Latest IWMI Publications

Model Framework for a Citizen Science Water Monitoring System in the Limpopo River Basin

2026-04-02T13:36:25Z

dc.title: Model Framework for a Citizen Science Water Monitoring System in the Limpopo River Basin dc.contributor.author: Pattinson, N. B.; Russell, C.; Langa, Nicole; Darlington, Daniella; Graham, M. dcterms.abstract: This technical report presents a model framework for establishing a citizen science water monitoring system in the Limpopo River Basin. The basin faces significant environmental pressures, including water scarcity, declining water quality, climate variability, and growing socio-economic demands. Addressing these challenges is constrained by persistent data gaps, which limit effective water resource management. The framework proposes a six-step, iterative approach to integrating citizen science into basin-scale monitoring and decision-making. These steps include: (1) establishing a diverse and inclusive partner network; (2) implementing Training-of-Trainers programs to build local capacity; (3) engaging communities to recruit and train citizen scientists; (4) designing robust systems for data collection, curation, and storage aligned with FAIR principles; (5) visualizing and reporting data through integration with a river basin Digital Twin; and (6) developing sustainable inincentivization mechanisms to support participation. A central innovation is the integration of citizen-generated data into the Limpopo River Basin Digital Twin, enabling near real-time visualization, AI-assisted analysis, and improved data-to-action pathways for decision-makers. The framework emphasizes inclusivity, co-design, ethical data practices, and adaptive management through continuous feedback loops. The model demonstrates how citizen science can enhance environmental monitoring, empower communities, and strengthen transboundary water governance. While tailored to the Limpopo River Basin, it is designed as a scalable and adaptable approach for other river basins globally, contributing to improved water security, climate resilience, and achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Digital Transformation

Stakeholder Profiling and Innovation Scaling Demand Signaling in Nigeria

2026-04-02T13:37:35Z

dc.title: Stakeholder Profiling and Innovation Scaling Demand Signaling in Nigeria dc.contributor.author: Osei-Amponsah, Charity; Minh, Thai Thi; Atampugre, Gerald; Oke, Adebayo; Cofie, Olufunke O. dcterms.abstract: This report analyzes demand signals for scaling innovations in Nigeria’s agri-food, water, and climate sectors, and is based on a workshop that took place on December 4, 2026 in Abuja. By profiling five key stakeholder groups—ranging from the public sector and private investors to farmers and donors—the study evaluates how these actors articulate priorities and constraints. The findings highlight a strong market pull for climate-smart agriculture, digital solutions, and improved supply chains. However, demand articulation is currently fragmented due to infrastructure deficits, weak coordination, and capacity gaps. Moving beyond a simple ‘technology push’, stakeholders emphasized systemic needs over purely technical ones. Successful scaling requires bundled solutions that integrate finance, policy support, and social legitimacy with the technology itself. The report concludes that to achieve meaningful impact, innovation design must be more demand-responsive, shifting toward integrated scaling pathways that address the complex, institutional realities of the Nigerian landscape. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

Leveraging Circular Bioeconomy for Resilience in Sudan’s Refugee-Hosting Communities

2026-04-02T13:41:44Z

dc.title: Leveraging Circular Bioeconomy for Resilience in Sudan’s Refugee-Hosting Communities dc.contributor.author: Somorin, Tosin; Gebrezgabher, Solomie A.; Amponsah, Andoh; Khalifa, Muhammad; Ruckstuhl, Sandra dcterms.abstract: This report examines how circular bioeconomy approaches can enhance resilience in Sudan’s refugee-hosting communities, particularly in White Nile, Gedaref, and Kassala. The objective is to identify practical, low-infrastructure pathways for converting locally available organic waste and by-products into resources that support food, energy, sanitation, and livelihoods. Drawing on a desk-based assessment, the study provides a framework for integrating resource recovery into humanitarian and development interventions under conditions of limited data and access constraints. The findings indicate that while organic waste, agricultural residues, and wastewater streams present important opportunities for resource recovery, their quantities, distribution, and consistency remain poorly quantified, constraining precise system design and scaling. Despite this uncertainty, five priority pathways are identified based on evidence from comparable humanitarian contexts: nutrient recycling to support food systems; decentralized bioenergy for clean cooking and services; feed production for displaced livestock; small-scale wastewater reuse for irrigation; and community-based bioproduct enterprises. These pathways demonstrate the potential to convert waste streams into valuable inputs while requiring flexible, context-specific approaches suited to dispersed and variable resources. Embedding circular bioeconomy approaches within the humanitarian–development–peace nexus offers a promising pathway for both immediate needs and long-term resilience, but effectiveness depends on stronger data, capacity, infrastructure, and governance. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Food Frontiers and Security

Deliberating Policy Coherence in Kenya’s Agricultural Input Systems: The Case of Biofertilizers

2026-04-02T13:37:34Z

dc.title: Deliberating Policy Coherence in Kenya’s Agricultural Input Systems: The Case of Biofertilizers dc.contributor.author: Ires, Idil dcterms.abstract: Kenya’s agricultural input system remains heavily skewed toward chemical fertilizers, despite growing evidence of their long-term harm to soil and water quality. Biofertilizers—organic inputs that enhance nutrient uptake, water retention, and restore soil structure—are increasingly recognized in national policies, including the National Soil Fertility Management Policy (2023), Climate-Smart Agriculture Strategy (2017–2026), and Agricultural Sector Growth and Transformation Strategy (2019–2029). However, this recognition has not translated into regulatory frameworks, public financing, or inclusion in subsidy and distribution systems. This paper uses a political economy and policy coherence lens to examine how biofertilizers are positioned within Kenya’s agricultural input system, focusing on the regulatory, financial, and institutional conditions shaping their uptake and scaling. Drawing on policy analysis, stakeholder mapping, and interviews with Kenyan biofertilizer enterprises, it identifies three core constraints: institutional fragmentation across government agencies responsible for agriculture, environment, and water; misalignment between national policy ambitions and county-level implementation capacity; and inconsistencies in policies that promote sustainable inputs while continuing to fund chemical fertilizers. The findings indicate that the absence of a dedicated regulatory framework—alongside fertilizer subsidies, weak coordination, and limited capacity—has created a system in which biofertilizers lack formal recognition and structured pathways for quality assurance, distribution, and scaled use. Regulatory agencies lack standards for certification and monitoring, excluding producers from formal markets and public programs. County governments face capacity and financing constraints. The paper recommends establishing a national regulatory framework, piloting inclusion in subsidy systems, strengthening extension services, and improving coordination to align input systems with climate and sustainability goals. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Policy Innovations; Scaling for Impact

Investment Plan for Solar-Based Irrigation Systems in Nigeria

2026-04-02T13:40:21Z

dc.title: Investment Plan for Solar-Based Irrigation Systems in Nigeria dc.contributor.author: Ojeleye, O. A.; Owolabi, M. A.; Agyekumhene, Christopher; Oke, Adebayo; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Minh, Thai Thi dcterms.abstract: This report makes the investment case for shifting irrigated smallholders in northern Nigeria from fuel pumping to Solar-Based Irrigation Systems (SBIS). Using a 579-household survey in Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna, plus a Mixed Logit discrete-choice experiment, results are standardized to a 1-acre unit (typical SBIS command area). Rising fuel costs and climate variability are eroding the economics of conventional irrigation, while strong solar resources and shallow groundwater make SBIS feasible. The fixed SBIS package (~NGN 600,000) consistently outperforms the mobile “with cart” option (~NGN 1,000,000); the cart can reduce theft/insecurity risk, but its cost premium often lowers returns. Under profit-sharing financing assumptions, the fixed system typically yields high operating returns and a fast payback (~1.4–2.1 years), while the mobile option is usually viable only for the highest-margin uses. A tiered commercialization framework is proposed: Tier 1 (tomato, pepper) can support commercial finance, with tomatoes resilient to revenue shocks; Tier 2 (onion, rice) is viable with the fixed system only; Tier 3 (okra, wheat, maize) is financially fragile and needs concessional finance, performance-based subsidies, and stronger risk management. Recommendations focus on scaling fixed SBIS through cooperatives and small-group liability (2–3 farmers), longer tenors and low upfront payments (including Sharia-compliant options), and bundling insurance, off-taker agreements, extension support, certified installers, and spare-parts supply chains to reduce downtime and protect repayment. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

Contribution of the Use of Microbiologically Contaminated Water in Slaughterhouses to Food Safety Risks

2026-03-27T11:22:07Z

dc.title: Contribution of the Use of Microbiologically Contaminated Water in Slaughterhouses to Food Safety Risks dc.contributor.author: Alegbeleye, Oluwadara; Mateo-Sagasta, Javier dcterms.abstract: Food animals can become contaminated with enteric pathogens during slaughter, with potentially significant consequences for food and public health safety. This overview examines the scientific evidence implicating slaughterhouses as critical points for microbiological contamination of meat, with particular focus on the role of process water as a potential source and vehicle for foodborne pathogens. Despite the extensive use of water—e.g., for carcass washing, equipment cleaning, and general hygiene, there is a notable lack of empirical data on how waterborne pathogens may contribute to food safety risks. This gap highlights the need to better characterize the potential for process water to act as a reservoir and a vehicle for foodborne pathogens. To address this, this overview proposes a framework for tracing, characterizing, and quantifying the food safety risks associated with water used during slaughter. It emphasizes the importance of generating experimental data on the survival, persistence, and fate of water-origin pathogens on or within meat. The ability of a pathogen to persist throughout processing and storage significantly influences its impact as a foodborne hazard, as it increases the likelihood that it reaches consumers at infectious doses. Establishing genetic relatedness among isolates recovered from slaughterhouse water, contaminated meat, and clinical cases of foodborne illness can confirm water as a contamination source. However, in general, robust microbiological and food chain surveys are needed to establish clearer links between water-mediated contamination in slaughterhouses and subsequent human illness. Addressing these research gaps is critical for designing effective interventions and ensuring meat safety from slaughter through distribution. cg.contributor.initiative: One Health cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods

Water Data for Sudan’s Water, Food, and Environmental Systems

2026-03-28T02:07:11Z

dc.title: Water Data for Sudan’s Water, Food, and Environmental Systems dc.contributor.author: Khalifa, Muhammad; Berama, Siddig Mohammed Ali; Gebrezgabher, Solomie A.; Somorin, Tosin; Mekuria, Wolde; Ruckstuhl, Sandra; Velpuri, Naga Manohar dcterms.abstract: In fragile and conflict-affected regions, limited data and restricted access hinder effective water resource assessment and planning. To address this gap, IWMI developed a comprehensive data inventory for some parts of Sudan, integrating water, agriculture, and environmental indicators using publicly available datasets. The inventory enables spatial analysis of water availability, productivity, and climate stress to identify priority areas for intervention. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Food Frontiers and Security

Perceived Economic Viability of Resilient Nature-Based Water Solutions in the Middle East and North Africa Region

2026-04-02T05:56:34Z

dc.title: Perceived Economic Viability of Resilient Nature-Based Water Solutions in the Middle East and North Africa Region dc.contributor.author: Stifel, Elizabeth; Abeyrathna, Wasudha Prabodhani; Fragaszy, Stephen dcterms.abstract: This report analyzes the economic viability of Resilient Nature-Based Water Solutions (RNBWS) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) using data from the World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT) from 24 projects. The MENA region faces severe water stress, with over 60% of the population affected, making sustainable water management critical. RNBWS integrate nature-based approaches with agricultural water management to enhance water supply, reduce demand, and improve ecosystem resilience. The study finds that while high upfront establishment costs lead to negative short-term perceptions, long-term benefits are strongly positive, with low maintenance costs enhancing cost-effectiveness. Overall, RNBWS is recognized as valuable long-term investments that deliver both economic and environmental benefits, with potential to improve water security, agricultural productivity and resilience. The study emphasizes the need for early-stage financial support to scale adoption and bridge initial investment gaps.

Operational Sentinel-2 System for Monthly Near‑real‑time Irrigated Area Mapping in the Limpopo River Basin

2026-03-26T11:38:11Z

dc.title: Operational Sentinel-2 System for Monthly Near‑real‑time Irrigated Area Mapping in the Limpopo River Basin dc.contributor.author: Kiala, Zolo; Matheswaran, Karthikeyan; Dickens, Chris; Garcia Andarcia, Mariangel; Ludwig, Fulco; Ghosh, Surajit dcterms.abstract: Monitoring irrigated agriculture is critical in the water-scarce Limpopo River Basin (LRB). However, existing approaches are often coarse, retrospective, or season-aggregated, which limits their ability to capture smallholder irrigation and the month-to-month dynamics required for operational management. This study addresses this gap by developing and validating a scalable, semi-supervised framework to produce monthly dry-season (May–September) 10 m irrigated-area maps and associated water-use estimates across the LRB for 2019–2024. The workflow integrates Sentinel-2 imagery, a Random Forest classifier, time-lagged precipitation–vegetation analysis, and slope masking in Google Earth Engine, and links mapped irrigated area to FAO’s WaPOR (Water Productivity through Open access of Remotely sensed derived data) evapotranspiration to estimate water use. Validation against independent field observations (n = 190) achieved 80% overall accuracy (κ = 0.60). Dry-season irrigated area declined from ~ 211,000 ha (2019) to ~ 185,000 ha (2024), while mean dry-season water use increased from ~ 103–134 × 106 m3, indicating rising irrigation intensity. Irrigation hotspots were concentrated in key sub-basins including the Middle Olifants, Crocodile, and Letaba. The resulting open-access, basin-scale product provides operational irrigation intelligence to support transboundary water allocation and drought response. It also offers a replicable model for other water-stressed basins. cg.contributor.initiative: Digital Innovation

From Design to Impact: Insights from WMfEP’s Gender-Responsive Initiatives for Women and Youth in Tank and D.I. Khan Districts, Pakistan

2026-03-27T02:10:57Z

dc.title: From Design to Impact: Insights from WMfEP’s Gender-Responsive Initiatives for Women and Youth in Tank and D.I. Khan Districts, Pakistan dc.contributor.author: Begum, Khadija; Ilyas, Nouman; Hussain, Kashif dcterms.abstract: This report presents key insights from the Water Management for Enhanced Productivity (WMfEP) project, implemented in the Gomal Zam Dam Command Area of Dera Ismail Khan and Tank districts in Pakistan. It explores how gender-responsive and youth-inclusive approaches can strengthen climate-smart agriculture in contexts shaped by socio-cultural constraints. Focusing on women and youth who often face limited access to resources, mobility, and decision-making, the project introduced locally appropriate technologies such as solar-powered micro-drip irrigation systems, tunnel farming, and smart sprayers. These interventions were complemented by targeted capacity-building, continuous field support, and participatory engagement to ensure adoption and sustainability. The report highlights how over 300 women and youth developed skills and confidence to engage in modern agricultural practices. Evidence from the field indicates improvements in household food security, reduced expenditure on vegetables, and increased opportunities for income generation. Women reported enhanced participation in decision-making and greater mobility, while youth showed increased interest in agriculture and farm-based entrepreneurship. Beyond technical outcomes, the report underscores gradual shifts in gender norms, with women and youth taking on more visible and active roles in agriculture. It also reflects the importance of sustained support systems, including market linkages and institutional engagement, to consolidate and scale these gains. The report demonstrates the transformative potential of context-sensitive, inclusive agricultural interventions in underserved rural settings.

Enabling Environment Bottlenecks in Kenya’s Emerging Circular and Agrifood Economies

2026-03-26T02:03:13Z

dc.title: Enabling Environment Bottlenecks in Kenya’s Emerging Circular and Agrifood Economies dc.contributor.author: Ires, Idil dcterms.abstract: Small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) are vital to Kenya’s transition toward climate-smart, circular agri-food systems. However, firms in novel value chains, such as insect-based biofertilizers, urban waste composting, and indigenous plant-based milks, face enabling environments poorly aligned with their regulatory needs. This paper examines three Kenyan enterprises—EcoRich, Rebug2Debug, and OnlyPlants—to highlight how outdated frameworks and fragmented agency mandates stifle innovation. Despite aligning with national priorities for soil restoration and waste valorization, these SMEs are constrained by regulatory "grey zones," lack of product certification pathways, and exclusion from public procurement and subsidies. These barriers increase compliance costs and delay approvals, particularly for firms lacking the financial bandwidth to navigate institutional complexity. To address these hurdles, the paper identifies critical technical assistance needs. For SMEs, priorities include support for food safety classification, Access and Benefit Sharing ompliance, and quality assurance. At the system level, the paper calls for urgent reforms: developing standards for insect-based fertilizers, clarifying plant-based food oversight, and improving national-county coordination. By providing new empirical evidence on regulatory fragmentation, this study outlines actionable reforms for partners like IWMI and WFP to unlock the potential of frontier SMEs in Kenya’s circular economy. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Food Frontiers and Security

Pathways for Circular Aquaculture and Resource-Efficient Food Production

2026-03-25T02:11:05Z

dc.title: Pathways for Circular Aquaculture and Resource-Efficient Food Production dc.contributor.author: Epebinu, Eunice Modupe; Bodach, Susanne; Gebrezgabher, Solomie A.; Somorin, Tosin dcterms.abstract: Aquaculture systems vary significantly in how they manage water, nutrients, and waste, with system design emerging as the primary determinant of sustainability. This report aims to classify aquaculture system types, map pathways for water reuse and nutrient recovery, and assess their circular performance to inform more sustainable system design. This report finds that systems with greater internal control over water and nutrient flows, such as recirculating aquaculture systems, biofloc-based systems, and aquaponics, are better positioned to reduce losses and enable resource recovery, while systems dependent on continuous water exchange, such as cage culture, flow-through raceways, and open pond systems, tend to externalize environmental impacts. The analysis further shows that integrated biological systems enhance nutrient recycling and improve system stability by converting waste into productive biomass, whereas highly engineered systems offer precision and consistency but require higher energy, capital, and technical capacity. It also highlights that waste streams differ across systems in form and concentration, meaning that treatment and recovery approaches must be tailored to specific system configurations rather than applied uniformly. A central finding is that circular performance depends on how effectively production, treatment, and resource recovery processes are integrated. No single system optimizes all dimensions of circularity; instead, hybrid and modular configurations that combine biological and engineered processes provide the most practical and scalable pathway for achieving resource-efficient and environmentally sustainable aquaculture. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Multifunctional Landscapes; Food Frontiers and Security

CGIAR 10 Year Impact in Nepal

2026-03-25T14:37:58Z

dc.title: CGIAR 10 Year Impact in Nepal dc.contributor.author: Aryal, Anil; KC, Jibesh; Choudhary, Dyutiman; Rana, Masud; Varijakshapanicker, Padmakumar; Bhatt, Prem Raj; Bhandari, Humnath; Khadka, Manohara dcterms.abstract: This report highlights the impact of CGIAR Centers in Nepal over the last decade (2014–2024), demonstrating how research, innovation, and partnerships have contributed to strengthening agriculture, livestock, water management, and climate resilience across the country. Over the past 10 years, CGIAR Centers have worked closely with government agencies, research institutions, private sector actors, and farming communities to support Nepal’s transition toward sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems. CGIAR initiatives have introduced innovations in climate-smart agriculture, irrigation modernization, water–energy–food nexus solutions, crop–livestock integration, and digital decision-support tools. These innovations have improved water use efficiency, enhanced agricultural productivity, strengthened livestock systems, and supported climate-resilient farming practices. Practical technologies such as solar-powered irrigation systems, hydro-meteorological monitoring tools, improved crop varieties, precision nutrient management, and digital advisory services have been developed and tested in partnership with farmers and institutions. Capacity building has been a major focus, with more than 10,000 stakeholders impacted - including farmers, technicians, policymakers, and researchers - participating in training programs, workshops, and policy dialogues through collaborations with more than 100 national and international stakeholders. Research evidence generated through these collaborations has influenced national policies and investment decisions, including contributions to the Irrigation Policy (2023), the draft Water Resources Bill (2024), promotion of community seed banks, agri-mechanization, and solar irrigation subsidy reforms. Looking ahead, CGIAR’s work in Nepal will continue to focus on climate-resilient water systems, sustainable livestock and crop systems, market-driven food systems, and digital innovations to strengthen resilient and inclusive agri-food systems. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

An Integrated Modeling Framework for Water Accounting Assessment in the Lake Tana Sub-Basin, Ethiopia: Impacts of Interbasin Water Transfer

2026-03-24T07:02:43Z

dc.title: An Integrated Modeling Framework for Water Accounting Assessment in the Lake Tana Sub-Basin, Ethiopia: Impacts of Interbasin Water Transfer dc.contributor.author: Mekonnen, Kirubel; Velpuri, Naga Manohar; Leh, Mansoor; Akpoti, Komlavi; Owusu, Afua; Mahapatra, Smaranika; Tinonetsana, Primrose; Madushanka, Lahiru; Perera, Tharindu; Tedla, H. Z.; Talema, M.; Seid, Abdulkarim dcterms.abstract: Study Region: Lake Tana Sub-Basin, Ethiopia Study Focus: The Lake Tana sub-basin plays a vital role in Ethiopia’s hydropower generation and irrigation development. However, the recent operation of an interbasin water transfer has intensified competition for water resources, raising concerns about long-term hydrological sustainability and downstream ecological flows. To evaluate these impacts, this study developed an integrated modeling framework that couples the HBV Light rainfall-runoff model, a lake water balance model, and the Water Accounting Plus (WA+) approach to assess water availability, consumption patterns, and downstream ecological flow conditions for 2010–2020. New hydrological insights for the Region: The HBV Light model was unable to accurately simulate the natural lake outflow, but its coupling with the lake water balance model significantly improved model performance, resulting in NSE of 0.79 and R² of 0.92. The mean annual inflow to the lake was estimated at 6.9 km³ , with 55% contributed by the Gilgel Abbay catchment. The rainfall and evaporation over the lake was estimated at 4.1 km³ yr⁻¹ and 5.1 km³ yr⁻¹ , respectively. Total annual outflow averaged 5.8 km³ , with 3.1 km³ yr⁻¹ diverted through the interbasin water transfer and 2.7 km³ yr⁻¹ outflow at the natural outlet. The interbasin water transfer now exceeds lake's natural outflow and has increased the frequency of unmet environmental flow requirements from 6% (pre-transfer period) to 27% during 2010–2020. In terms of consumption, rainfed agriculture dominates water consumption at 5.7 km³ yr⁻¹ , while irrigation accounts for only 0.4 km³ yr⁻¹ . Green evapotranspiration (ET) constitutes 68% of total water consumption, with blue ET making up the remaining 32%. These results demonstrate the hydrological implications of interbasin water transfer on lake outflow and downstream ecological conditions. The integrated modeling framework offers a scalable approach for hydrological assessment and water allocation in data-scarce basins.

Resilient Agriculture in Thar Desert, Pakistan

2026-03-23T14:15:31Z

dc.title: Resilient Agriculture in Thar Desert, Pakistan dc.contributor.author: Gul, N.; Ashraf, Muhammad; Salam, H. A. dcterms.abstract: Explore the agriculture in Thar Desert of Pakistan, particularly in Tharparkar District. Discover how rain-fed farming and localized irrigation systems foster resilience and enhance livelihoods in arid environments. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Policy Innovations

Management Strategies for Sustainable Wheat Production in Pakistan – a Review

2026-03-23T10:17:29Z

dc.title: Management Strategies for Sustainable Wheat Production in Pakistan – a Review dc.contributor.author: Gul, N.; Salam, H. A.; Ashraf, Muhammad; Shaikh, I. A. dcterms.abstract: Sustainable wheat production in Pakistan relies on integrated best management practices that encompass land preparation, sowing methods, planting timing, weed control, balanced fertilization, irrigation scheduling, and disease management. Optimized land preparation techniques, including tillage sequencing, laser land leveling, and precise field surveying, enhance seedbed conditions, improve water use efficiency, and significantly increase yields. Modern sowing techniques such as ridge, raised-bed, and drill planting outperform traditional broadcasting methods, resulting in yield increases of 9–22% and water savings. Timely planting, especially early sowing with suitable varieties, is vital for avoiding thermal stress and maximizing grain development. Effective weed control using appropriate herbicides can prevent annual yield losses of 17–25%, while balanced fertilization guided by soil testing can boost production by up to 70%. Efficient irrigation scheduling based on crop water requirements and groundwater contributions helps prevent nutrient loss, waterlogging, and soil health decline. Additionally, proactive disease management particularly against rusts, root rot, smut, and black point through resistant varieties, timely fungicide applications, and optimized sowing times is essential for protecting yields. Collectively, these practices form a comprehensive framework for enhancing wheat productivity, water efficiency, and sustainability across Sindh and other wheat-growing regions of Pakistan. This review provides an extensive overview of best management practices that can guide farmers, researchers, and policymakers toward more efficient and sustainable wheat cultivation. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Policy Innovations

Comparing Bias Adjustment Methods for CMIP6 Extreme Precipitation Projections in the San-Pédro River Basin (Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa)

2026-03-23T08:31:56Z

dc.title: Comparing Bias Adjustment Methods for CMIP6 Extreme Precipitation Projections in the San-Pédro River Basin (Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa) dc.contributor.author: Akaffou, F. H.; Obahoundje, Salomon; Koffi, B.; Yangouliba, G. I.; Coulibaly, W. B.; N’guessan, K. J.-Y.; Diedhiou, A.; Kouassi, K. L. dcterms.abstract: West Africa (WA) is highly vulnerable to flooding and needs accurate projections of extreme precipitations to improve flood preparedness. However, selecting appropriate bias adjustment method for such projections remain challenging. This study assesses four bias adjustment methods, namely Cumulative Distribution Function Transfert Singularity Stochastic Removal (CDFt SSR), Empirical Quantile Mapping (Eqm), Delta, and Scaling in refining seventeen Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models and their ensemble mean (EnsMean) for projecting extreme precipitations under three scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5) over the San-Pédro River basin. Analyses were performed at the annual and long rainy season timescales. Using Climate Hazard Group Infrared Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS) observational data, seven flood-related precipitation indices (PRCPTOT, R1mm, SDII, CWD, R99pTOT, Rx5day, and Rx1day) were computed over 1991–2020. Bias adjustment methods were calibrated (1982–2001) and validated (2002–2014) using statistical (R and Pbias) and graphical evaluations. Results revealed significant discrepancies among models and methods. While Delta-adjusted models achieved the best statistical performance (R > 0.8 and Pbias < 30%), CDFt SSR-adjusted models most accurately reproduced observed daily precipitation and indices distributions. However, limitations persisted for CWD and R99pTOT. Future projections indicate increase in extreme precipitation in the near (2031–2060) and far (2061–2090) futures, relative to the baseline period (1985–2014) across all scenarios, heightening flood risks, threatening agriculture, and challenging hydropower operations. CDFt SSR emerges as the most robust method for projecting extreme precipitations, offering a robust foundation for climate impact assessments and adaptation planning in WA.

Groundwater Assessment for Domestic and Irrigation Water Supply Based on Water Quality Indices and Geographic Information Systems in the Islamabad-Rawalpindi Metropolitan Area, Pakistan

2026-03-23T05:42:37Z

dc.title: Groundwater Assessment for Domestic and Irrigation Water Supply Based on Water Quality Indices and Geographic Information Systems in the Islamabad-Rawalpindi Metropolitan Area, Pakistan dc.contributor.author: Rana, S. A.; Ali, S. M.; Ashraf, Muhammad; Akhtar, N.; Ulain, Q.; Eqani, S. A. M. A. S. dcterms.abstract: Groundwater plays a vital role in drinking and daily supply in the Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan areas. The current study is designed to comprehensively address the problem of groundwater quality using a multi-methodological approach with water quality indices (WQI). For this purpose, 122 observations were recorded and analyzed following standard procedures. Piper and Gibbs diagrams demonstrated groundwater characterization. The GIS and multivariate statistical analyses were employed for vulnerability assessment and source apportionment. The findings of the present study revealed that certain parameters (pH, alkalinity, bicarbonates, and potassium) were within the desirable range stipulated by the WHO and PSQCA. However, groundwater quality impairment is related to toxicities of EC, TDS, turbidity, TH, calcium, magnesium, sodium, chlorides, sulfates, nitrates, fecal, and total coliform. The WQI indicated that the study area exhibited poor to very poor groundwater quality. Irrigation indices explained that it is suitable or marginal at most studied sites, and only a few sites displayed unsuitable quality. Piper and Gibbs diagrams suggested that groundwater belongs to Ca-HCO3 and Ca-Mg-HCO3 or mixed types influenced by rock-water interactions and evaporation. Statistical analysis deciphered that anthropogenic and geogenic factors are the key determinants of water quality in the study area, including Lei recharge, domestic, agricultural, and industrial effluents, improper waste disposal, poor maintenance, and weathering processes. The study provides benchmark groundwater quality data that decision-makers can utilize to take appropriate measures for groundwater monitoring and pollution risk management in the twin cities. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Policy Innovations

Broadening the Dimensions of the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus: A Narrative Review

2026-03-27T14:01:37Z

dc.title: Broadening the Dimensions of the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus: A Narrative Review dc.contributor.author: Mabhaudhi, T.; Dlamini, N.; Geza, W.; Taguta, C.; Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel; Nhamo, L.; Mpandeli, S.; Chibarabada, T. P.; Jewitt, G. P. W.; Slotow, R. H. dcterms.abstract: The water-energy-food (WEF and its variants) nexus addresses the intricate linkages between human and natural systems to ensure sustainable management of natural resources without compromising economic, social, and environmental well-being. Despite this, the WEF nexus has been mainly approached as a focused biophysical system connecting those three dimensions. This review maps the extent to which the WEF nexus has been conceptualised and the consideration of additional dimensions linked to environmental and social outcomes. The aim is to broaden the WEF nexus concept to enhance its applicability to human, planetary, and sustainable development outcomes. Of the identified nexus frameworks, approximately 50% are sectorally unbalanced, as they centralise one or more resource node(s). Water and energy are key nexus nodes in most frameworks. The second most popular framing is water-energy-food-climate, followed by water-energy-land (WEL) and water-energy-food-land-ecosystems. In addition, the current WEF nexus approach is biased towards input-oriented conceptualisation. It fails to make explicit linkages to outcome- and impact-based dimensions, such as politics, gender, environment, planetary health and the economy. This limits its relevance and practical application in decision-making and policymaking for addressing sustainability and developmental challenges. Models and tools should be improved to be more holistic, including WEF resources and other linked resources, and should be useful for monitoring all sustainability outcomes (economic, social, and environmental). We propose a conceptual broadening of the WEF nexus to a WEF+ nexus, with the “plus” representing added outcomes-based dimensions such as environment, climate, people, planet and health. This conceptual broadening balances WEF resource securities with human, planetary and sustainable development outcomes.

A Scorecard to Assess the Enabling Environment for Water and Climate Innovations in Agriculture

2026-03-21T02:03:27Z

dc.title: A Scorecard to Assess the Enabling Environment for Water and Climate Innovations in Agriculture dc.contributor.author: Ires, Idil dcterms.abstract: This paper offers an enabling environment scorecard to diagnose the institutional and political economy constraints that prevent agricultural and climate innovations from scaling, and to guide targeted reform and investment decisions to help address them. It suggests that persistent scaling failures arise less from gaps in technology or finance than from weak institutional conditions, specifically the absence of predictable rules, credible enforcement, and coordinated risk management needed to sustain private investment. Grounded in New Institutional Economics and political economy analysis, the scorecard evaluates seven institutional pillars: policy coherence and credibility; legal foundations and rights security; regulatory frameworks; finance and investment architecture; partnership capacity; market linkages; and governance conditions. It also assesses seven cross-cutting levers— incentives, interests, trust, ideas and narratives, information, capacity, and affordability—linking these to staged scaling pathways from agenda setting through design, implementation, adoption, and adaptation. An illustrative application to solar irrigation in Kenya reveals a mixed landscape. Strong digital finance and information systems enable pay-as-you-go and carbon-linked business models. However, gaps in contract enforcement, regulatory coordination, and policy stability increase transaction costs and force firms to internalize risks that should be managed by public institutions. The scorecard provides a structured approach to identify binding constraints and inform coordinated, stage-specific reforms and investments. By clarifying where institutional conditions undermine credible private commitment, it offers governments, development partners, and investors a shared basis to prioritize action, align interventions, and reduce avoidable risk in scaling climate-resilient agricultural innovations. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

Climate and Water Risk Profile of Jerash Refugee Camp, Jordan

2026-03-23T06:30:39Z

dc.title: Climate and Water Risk Profile of Jerash Refugee Camp, Jordan dc.contributor.author: Khalifa, Muhammad; Akpoti, Komlavi; Leh, Mansoor; Umer, Yakob; Jayathissa, Isuru; Al-Zu’bi, Maha; Velpuri, Naga Manohar; Ruckstuhl, Sandra dcterms.abstract: In Jordan, environmental pressures including water scarcity, land degradation, and climate variability combined with conditions of fragility and displacement are increasing risks for both refugees and host communities. Refugee camps, including Jerash Camp, which are often located in already stressed environments are faced with limited infrastructure and resources. These conditions heighten exposure to climate-related hazards such as droughts, floods, and heat stress, while placing additional strain on local water, land, and public services. Strengthening resilience in these settings requires integrated approaches that address both environmental and socio-economic vulnerabilities. This brief provides a climate and water risk profile for Jerash Refugee Camp to support policymakers, researchers, humanitarian agencies, and practitioners in aligning local action with climate priorities. By applying an integrated framework for watershed and climate risk hotspot mapping across the Amman–Zarqa Basin, it analyzes water availability and access, drought intensity, and flood hazards to provide spatially targeted insights. The spatial risk maps produced can directly inform planning by humanitarian agencies like UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East), national agencies, and other actors helping prioritize shelter upgrades, drainage improvements, and water investments in the most exposed areas, while strengthening the evidence base for climate finance proposals. Ultimately, the findings make a clear case: protecting communities like Jerash from worsening climate impacts requires more than humanitarian response. It requires a deliberate alignment between humanitarian action, national climate planning, and climate finance. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Food Frontiers and Security

Evaluating the performance of selected CMIP6 GCMs for simulations of historical temperature over Ethiopia

2026-03-20T13:41:57Z

dc.title: Evaluating the performance of selected CMIP6 GCMs for simulations of historical temperature over Ethiopia dc.contributor.author: Tagele, A. B.; Tarkegn, T. G.; van Oel, P. R.; Ray, R. L.; Tefera, G. W.; Demessie, S. F.; Shawul, A. A.; Ouko, O. C.; Berhanu, D.; Haileslassie, Amare; Worqlul, A. W.; Bantider, A.; Dile, Y. T.; Chukalla, A. D.; Tadesse, T. A.; Adgo, E. dcterms.abstract: This study evaluates the performance of seven Global Climate Models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) and their Ensemble mean in reproducing historical maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) temperatures across five agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Ethiopia during 1995–2014. The assessment covers daily to annual time scales using observational and GCM datasets. Model performance was evaluated using Percent Bias (PBIAS), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and correlation coefficient (r), while the Comprehensive Rating Index (CRI) was applied for ranking. Results show substantial spatial and temporal variability in model performance. For Tmax, the Ensemble mean and EC-Earth3-veg performed best at the daily scale, while EC-Earth3-veg, MPI-ESM1-2-LR and BCC-CSM2-MR excelled at the monthly scale across most AEZs. Seasonally, top-performing models included Ensemble mean, MPI-ESM1-2-LR and MRI-ESM2-0 during Bega (October-January), EC-Earth3-veg, CNRM-CM6-1 and Ensemble mean during Belg (February-May) and CNRM-CM6-1 and MPI-ESM1-2-LR during Kiremt (June-September). For Tmin, CNRM-CM6-1, BCC-CSM2-MR and Ensemble mean ranked highest at both daily and monthly scales in most AEZs. At the annual scale, MRI-ESM2-0, Ensemble mean, MPI-ESM1-2-LR and CNRM-CM6-1 excel for Tmax, while EC-Earth3-veg, BCC-CSM2-MR and Ensemble mean lead for Tmin across most AEZs. MIROC6 consistently exhibited the weakest performance for both Tmax and Tmin across most AEZs and time periods. Thus, the Ensemble mean of all evaluated models does not consistently rank among the top three performers across all AEZs and time scales. The identified best-performing CMIP6 models provide valuable tools for assessing climate change impacts and developing region-and time-specific adaptation strategies in Ethiopia. Given the variability in GCM performance across AEZs and time scales, national or large-scale studies would benefit from using the Ensemble mean derived from the best-performing models. This study provides crucial insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different GCMs, supporting evidence-based decision-making and enhancing efforts to build climate resilience and adaptation strategies in the region. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

For Sri Lankan Farmers, Small Investments Bring Big Wins

2026-03-20T06:50:24Z

dc.title: For Sri Lankan Farmers, Small Investments Bring Big Wins dc.contributor.author: Murphy, Gillian; de Silva, Sanjiv; Aheeyar, Mohamed M. M.; Liyanage, Pradeep Kulasing

When Investors Can’t Get to the Farm: What Happened When We Put a Kenyan Agribusiness in Virtual Reality

2026-03-19T08:52:37Z

dc.title: When Investors Can’t Get to the Farm: What Happened When We Put a Kenyan Agribusiness in Virtual Reality dc.contributor.author: Langa, Nicole; Hanke-Louw, Nora; Peterson, N.; Musau, C.

