Latest 40 records. Data source: https://cgspace.cgiar.org/https://hdl.handle.net/10568/16814https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/0c83f982-17ee-437e-8ae9-c09536c5a3d3/download2026-11-12T02:07:42Z2026-11-12T02:07:42Z40103471Abeyrathna, Wasudha PrabodhaniBoon, SarahStifel, ElizabethFragaszy, Stephenhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1864432026-11-12T02:07:07Z2026-11-11T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Nature-Based Solutions in Practice: A Regional Review of Case Studies from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) dc.contributor.author: Abeyrathna, Wasudha Prabodhani; Boon, Sarah; Stifel, Elizabeth; Fragaszy, Stephen dcterms.abstract: This report reviews 23 nature-based solutions (NbS) case studies from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine, examining their contributions to water security, climate resilience, agricultural productivity, and ecosystem restoration. Developed under the Al Murunah project, the review identifies common approaches, environmental and socioeconomic benefits, investment considerations, and challenges to wider adoption. It highlights the potential of locally tailored NbS to deliver multiple benefits while identifying opportunities to strengthen financing, policy support, and the scaling of these solutions across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

2026-11-11T00:00:00ZAbeyrathna, Wasudha PrabodhaniBoon, SarahStifel, ElizabethFragaszy, StephenThis report reviews 23 nature-based solutions (NbS) case studies from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine, examining their contributions to water security, climate resilience, agricultural productivity, and ecosystem restoration. Developed under the Al Murunah project, the review identifies common approaches, environmental and socioeconomic benefits, investment considerations, and challenges to wider adoption. It highlights the potential of locally tailored NbS to deliver multiple benefits while identifying opportunities to strengthen financing, policy support, and the scaling of these solutions across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.Ashraf, MuhammadSoomro, Zamir Ahmedhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1864402026-11-12T02:02:26Z2026-11-11T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Transforming Water Governance in Pakistan: From Policy to Practice dc.contributor.author: Ashraf, Muhammad; Soomro, Zamir Ahmed dcterms.abstract: The Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS), one of the largest contiguous irrigation systems in the world, is lifeline for Pakistan’s food security and socio-economic development. However, an ever-increasing population, urbanization, industrialization, horizontal and vertical expansion of agricultural activities, and competing uses among various sectors have placed great stress on it. Climate change has further increased stress on these dwindling water resources. Wet seasons are becoming wetter and dry seasons are getting drier. Floods, droughts, and heatwaves have become concurrent phenomena. To manage and govern the vast irrigation system and address these complex water-related issues, the country has established many institutions and approved several policies and legal documents at the federal and provincial levels. However, there are disconnects among these policies and institutions, resulting in poor water governance, with the consequences of increasing water and food insecurity, depleting groundwater resources, low land and water productivity, ecosystem deterioration, urban flooding, watershed degradation and loss of biodiversity.   Water governance is generally a misunderstood concept in the country. Whenever there is disaster or water-related issue, the major focus of the government is either enacting new policies, rules and regulations or establishing new institutions, without examining the underlying reasons for the poor performance or non-performance of existing intuitions and policies. The authors, drawing on decades of experience working in the water sector and a critical review of the existing governance system, policies, institutions and their mandates, have identified missing or weak connections among existing governance elements and proposed practical mechanisms for strengthening these elements without creating new sets of policies or institutions. By progressively implementing the proposed measures and strengthening institutional connections, water governance can be improved, water resources can be managed sustainably, and resilience to future climate shocks can be enhanced.

