Two years ago, IWMI, researchers from Khon Kaen University and farmer networks began to examine low-cost, ecologically sustainable, and locally accepted practiced technologies to reverse soil degradation in Northeast Thailand. The research focused on the potential role of bentonite clays in rejuvenating soils as an alternative to current, but unsustainable use of termite mounds and dredged materials from reservoirs. Since project inception, at least 500 farmer families in 200 villages in Northeast Thailand are directly involved and using clay based materials, which suggests 20,000 farmers are aware of the technology. Further, the Land Development Department (LDD) has adopted the clay-based approach, which includes use of co-composted waste bentonite technology that IWMI developed. This product (called LDD10) will be promoted to farmers during the 2005 annual LDD Farmers Day. LDD has indicated they will invest Baht 3 million this year on the program. LDD was also approach by Thailand’s Royal Project to assist in making the product available to their farmers.
There are also approximately 400 households in Cambodia each with an area of 0.2 ha that have been influenced or are using clay based technologies. In Vietnam, Dr. Andrew Noble of IWMI has been approached by the South Vietnam Agricultural Department for advice on the use of bentonites, and field trials will be established this season in collaboration with World Vision. Approximately 900,000ha in South Vietnam could benefit form this type of approach.
Source: Dr. Sawaeng, Khon Kaen University and Dr. Andrew Noble, IWMI.
Enhancing capacity for system transformation
Strengthening and sustaining the enabling environment
Enabling gender and youth inclusion
Brokering knowledge for sustainability
Cultivating scaling preparedness
Fostering scaling partnerships
Co-developing innovation bundles
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 
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 
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 
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 
