Resource Recovery & Reuse – 5
Citation:
Qadir, M.; Noble, A. D.; Karajeh, F.; George, B. 2015. Potential business opportunities from saline water and salt-affected land resources. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). 29p. (Resource Recovery and Reuse Series 5). [doi: 10.5337/2015.20]
Abstract
Generally, saline water and salt-affected lands are considered to suffer from low agricultural productivity and significant environmental constraints. However, recent evidence suggests that, by recycling and reusing saline water until it becomes inoperable for any economic activity and by returning salt-affected irrigated areas to higher levels of production, a significant contribution to food, feed and renewable energy production could be achieved without expanding the production area and obviating the associated challenges that this brings. This report delivers four case studies on saline water recycling and reuse which vividly suggest that strategic investments in salt-affected irrigated zones can make a significant contribution to poverty reduction, generate additional economic benefits, and ensure equitable social development for smallholders and marginalized groups, among other advantages.
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