2026-11-11T00:00:00ZAshraf, MuhammadSoomro, Zamir AhmedThe Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS), one of the largest contiguous irrigation systems in the world, is lifeline for Pakistan’s food security and socio-economic development. However, an ever-increasing population, urbanization, industrialization, horizontal and vertical expansion of agricultural activities, and competing uses among various sectors have placed great stress on it. Climate change has further increased stress on these dwindling water resources. Wet seasons are becoming wetter and dry seasons are getting drier. Floods, droughts, and heatwaves have become concurrent phenomena. To manage and govern the vast irrigation system and address these complex water-related issues, the country has established many institutions and approved several policies and legal documents at the federal and provincial levels. However, there are disconnects among these policies and institutions, resulting in poor water governance, with the consequences of increasing water and food insecurity, depleting groundwater resources, low land and water productivity, ecosystem deterioration, urban flooding, watershed degradation and loss of biodiversity.   Water governance is generally a misunderstood concept in the country. Whenever there is disaster or water-related issue, the major focus of the government is either enacting new policies, rules and regulations or establishing new institutions, without examining the underlying reasons for the poor performance or non-performance of existing intuitions and policies. The authors, drawing on decades of experience working in the water sector and a critical review of the existing governance system, policies, institutions and their mandates, have identified missing or weak connections among existing governance elements and proposed practical mechanisms for strengthening these elements without creating new sets of policies or institutions. By progressively implementing the proposed measures and strengthening institutional connections, water governance can be improved, water resources can be managed sustainably, and resilience to future climate shocks can be enhanced.International Water Management Institutehttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1864392026-11-12T02:07:22Z2026-11-11T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Financing Climate Adaptation through Resilient Nature-Based Water Solutions in Lebanon dc.contributor.author: International Water Management Institute dcterms.abstract: This policy brief examines pathways for scaling and financing Resilient Nature-Based Water Solutions (RNBWS) in Lebanon to address growing climate risks, water scarcity, and ecosystem degradation. Drawing on findings from the Al Murunah national policy dialogue and project experience, it identifies institutional and financial barriers to scaling nature-based solutions and highlights opportunities for integrating them into national climate adaptation strategies. The brief presents actionable policy recommendations to strengthen coordination, mobilize climate finance, and develop investment-ready solutions that support water security, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.

2026-11-11T00:00:00ZInternational Water Management InstituteThis policy brief examines pathways for scaling and financing Resilient Nature-Based Water Solutions (RNBWS) in Lebanon to address growing climate risks, water scarcity, and ecosystem degradation. Drawing on findings from the Al Murunah national policy dialogue and project experience, it identifies institutional and financial barriers to scaling nature-based solutions and highlights opportunities for integrating them into national climate adaptation strategies. The brief presents actionable policy recommendations to strengthen coordination, mobilize climate finance, and develop investment-ready solutions that support water security, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.Taye, Meron TeferiEbrahim, Girma YimerMekonnen, KirubelTadesse, MulugetaAbdella, MohammedSeid, Abdulkarimhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1864382026-11-11T06:03:24Z2026-11-11T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Guideline on Conjunctive Use of Surface Water and Groundwater for Irrigation: Demonstration on the Meki Catchment, Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia dc.contributor.author: Taye, Meron Teferi; Ebrahim, Girma Yimer; Mekonnen, Kirubel; Tadesse, Mulugeta; Abdella, Mohammed; Seid, Abdulkarim dcterms.abstract: This study provides a practical framework for assessing and planning the coordinated use of surface water and groundwater for irrigation in Ethiopia. The framework covers irrigated-area mapping, irrigation water demand estimation, water resources assessment from both sources, conjunctive water use modelling, and the need for planning sustainability limits when abstracting water for irrigation. The proposed framework is demonstrated in the Meki catchment, in the Central Rift Valley Lakes Basin of Ethiopia. In the Meki catchment, water scarcity is driven primarily by seasonal timing and location rather than annual availability. Groundwater can supplement river water during critical shortages where suitable aquifers exist in the rift floor, while upstream areas with limited groundwater require demand management and water storage options. The report recommends coordinated water use, monitoring of river flows and groundwater levels, consideration of downstream flows, stronger institutional coordination among the water energy food and environment sectors, and local technical capacity development for better management of water resources under irrigation expansion. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Policy Innovations

