systems and seasonal snow cover […]
- Glacier systems and seasonal snow cover in six major Asian river basins: water storage properties under changing climate July 7, 2013
  Savoskul, Oxana S.; Smakhtin, Vladimir. 2013. Glacier systems and seasonal snow cover in six major Asian river basins: water storage properties under changing climate. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 61p. (IWMI Research Report 149) [doi] Keywords / Abstract | Fulltext (1.75MB) The post Glacier systems and seasonal snow […]

[advanced_iframe securitykey=”da39a3ee5e6b4b0d3255bfef95601890afd80709″ src=”http://prezi.com/embed/hm8bx4s3hjl7/?bgcolor=ffffff&lock_to_path=1&autoplay=no&autohide_ctrls=0″ width=”420″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/CuOLT8cdKSw” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen]

[advanced_iframe securitykey=”da39a3ee5e6b4b0d3255bfef95601890afd80709″ width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/MRrGF87p6YI” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen]

[advanced_iframe securitykey=”da39a3ee5e6b4b0d3255bfef95601890afd80709″ src=”http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/swf/ngplayer_syndicated.swf” flashVars=”slug=env-freshwater-whycare&img=http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/media/env-freshwater-whycare/env-freshwater-whycare_480x360.jpg&vtitle=Why%20Care%20About%20Water?&caption=There%20is%20the%20same%20amount%20of%20water%20on%20Earth%20today%20as%20there%20was%20when%20the%20dinosaurs%20roamed.%20And%20just%20less%20than%20one%20percent%20of%20the%20planet’s%20water%20is%20available%20to%20meet%20the%20daily%20drinking%20water,%20sanitation%20and%20food%20needs%20of%20nearly%207%20billion%20people%20and%20millions%20of%20other%20species.%20Learn%20more%20about%20water%20in%20all%20its%20forms%20and%20how%20you%20can%20make%20a%20difference.&permalink=http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/environment/habitats-environment/freshwater/env-freshwater-whycare.html&share=true” name=”flashObj” width=”460″ height=”321″ seamlesstabbing=”false” allowfullscreen=”true” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” pluginspage=”http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash”frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen]