Achieving uptake: How IWMI contributes to better development solutions
Science uptake is the effective use of research by decision makers to improve development practice and policy and donor investments, thereby leading to positive changes in the lives of people.
IWMI’s research has been used by governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and others, resulting in benefits to people and the environment. The Institute is committed to strengthening its solutions-oriented research agenda. This means supporting research users to make better informed policies and investments by providing critical research to decision-makers. It also means regularly monitoring and evaluating IWMI’s program to ensure that its research, products and services are demand-driven and put to use.
Our approach:
- Identifying client needs and engaging with research users.
- Packaging selected research recommendations as actionable investment plans and business models; and adapting selected IWMI research products into meaningful decision-making tools.
- Strengthening capacity of research users to effectively apply research-based tools and recommendations
- Strengthening partnerships with governments and other development partners to scale up positive impacts.
Contacts:
Coordinator for Research into Impact, Asia: Farah Ahmed
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