Scope and Feasibility of Enhancing the Irrigation Potential of the Kukadi Canal Command of Maharashtra, India

2026-03-19T07:34:56Z

dc.title: Scope and Feasibility of Enhancing the Irrigation Potential of the Kukadi Canal Command of Maharashtra, India dc.contributor.author: Panda, R. K.; Amarasinghe, Upali A.; Sarangi, A.; Sikka, Alok; Gorantiwar, S. D.; Mandave, Vidya; Mahapatra, Smaranika dcterms.abstract: Improving water use efficiency (WUE) in canal irrigation systems is vital for increasing agricultural output and maintaining ecological sustainability. Studies carried out in the Sina and Kukadi Left Bank Canal (KLBC) networks of Maharashtra, India, revealed marked disparities in the efficiency of the economic use of irrigation water. Investigations undertaken using geospatial tools highlighted a larger water influence zone (WIZ) in these systems, a factor often overlooked in conventional irrigation management. This finding led to the possibility of increasing the WUE by 113%, land productivity by 90% and EWP by 26% in KLBC, demonstrating the potential for optimising water resources and improving crop productivity. Additionally, the adoption of climate-resilient and water-efficient crop varieties resulted in a potential net value of output (NVOUP) increase of 80% in the KLBC irrigation system. These results emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to irrigation water management that incorporates a detailed assessment of WIZ, conjunctive water use and sustainable cropping patterns. Such measures will not only improve water use efficiency but also contribute to a more sustainable and economically viable agricultural landscape in canal ecosystems.

Why IWMI Must Align with Global Processes: An Engagement Playbook for IWMI Scientists

2026-03-20T02:10:30Z

dc.title: Why IWMI Must Align with Global Processes: An Engagement Playbook for IWMI Scientists dc.contributor.author: Reddy, Tanisha; Samarasekara, Vidhisha; Ravindranath, Darshini; Colombo, Chiara Christina dcterms.abstract: Global policy processes play a crucial role in shaping water security, climate resilience and sustainable development, yet water remains under emphasized across these frameworks. This Project Insight Note (PIN) underscores the importance of aligning IWMI's science and engagement with key global processes such as UNFCCC, UNCCD and CBD. It draws on IWMI’s growing influence in global forums through partnerships, evidence-based contributions and participation in national delegations. The PIN outlines strategies to strengthen science-policy integration, partnerships and communications, while encouraging researchers to actively engage in global processes. The ultimate aim is bridging research and policy to ensure water is recognized and prioritized in global decision-making.

Solar Energy for Agricultural Resilience (SoLAR) Phase II Inception Workshop in Kenya

2026-03-19T02:07:57Z

dc.title: Solar Energy for Agricultural Resilience (SoLAR) Phase II Inception Workshop in Kenya dc.contributor.author: Kamanda, Josey dcterms.abstract: The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), under the Solar Energy for Agricultural Resilience (SoLAR) Phase II project supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), convened the SoLAR Phase II Inception Workshop in Nairobi on October 1, 2025. The workshop brought together 27 representatives from government, development partners, private sector actors, financial institutions, research organizations, and civil society to validate Kenya-specific entry points for scaling solar energy in agriculture. Discussions focused on policy and regulatory alignment, blended finance and de-risking mechanisms, and strengthening technical and institutional capacity for inclusive and climate-resilient solar adoption. Participants endorsed priority actions across policy, finance, and capacity areas, establishing a foundation for coordinated implementation of SoLAR Phase II in Kenya. The workshop aligned with national priorities including Vision 2030, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), and the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP), reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.

Innovative Financing Solutions for Water-Agriculture Innovations in Nepal

2026-03-19T02:08:26Z

dc.title: Innovative Financing Solutions for Water-Agriculture Innovations in Nepal dc.contributor.author: Fanaian, Safa; Shrestha, Shisher; Adhikari, Aashika; Magar, K. T.; Rana, O.; Pokharel, S.; Sapkota, H. S. dcterms.abstract: This roundtable report documents a half-day consultation on innovative financing solutions for water–agriculture innovations in Nepal, hosted by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) with support of Nepal Investment Mega Bank Limited (NIMB) under the CGIAR Scaling for Impact program. Bringing together more than 20 participants from commercial banks, cooperatives, the private sector, research organizations, and development partners, the roundtable aimed to examine constraints faced by financial institutions, identify policy and market gaps, and explore practical pathways for scaling inclusive and climate resilient water–agriculture innovations. Discussions highlighted persistent constraints, including fragmented policy implementation, high transaction costs, limited access to tailored credit, weak insurance penetration, and insufficient de-risking mechanisms. Participants emphasized the potential of blended finance instruments, loan guarantee schemes, parametric insurance, and digitally monitored loan products to reduce risks for both farmers and lenders. Well-governed cooperatives were recognized as critical intermediaries, alongside the need for capacity-building in financial literacy and clearer contractual arrangements. Technology-enabled solutions—such as solar irrigation, digital finance, and ICT-based advisory services—were seen as promising but underutilized due to affordability and institutional constraints. The report concludes with prioritized recommendations and follow-up actions to strengthen enabling policies, advance public–private–community partnerships, enhance inclusion—particularly for women and vulnerable groups—and sustain stakeholder engagement through regular deliberations on these topics. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

Co-Creation of a Flood Risk Management Dashboard for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

2026-03-23T03:01:39Z

dc.title: Co-Creation of a Flood Risk Management Dashboard for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia dc.contributor.author: Gebre, Eden Seifu; Haile, Alemseged Tamiru; Alemu, Abel Negussie; Nicol, Alan; Damtew, Yared; Gizaw, Fetlework; Desalegn, Delelegn dcterms.abstract: This report assesses how the Addis Ababa Flood Risk Management Dashboard for the Akaki catchment—in which the city of Addis Ababa is situated—was collaboratively developed and utilized, emphasizing the contributions of multiple stakeholders throughout the co-creation process. Recognizing the complexity and data-intensive nature of flood risk management, the dashboard was developed through a participatory approach involving the Addis Ababa Fire and Disaster Risk Management Commission (AAFDRMC), Addis Ababa Water Governance Network and IWMI. The co-creation process involved four stages: co-identification, co-design, co-development, and co-delivery, ensuring that the dashboard aligns with institutional workflows, operational needs, and user priorities while addressing data gaps and coordination challenges. The dashboard is structured across seven thematic sections: Home, Catchment Overview, Hydrometeorology, Flood Risk, Stakeholder Institutions, Flood Risk Responses, and Risk Reduction Measures, consolidating heterogeneous flood-related data into interactive maps, charts, and analytical tools. It provides spatially comprehensive insights into hydrometeorological patterns, flood frequencies, hotspot distributions, exposure, and institutional roles, serving as a stakeholder convening tool supporting evidence-based planning and multi-agency coordination. The dashboard functionality can be enhanced through regular data updates, expanded technical capacity in GIS, remote sensing and programming, integration with flood forecasting and early warning systems, and broader institutional adoption. By progressively incorporating improved data collection–including citizen science contributions–and fostering city-wide digital engagement, the dashboard has the potential to evolve into a core tool for evidence-based flood risk management in Addis Ababa and its hinterland. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Policy Innovations

Solar Energy for Agricultural Resilience (SoLAR) Phase II Inception Workshop in Bangladesh

2026-03-19T02:09:28Z

dc.title: Solar Energy for Agricultural Resilience (SoLAR) Phase II Inception Workshop in Bangladesh dc.contributor.author: Bhattacharya, Jayanta; Bhaduri, Tanmoy dcterms.abstract: The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), under the Solar Energy for Agricultural Resilience (SoLAR) project supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), hosted the SoLAR Phase II Inception Workshop in Dhaka on 27 October 2025. The workshop marked a strategic transition from pilot interventions toward the large-scale and sustainable adoption of solar irrigation in Bangladesh. Discussions highlighted the national ambition to replace approximately 1.2 million diesel irrigation pumps with solar-powered alternatives following the 2022 energy crisis. Supported by a roadmap developed with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the transition requires around 45,000 solar irrigation units, with an estimated investment of USD 1.8 billion, contributing to Bangladesh’s climate mitigation commitments under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Participants emphasized integrating solar irrigation with water-efficient practices such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and exploring agrivoltaics and grid-connected systems to optimize land use and create additional income opportunities for farmers. Stakeholders also stressed the importance of coordinated institutional frameworks and integrated data governance using a Water–Energy–Food (WEF) nexus approach to ensure sustainable groundwater management. Phase II will establish Living Labs to co-design solutions with farmers while testing innovative financing mechanisms, including blended finance and pay-as-you-go models, to address high upfront costs. The workshop brought together representatives from government agencies, research institutions, and development partners, fostering collaboration to scale solar irrigation for climate-resilient agriculture.