2026-11-11T00:00:00ZTaye, Meron TeferiEbrahim, Girma YimerMekonnen, KirubelTadesse, MulugetaAbdella, MohammedSeid, AbdulkarimThis study provides a practical framework for assessing and planning the coordinated use of surface water and groundwater for irrigation in Ethiopia. The framework covers irrigated-area mapping, irrigation water demand estimation, water resources assessment from both sources, conjunctive water use modelling, and the need for planning sustainability limits when abstracting water for irrigation. The proposed framework is demonstrated in the Meki catchment, in the Central Rift Valley Lakes Basin of Ethiopia. In the Meki catchment, water scarcity is driven primarily by seasonal timing and location rather than annual availability. Groundwater can supplement river water during critical shortages where suitable aquifers exist in the rift floor, while upstream areas with limited groundwater require demand management and water storage options. The report recommends coordinated water use, monitoring of river flows and groundwater levels, consideration of downstream flows, stronger institutional coordination among the water energy food and environment sectors, and local technical capacity development for better management of water resources under irrigation expansion.Ruckstuhl, SandraRabi, Aymanhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1864222026-11-11T10:00:49Z2026-11-10T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Implementing the Al Murunah Project in the Al-Fari’a Area of the West Bank, Palestine dc.contributor.author: Ruckstuhl, Sandra; Rabi, Ayman dcterms.abstract: This Project Insight Note highlights lessons learned from implementing the Al Murunah project in the Al-Fari’a area of the West Bank, Palestine, during active conflict. It examines how proactive risk planning, adaptive management, sustained community engagement, and operational flexibility enabled project continuity and supported agricultural resilience. The note also identifies opportunities to strengthen future interventions, offering practical insights for designing, implementing, and scaling water and climate resilience solutions in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

2026-11-10T00:00:00ZRuckstuhl, SandraRabi, AymanThis Project Insight Note highlights lessons learned from implementing the Al Murunah project in the Al-Fari’a area of the West Bank, Palestine, during active conflict. It examines how proactive risk planning, adaptive management, sustained community engagement, and operational flexibility enabled project continuity and supported agricultural resilience. The note also identifies opportunities to strengthen future interventions, offering practical insights for designing, implementing, and scaling water and climate resilience solutions in fragile and conflict-affected settings.Tegegne, DesalegnSieber, StefanUckert, GoetzGirma, RedietHaileslassie, AmareMekuria, Woldehttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1864212026-11-11T02:01:11Z2026-12-05T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Bundling solar-based irrigation and vermicompost using a living lab approach in Ethiopia: impacts on crop yield, soil moisture and rural livelihoods dc.contributor.author: Tegegne, Desalegn; Sieber, Stefan; Uckert, Goetz; Girma, Rediet; Haileslassie, Amare; Mekuria, Wolde dcterms.abstract: This study in Ethiopia's Rift Valley tested two hypotheses: integrating solar-based irrigation with vermicompost would considerably increase crop yields and soil moisture retention; and smallholder farmers would perceive solar irrigation as contributing positively to livelihood diversification, household income, food security, livestock feed availability and environmental co-benefits. Participatory on-farm trials and key informant interviews were conducted to address these research questions. The trial used cabbage and pepper as test crops and employed a randomized complete block design with three treatments: Treatment 1/Control (solar-based irrigation with farmers' current practices); Treatment 2 (Treatment 1plus 4 t ha−1 of vermicompost); and Treatment 3 (Treatment 1 plus 8 t ha−1 of vermicompost). The first hypothesis was confirmed: bundling vermicompost with solar-based irrigation increased yields (pepper +78.6%, cabbage +14.3%) and improved soil moisture retention. These yield gains were economically viable, with benefit–cost ratios ranging from 0.38 to 2.46 across sites. The second hypothesis was supported: 88% of farmers adopted 2–5 new crops (75% citing improved water access), shifting toward vegetables, fruits and fodder, with reported gains in income, food security, nutrition, dry-season fodder and environmental co-benefits. Solar irrigation therefore delivers greater agronomic and livelihood benefits when integrated with vermicompost, supporting the scaling of bundled interventions. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact; Food Frontiers and Security

2026-12-05T00:00:00ZTegegne, DesalegnSieber, StefanUckert, GoetzGirma, RedietHaileslassie, AmareMekuria, WoldeThis study in Ethiopia's Rift Valley tested two hypotheses: integrating solar-based irrigation with vermicompost would considerably increase crop yields and soil moisture retention; and smallholder farmers would perceive solar irrigation as contributing positively to livelihood diversification, household income, food security, livestock feed availability and environmental co-benefits. Participatory on-farm trials and key informant interviews were conducted to address these research questions. The trial used cabbage and pepper as test crops and employed a randomized complete block design with three treatments: Treatment 1/Control (solar-based irrigation with farmers' current practices); Treatment 2 (Treatment 1plus 4 t ha−1 of vermicompost); and Treatment 3 (Treatment 1 plus 8 t ha−1 of vermicompost). The first hypothesis was confirmed: bundling vermicompost with solar-based irrigation increased yields (pepper +78.6%, cabbage +14.3%) and improved soil moisture retention. These yield gains were economically viable, with benefit–cost ratios ranging from 0.38 to 2.46 across sites. The second hypothesis was supported: 88% of farmers adopted 2–5 new crops (75% citing improved water access), shifting toward vegetables, fruits and fodder, with reported gains in income, food security, nutrition, dry-season fodder and environmental co-benefits. Solar irrigation therefore delivers greater agronomic and livelihood benefits when integrated with vermicompost, supporting the scaling of bundled interventions.Ovink, HenkSmith, MarkMcDonnell, Rachaelhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1864202026-11-10T08:47:37Z2026-11-06T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Global water governance must follow the science and the water cycle dc.contributor.author: Ovink, Henk; Smith, Mark; McDonnell, Rachael dcterms.abstract: The world needs more than another high-level water moment. It needs a multi-level and multilateral architecture that connects political leadership, science, finance and locally grounded action — and that is designed around the connected reality of the water cycle.

2026-11-06T00:00:00ZOvink, HenkSmith, MarkMcDonnell, RachaelThe world needs more than another high-level water moment. It needs a multi-level and multilateral architecture that connects political leadership, science, finance and locally grounded action — and that is designed around the connected reality of the water cycle.Shrestha, ShisherKarki, DarshanSapkota, ReganNepal, SantoshRavindranath, Darshinihttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1864192026-11-11T02:10:13Z2026-11-10T00:00:00Z

dc.title: The Hanging House: Closing Nepal’s Loss and Damage Evidence-to-Finance Gap dc.contributor.author: Shrestha, Shisher; Karki, Darshan; Sapkota, Regan; Nepal, Santosh; Ravindranath, Darshini

2026-11-10T00:00:00ZShrestha, ShisherKarki, DarshanSapkota, ReganNepal, SantoshRavindranath, DarshiniShamim, M.Ravisankar, N.Jain, NamrataKumar, Gopalhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1864172026-11-10T07:43:02Z2026-11-05T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Accounting for nutrition and dietary diversity in an integrated organic and natural farming system dc.contributor.author: Shamim, M.; Ravisankar, N.; Jain, Namrata; Kumar, Gopal dcterms.abstract: This article highlights how integrated organic and natural farming can provide Indian farmers with a practical approach to improve soil health, farm profitability, resource-use efficiency and livelihood resilience. The main innovation is to look beyond crop yield and income by considering soil biodiversity, water productivity, pesticide use, nutrition and dietary diversity as interconnected benefits of a diversified farming system. Integration of crops with livestock, poultry, dairy, horticulture, fisheries and other enterprises can provide farmers with multiple sources of food and income throughout the year, reduce seasonal dependence on a single crop and strengthen household food and nutritional security. Recycling of crop residues, livestock wastes and other farm resources can improve soil fertility and reduce dependence on purchased inputs. Overall, diversified integrated farming offers a farmer-friendly pathway for making Indian agriculture more sustainable, resource-efficient, economically viable and better able to support food, nutrition and livelihood security. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Multifunctional Landscapes

2026-11-05T00:00:00ZShamim, M.Ravisankar, N.Jain, NamrataKumar, GopalThis article highlights how integrated organic and natural farming can provide Indian farmers with a practical approach to improve soil health, farm profitability, resource-use efficiency and livelihood resilience. The main innovation is to look beyond crop yield and income by considering soil biodiversity, water productivity, pesticide use, nutrition and dietary diversity as interconnected benefits of a diversified farming system. Integration of crops with livestock, poultry, dairy, horticulture, fisheries and other enterprises can provide farmers with multiple sources of food and income throughout the year, reduce seasonal dependence on a single crop and strengthen household food and nutritional security. Recycling of crop residues, livestock wastes and other farm resources can improve soil fertility and reduce dependence on purchased inputs. Overall, diversified integrated farming offers a farmer-friendly pathway for making Indian agriculture more sustainable, resource-efficient, economically viable and better able to support food, nutrition and livelihood security.Gebre, Eden SeifuHaile, Alemseged TamiruRetief, Hugohttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1864032026-11-10T02:04:52Z2026-11-09T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Digital Twin for Effective Flood Response: Technical Training and Operationalization Workshop Report dc.contributor.author: Gebre, Eden Seifu; Haile, Alemseged Tamiru; Retief, Hugo cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Digital Transformation

2026-11-09T00:00:00ZGebre, Eden SeifuHaile, Alemseged TamiruRetief, HugoAdmasu, Zeleke BelayHaileslassie, AmareTilahun, Seifu A.Al-Zu’bi, MahaTilahun, EsmaelBelete, YalewZikadirgachew, KumsaEshetu, YiheyisAragie, MengistuTeshome, HiwoteAlemayehu, Mussiehttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1864012026-11-10T02:09:44Z2026-11-09T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Catalyzing Private Sector-Led Solar Irrigation Scaling in Ethiopia Stakeholders Dialogue for Pathways dc.contributor.author: Admasu, Zeleke Belay; Haileslassie, Amare; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Al-Zu’bi, Maha; Tilahun, Esmael; Belete, Yalew; Zikadirgachew, Kumsa; Eshetu, Yiheyis; Aragie, Mengistu; Teshome, Hiwote; Alemayehu, Mussie dcterms.abstract: Ethiopia is seeking to accelerate solar-powered irrigation as a climate-smart alternative to costly and unreliable diesel-based pumping. However, sustainable scaling requires more than deploying solar pumps. It needs an enabling ecosystem combining appropriate technologies, accessible finance, quality assurance, advisory and after-sales services, capacity development, sustainable water management, and effective public-private coordination. This report summarizes outcomes of a multi-stakeholder dialogue held on March 27, 2026, in Addis Ababa, bringing together 24 senior representatives from government, financial institutions, development partners, research organizations, solar technology suppliers, and private-sector associations. The dialogue assessed key barriers and opportunities for private sector-led solar irrigation scaling, validated a national scaling pipeline, explored innovative financing mechanisms, clarified institutional roles, and identified pathways for coordinated implementation. Participants validated a 2026 target of 1,750 solar pumps and prioritized blended finance, pay-as-you-go (PAYGO), cooperative lending, and Irrigation-as-a-Service models tailored to different farmer segments. They also agreed to establish a Solar Pump Scaling Platform, chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture, co-chaired by the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands, with IWMI serving as Technical Secretariat. The resulting 2026–2028 pathway emphasizes private-sector delivery, innovative finance, decision-support tools, strengthened service systems, capacity building, institutional coordination, and responsible water-resource management. The broader ambition is to reach approximately 284,000 smallholder farmers by 2028, contributing to more productive, resilient, and sustainable irrigated agriculture in Ethiopia. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

2026-11-09T00:00:00ZAdmasu, Zeleke BelayHaileslassie, AmareTilahun, Seifu A.Al-Zu’bi, MahaTilahun, EsmaelBelete, YalewZikadirgachew, KumsaEshetu, YiheyisAragie, MengistuTeshome, HiwoteAlemayehu, MussieEthiopia is seeking to accelerate solar-powered irrigation as a climate-smart alternative to costly and unreliable diesel-based pumping. However, sustainable scaling requires more than deploying solar pumps. It needs an enabling ecosystem combining appropriate technologies, accessible finance, quality assurance, advisory and after-sales services, capacity development, sustainable water management, and effective public-private coordination. This report summarizes outcomes of a multi-stakeholder dialogue held on March 27, 2026, in Addis Ababa, bringing together 24 senior representatives from government, financial institutions, development partners, research organizations, solar technology suppliers, and private-sector associations. The dialogue assessed key barriers and opportunities for private sector-led solar irrigation scaling, validated a national scaling pipeline, explored innovative financing mechanisms, clarified institutional roles, and identified pathways for coordinated implementation. Participants validated a 2026 target of 1,750 solar pumps and prioritized blended finance, pay-as-you-go (PAYGO), cooperative lending, and Irrigation-as-a-Service models tailored to different farmer segments. They also agreed to establish a Solar Pump Scaling Platform, chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture, co-chaired by the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands, with IWMI serving as Technical Secretariat. The resulting 2026–2028 pathway emphasizes private-sector delivery, innovative finance, decision-support tools, strengthened service systems, capacity building, institutional coordination, and responsible water-resource management. The broader ambition is to reach approximately 284,000 smallholder farmers by 2028, contributing to more productive, resilient, and sustainable irrigated agriculture in Ethiopia.Amarnath, GirirajAlahacoon, Nirangahttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1863822026-11-07T02:07:12Z2026-11-06T00:00:00Z

