Irrigation and drainage management

In Africa it is estimated that 88% of all fresh water usage – 70% worldwide – is attributable to agriculture. Grain production utilizes a large portion of this, but poor cultivation and irrigation practices also waste significant amounts. More accurate estimation of crop water requirements and major improvements in the construction, operation, management and performance of existing irrigation and drainage systems are necessary to conserve water, prevent soil salination and waterlogging, and protect the environment. Improved irrigation systems can also increase agricultural and food production. Future solutions to increase agricultural water usage efficiency include the use of drip and other alternative irrigation systems, and relying on imported grains in areas where water supplies are insufficient to support grain production. Importing produce can be less expensive than developing irrigation systems.

Case Studies

Moroccans secure precious natural resource Fez, Morocco | March 3, 2004 Efforts to turn a tributary of Morocco’s Fez River from an acrid cesspool back into a thriving waterway have gained a key ally: the tanneries responsible for polluting the river. Learn more

Recovery from the ground up in Central America

Helping recover from cyclone damage in Madagascar

Rwandans benefit from quality coffee

Improving food security in Afghanistan

Demonstrating patience vanilla farming in Uganda

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