Co-Designing Scaling Pathways for Solar Irrigation Technology Ownership in Nigeria: Household Survey/Discrete Choice Experiment

2026-03-18T02:11:44Z

dc.title: Co-Designing Scaling Pathways for Solar Irrigation Technology Ownership in Nigeria: Household Survey/Discrete Choice Experiment dc.contributor.author: Ojeleye, O. A.; Owolabi, M. A.; Oke, Adebayo; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Minh, Thai Thi dcterms.abstract: This report examines pathways for scaling Solar-Based Irrigation Systems (SBIS) in northern Nigeria, using evidence from a household survey and a discrete-choice experiment conducted in Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states. Nigeria’s agricultural sector faces a dual climate challenge: increasing water insecurity and reliance on fossil-fuel-powered irrigation. SBIS offers a viable solution with strong economic benefits, yet adoption remains limited due to high upfront costs, rigid financing arrangements, and weak institutional support. The study applies participatory methods and a five-stage discrete-choice experiment to identify farmers’ preferences for SBIS ownership models, mobility options, and financing mechanisms. Results reveal strong heterogeneity across states. Farmers in Kebbi and Kano, who are more resource-constrained and risk-averse, prefer shared ownership arrangements (2–3-member micro-clusters), fixed systems, and long-term financing—particularly Islamic finance and Bank of Agriculture two-year loans. In contrast, Kaduna farmers exhibit higher risk tolerance and liquidity, favouring individual ownership and mobile systems for security and commercial reasons. Across all states, one-year loans are consistently rejected, while harvest-aligned, multi-year financing significantly increases willingness to invest. The report concludes that a “one‑size‑fits‑all” scaling strategy is inappropriate. Instead, it recommends a phased, context-specific approach that prioritizes immediate market de-risking through quality assurance, fiscal incentives, and pilot financing for micro clusters, followed by institutionalization through extension services, Islamic finance products, and investment in technical training and supply chains. These measures are essential to ensure inclusive, sustainable, and climate‑resilient scaling of solar irrigation in Nigeria. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

Multi-Stakeholder Validation Workshop: Preferences, Financing Models, and Scaling Pathways for Solar-Based Irrigation in Northern Nigeria

2026-03-18T02:02:10Z

dc.title: Multi-Stakeholder Validation Workshop: Preferences, Financing Models, and Scaling Pathways for Solar-Based Irrigation in Northern Nigeria dc.contributor.author: Ojeleye, O. A.; Oke, Adebayo; Owolabi, M. A.; Ojeleye, Y. C.; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Minh, Thai Thi dcterms.abstract: This technical report documents the outcomes of a Multi-Stakeholder Validation Workshop on preferences, financing models, and scaling pathways for Solar-Based Irrigation Systems (SBIS) in Northern Nigeria, conducted in December 2025. The workshop validated findings from a household survey, a Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE), across Kaduna, Kebbi, and Kano states. The validation confirmed that SBIS adoption is highly context-specific rather than amenable to uniform solutions. In Kaduna State, stakeholders strongly favored individual ownership and mobile (cart-based) systems, financed through short-term loans, reflecting higher purchasing power, diverse cropping systems, and security concerns that necessitate asset mobility. In contrast, Kebbi and Kano states validated preferences for shared ownership of fixed systems, enabled by stronger social cohesion, farm proximity, and lower security risks. Financing preferences diverged further, with Kebbi favoring medium-term conventional loans and Kano emphasizing financing aligned with religious norms. Across states and stakeholder groups, the workshop emphasized that successful scaling of SBIS depends as much on institutional, financial, and social “software” as on hardware deployment. Key cross-cutting insights included the effectiveness of small “micro-cluster” ownership models (two to three farmers), the need for repayment schedules aligned with agricultural cash flows, and the importance of adequate system sizing, training, and after-sales service. Participants also highlighted land tenure, security, and supply-chain constraints as critical risks requiring policy attention. The report concludes with a phased scaling framework that prioritizes early regulatory and financial de-risking, followed by ecosystem institutionalization and long-term localization, positioning SBIS as a cornerstone of climate-resilient and low-carbon agricultural development in Northern Nigeria. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

A Framework for Integrated Watershed and Climate Risk Hotspot Mapping to Support Adaptation Strategies in Refugee Camp Landscapes in Jordan

2026-03-18T02:09:53Z

dc.title: A Framework for Integrated Watershed and Climate Risk Hotspot Mapping to Support Adaptation Strategies in Refugee Camp Landscapes in Jordan dc.contributor.author: Leh, Mansoor; Akpoti, Komlavi; Jayathissa, Isuru; Khalifa, Muhammad; Umer, Yakob; Al-Zu’bi, Maha; Velpuri, Naga Manohar; Ruckstuhl, Sandra dcterms.abstract: This methodological brief presents an integrated framework for mapping watershed and climate risk hotspots in refugee-hosting landscapes in Jordan, using Jerash Refugee Camp as a pilot site. The approach combines hydrological analysis, climate projections, remote sensing data, and socio-economic indicators to assess water availability, accessibility, and community vulnerability. By integrating flood and drought hazard assessments with indicators of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, the framework identifies spatial climate risk hotspots where vulnerable communities face the greatest climate-related pressures. The framework can be adopted in similar conflict afflicted landscapes to support evidence-based decision-making and help prioritize targeted adaptation strategies to improve water security and climate resilience in refugee and host communities. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Food Frontiers and Security

How to Scale a Project to a Program: The Expansion of Al Murunah

2026-03-18T16:11:23Z

dc.title: How to Scale a Project to a Program: The Expansion of Al Murunah dc.contributor.author: Reddy, Tanisha; Samarasekara, Vidhisha; Fragaszy, Stephen dcterms.abstract: The IWMI-led Al Murunah project is transitioning from a project-based to a program-based approach to scale climate-resilient water solutions in the MENA region. Expanding beyond isolated projects, Al Murunah integrates interconnected efforts such as Al Murunah+ – Advancing Positive Gender Norms for Resilient Families and Communities; Jahez – Climate-ready refugee-hosting communities in Jordan; and Wiqaya – Mitigation of sand and dust storm generation and impacts in Southern Iraq and the Gulf region. This integrated approach is enabling long-term impact, stronger partnerships and increased funding. Al Murunah delivers resilient nature-based water solutions (RNBWS) that are co-designed by partners—including communities, governments, and donors, particularly FCDO—ensuring locally relevant and scalable solutions that emphasize gender inclusion and climate adaptation. Combined with collaboration, learning and investment-ready projects, the Al Murunah program is enhancing sustainability, unlocking climate finance and delivering broader, lasting water security outcomes.