dc.title: The State of Early Warning Around the World dc.contributor.author: Amarnath, Giriraj; Alahacoon, Niranga dcterms.abstract: The United Nations’ Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative set 2027 as the year by which everyone on Earth should be protected by a multi-hazard early warning system. This report takes stock of progress towards that goal, drawing on the Eyes on the Storm webinar series convened by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the International Telecommunication Union, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and other partners in 2025–26. Close to hundred practitioners from national meteorological and disaster services, space agencies, humanitarian networks, insurers, hydropower operators and community organizations across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas described what is working in early warning and what is not. Structured around the four pillars of early warning, the report examines hazard-specific advances for heatwaves, floods, droughts, landslides, and tsunamis; community-led and inclusive approaches; early warning for hydropower and compound crises; the application of artificial intelligence and Earth observation; behavioral and last-mile communication challenges; and financing and public–private partnership. Five findings cut across the evidence: risk knowledge remains the weakest pillar; technology is no longer the binding constraint; the last mile is where warning chains most often break; hazards increasingly arrive together while slow-onset hazards go unnoticed; and finance must be arranged before a hazard strikes. Eleven recommendations translate these findings into action for governments, development partners, the private sector, and communities, from expanding observation networks in climate-risk hotspots to mainstreaming early warning within national governance. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Climate Action

2026-11-06T00:00:00ZAmarnath, GirirajAlahacoon, NirangaThe United Nations’ Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative set 2027 as the year by which everyone on Earth should be protected by a multi-hazard early warning system. This report takes stock of progress towards that goal, drawing on the Eyes on the Storm webinar series convened by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the International Telecommunication Union, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and other partners in 2025–26. Close to hundred practitioners from national meteorological and disaster services, space agencies, humanitarian networks, insurers, hydropower operators and community organizations across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas described what is working in early warning and what is not. Structured around the four pillars of early warning, the report examines hazard-specific advances for heatwaves, floods, droughts, landslides, and tsunamis; community-led and inclusive approaches; early warning for hydropower and compound crises; the application of artificial intelligence and Earth observation; behavioral and last-mile communication challenges; and financing and public–private partnership. Five findings cut across the evidence: risk knowledge remains the weakest pillar; technology is no longer the binding constraint; the last mile is where warning chains most often break; hazards increasingly arrive together while slow-onset hazards go unnoticed; and finance must be arranged before a hazard strikes. Eleven recommendations translate these findings into action for governments, development partners, the private sector, and communities, from expanding observation networks in climate-risk hotspots to mainstreaming early warning within national governance.Amarnath, GirirajSikka, AlokOverton, IanBharadwaj, RituAdavikolanu, Avinash VenkataJaime, Catalinahttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1863772026-11-10T02:11:08Z2026-11-06T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Financing the Last Mile: An Investment Case for Early Warnings for All dc.contributor.author: Amarnath, Giriraj; Sikka, Alok; Overton, Ian; Bharadwaj, Ritu; Adavikolanu, Avinash Venkata; Jaime, Catalina dcterms.abstract: With a year to the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All deadline, the case for early warning is settled: countries with comprehensive multi-hazard early warning systems record disaster mortality nearly six times lower than those without, and every dollar invested in hydrometeorological and warning services returns between four and thirty-six dollars. What is failing is the financing. This brief combines IWMI’s synthesis of the Eyes on the Storm webinar series, in which more than seventy practitioners from UN agencies, national services, insurers and community networks described what works and what does not, with the latest global data on early warning and disaster risk finance published between late 2025 and October 2026. Four distortions emerge. Early Warnings for All costed delivery at USD 3.1 billion for 2023–2027, yet its two dedicated funds have approved about USD 220 million. The money reaches the wrong places: over half of tracked national early warning finance sits in five countries, three-quarters is lent rather than granted, and low-income and fragile states each receive under 7 percent of pre-arranged disaster finance. Systems are built but not run: in the least-developed and island countries assessed by the Alliance for Hydromet Development, 95 percent of services have no maintenance budget, and nearly half of surveyed stations do not work. Further to this, money is often released after disasters rather than before, although pre-arranged finance reached a record USD 9.4 billion in 2024 and anticipatory action protected 9.6 million people in 2025, with documented returns of up to USD 7 per dollar in the best cases. Six recommendations, each linked to a pillar of the Early Warnings for All framework and to the actors best placed to deliver it, set out how finance ministries, development banks, climate funds, telecommunications regulators and the private sector can close much of the gap before 2027. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Climate Action