Equality and Social Inclusion Integration Analysis Report: Strengthening Gender and Social Inclusion across the CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes Program

2026-03-20T03:42:45Z

dc.title: Equality and Social Inclusion Integration Analysis Report: Strengthening Gender and Social Inclusion across the CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes Program dc.contributor.author: Mokhema, Seipati; Nortje, Karen; Freed, Sarah dcterms.abstract: This report presents a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) integration analysis conducted within the CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes (MFL) Program. The analysis assesses the extent to which GESI considerations are embedded across the program’s Areas of Work (AoWs) and country-level implementation sites, and identifies practical pathways to strengthen the systematic integration of GESI principles in research, implementation, and program governance. The study draws on qualitative data collected through interviews and consultations with AoW leads, Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Impact Assessment (MELIA) teams, and country-level partners working in Kenya, Tanzania, India, Peru, Colombia, and Zimbabwe. The findings indicate that while there is strong recognition among program teams that gender equality and social inclusion are critical to achieving equitable and sustainable landscape outcomes, the integration of GESI remains uneven across the MFL portfolio. Key challenges include limited contextualised methodologies, insufficient ethical guidance for inclusive research practices, gaps in documenting and sharing learning, and constrained staff time and financial resources dedicated to GESI activities. In many cases, GESI is treated as a crosscutting theme without clear operational tools, indicators, or accountability mechanisms, which has resulted in fragmented implementation. The report identifies priority groups within MFL to include women, youth, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, and elderly populations and highlights structural barriers that limit their participation and benefit from landscape-based interventions. To address these challenges, the report proposes several strategic entry points for strengthening GESI integration, including the development of a coherent GESI integration framework, dedicated budgets and focal points, improved methodological tools, and enhanced capacity building across program teams. Strengthening these elements will enable the MFL Program to advance more coherent, equitable, and transformative landscape research and development outcomes. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Multifunctional Landscapes

Brief: Integrating Green Water Risks in Agricultural Commodities Supply Chains

2026-03-14T02:06:08Z

dc.title: Brief: Integrating Green Water Risks in Agricultural Commodities Supply Chains dc.contributor.author: Dupont, Anna; Vidal, Alain; Adolfsson, Elin; Buisson, Marie-Charlotte dcterms.abstract: Green water, soil moisture, evapotranspiration, and rainfall, underpins agricultural production but remains unaccounted for in traditional water and supply chain risk models. Yet, failure to integrate green water management threatens food security, market stability, and ecosystem resilience. This policy brief demonstrates that integrating green water into impact assessments and resilience strategies is essential for both policymakers and businesses. Advancing granular research, upgrading monitoring, and leveraging new digital tools are critical steps toward closing the green water data gap and making supply chain more adaptive to water and climate risks. By acting on green water intelligence and aligning procurement, reporting, and policy frameworks around these metrics, companies enhance supply chain resilience and redirect financing towards landscape resilient regenerative models. This brief calls for a paradigm shift in water-smart supply chain governance.

Water and Soil Accelerator Inception Report: Sustainable Soil and Water Management from Farm to Landscape in Malawi and Zambia

2026-03-13T02:11:57Z

dc.title: Water and Soil Accelerator Inception Report: Sustainable Soil and Water Management from Farm to Landscape in Malawi and Zambia dc.contributor.author: Nkosi, Mahlatse; van Rooyen, André; Mabele, Thato; Chinembiri, Evans; Jacobs-Mata, Inga; Matchaya, Greenwell C.; Enokenwa Baa, Ojongetakah; Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel; Kasoma-Pele, Winnie; Mapedza, Everisto D.; Makungwe, Mirriam; Nortje, Karen; Mutenje, Munyaradzi; Roman, Henry dcterms.abstract: The Water and Soil Accelerator (WASA) is a transformative three-year initiative (2024–2027) led by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and funded by the U.S. Government. Focused on Malawi and Zambia, WASA aims to scale evidence-based water and soil management practices across rainfed agricultural systems, addressing critical challenges such as erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and degraded soils. The project targets one million farmers and one million hectares of land, promoting climate-smart agriculture, watershed management, and nature-based solutions to enhance water retention, soil health, and agricultural productivity. WASA employs a consortia-based delivery model, leveraging the expertise of five diverse partnerships to implement locally relevant interventions. These include farmer training, agroforestry, crop diversification, green infrastructure, and inclusive governance. The initiative prioritizes gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), ensuring equitable access to resources and decision-making roles for women, youth, and marginalized groups. The project is structured into three phases: mobilization, scaling, and sustainability, with a robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Impact Assessment (MELIA) framework to track progress and adapt strategies. WASA integrates innovative tools like climate information services, digital platforms, and impact modeling to quantify changes in hydrology, soil health, and agricultural yields. By fostering collaboration, empowering communities, and embedding interventions within national systems, WASA aims to create lasting impact, transforming rainfed agricultural landscapes into resilient, productive ecosystems while advancing food security, poverty reduction, and climate adaptation in Malawi and Zambia. cg.contributor.initiative: Diversification in East and Southern Africa

A DPSIR (Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact, and Responses) Framework for Nature-Positive Atlas

2026-03-13T02:03:52Z

dc.title: A DPSIR (Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact, and Responses) Framework for Nature-Positive Atlas dc.contributor.author: Yadav, Shweta; Somorin, Tosin; Sikka, Alok dcterms.abstract: Nature underpins food systems, water security, human health, and economic prosperity, making its protection central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet nature is declining at an unprecedented rate due to human-driven pressures such as land and sea-use change, overexploitation of resources, pollution, invasive species, and climate change. Since 1970, large portions of terrestrial and marine ecosystems have been significantly altered, while global wildlife populations have declined sharply. As more than half of the world’s GDP depends moderately or highly on nature and ecosystem services, continued degradation poses major risks to economies, food systems, and human wellbeing. This technical report proposes a DPSIR (Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact, and Responses) framework to support a systematic assessment of nature loss and guide evidence-based policy action. The framework distinguishes the underlying drivers of nature loss from the immediate pressures that alter ecosystem conditions, allowing a clearer understanding of cause-and-effect relationships. It introduces a set of indicative metrics across DPSIR components to help countries track changes in ecosystem extent, condition, and species over time. The report advocates a state- and impact-oriented approach that prioritizes monitoring the current condition of nature to identify vulnerability hotspots and guide targeted interventions. By applying the DPSIR framework, policymakers and researchers can better measure nature gain and loss and design coordinated actions to halt biodiversity decline and support a transition toward a nature-positive future. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Multifunctional Landscapes

Water, sanitation and hygiene in Federal Nepal: strengthening local government actions and citizen rights

2026-03-12T02:08:55Z

dc.title: Water, sanitation and hygiene in Federal Nepal: strengthening local government actions and citizen rights dc.contributor.author: Khadka, Manohara; Pandey, Vishnu Prasad; Shrestha, G.; Subedi, K.; Karki, S. K.; Rajouria, Alok dcterms.abstract: Nepal’s 2015 Constitution, federal governance system, and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer important opportunities for bottom-up, participatory, and rights-based development of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector. However, the effects of these reforms on gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) in local WASH planning and decision-making remain poorly understood. This study examined six dimensions of change under federalism—policy frameworks; division of powers; actors, roles, and financing; WASH services; coordination and data; and GESI in governance—to assess how rights and inclusion are translated into practice. The research covered six rural municipalities in Madhesh, Bagmati, Lumbini, and Karnali provinces, using household surveys of 486 households, key informant interviews, and reviews of national and subnational policies and WASH literature. Findings show that constitutional guarantees and recent policies, including the National WASH Policy (2023) and the draft WASH Sector Development Plan (2024), create space for GESI-responsive WASH. However, they do not adequately address systemic barriers that limit the meaningful participation and benefits of women, people with disabilities, and marginalized groups. At the local level, WASH plans, budgets, coordination mechanisms, and gender-disaggregated data systems remain weak, while service delivery is dominated by technical approaches. Access to safe, piped water is still low, placing a disproportionate burden on women, and affordability remains a barrier for poorer households. Achieving the SDGs will require stronger gender-responsive local planning, improved financing, empowered user groups, and enhanced local government capacity to deliver inclusive, rights-based WASH services.

Leadership Development for Fast-Tracking Participatory Groundwater Management (PGWM) in India

2026-03-11T02:06:08Z

dc.title: Leadership Development for Fast-Tracking Participatory Groundwater Management (PGWM) in India dc.contributor.author: Bhattacharjee, Suchiradipta; Banerjee, Anurag cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Policy Innovations