2026-11-06T00:00:00ZAmarnath, GirirajSikka, AlokOverton, IanBharadwaj, RituAdavikolanu, Avinash VenkataJaime, CatalinaWith a year to the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All deadline, the case for early warning is settled: countries with comprehensive multi-hazard early warning systems record disaster mortality nearly six times lower than those without, and every dollar invested in hydrometeorological and warning services returns between four and thirty-six dollars. What is failing is the financing. This brief combines IWMI’s synthesis of the Eyes on the Storm webinar series, in which more than seventy practitioners from UN agencies, national services, insurers and community networks described what works and what does not, with the latest global data on early warning and disaster risk finance published between late 2025 and October 2026. Four distortions emerge. Early Warnings for All costed delivery at USD 3.1 billion for 2023–2027, yet its two dedicated funds have approved about USD 220 million. The money reaches the wrong places: over half of tracked national early warning finance sits in five countries, three-quarters is lent rather than granted, and low-income and fragile states each receive under 7 percent of pre-arranged disaster finance. Systems are built but not run: in the least-developed and island countries assessed by the Alliance for Hydromet Development, 95 percent of services have no maintenance budget, and nearly half of surveyed stations do not work. Further to this, money is often released after disasters rather than before, although pre-arranged finance reached a record USD 9.4 billion in 2024 and anticipatory action protected 9.6 million people in 2025, with documented returns of up to USD 7 per dollar in the best cases. Six recommendations, each linked to a pillar of the Early Warnings for All framework and to the actors best placed to deliver it, set out how finance ministries, development banks, climate funds, telecommunications regulators and the private sector can close much of the gap before 2027.Stone, Jeremyhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1863372026-11-06T02:02:26Z2026-11-04T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Adaptive Management in Project Start up: Lessons from Jahez “Ready” Project in Jordan dc.contributor.author: Stone, Jeremy dcterms.abstract: This Project Insight Note explores adaptive management approaches in research-for-development initiatives, drawing on lessons from the Jahez (Ready) Climate-ready refugee hosting communities in Jordan project. It highlights the importance of flexibility during project start-up and implementation to respond to evolving political, environmental, and operational contexts. Key considerations include stakeholder engagement, co-design, results-based budgeting, partnership development, and continuous monitoring. Drawing on experiences from three the Jahez pilot sites in Irbid, Al-Ramtha and Al-Azraq municipalities in Jordan, the note outlines a practical approach to adaptive management based on monitoring, reflection, learning, and adjustment. It offers insights into improving implementation efficiency, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing the sustainability and scalability of climate resilience interventions.

2026-11-04T00:00:00ZStone, JeremyThis Project Insight Note explores adaptive management approaches in research-for-development initiatives, drawing on lessons from the Jahez (Ready) Climate-ready refugee hosting communities in Jordan project. It highlights the importance of flexibility during project start-up and implementation to respond to evolving political, environmental, and operational contexts. Key considerations include stakeholder engagement, co-design, results-based budgeting, partnership development, and continuous monitoring. Drawing on experiences from three the Jahez pilot sites in Irbid, Al-Ramtha and Al-Azraq municipalities in Jordan, the note outlines a practical approach to adaptive management based on monitoring, reflection, learning, and adjustment. It offers insights into improving implementation efficiency, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing the sustainability and scalability of climate resilience interventions.Langa, NicoleDarlington, Daniella EsiKiala, ZoloGarcia Andarcia, Mariangelhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1863272026-11-06T03:01:15Z2026-11-04T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Empowering Citizen Scientists for Sustainable Water Management in the Limpopo River Basin: An Incentive-Based Approach dc.contributor.author: Langa, Nicole; Darlington, Daniella Esi; Kiala, Zolo; Garcia Andarcia, Mariangel dcterms.abstract: This report examines the design, implementation and early evaluation of incentives for citizen science water monitoring in Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa within the Limpopo River Basin. It combines a stakeholder consultations and a cross-sectional survey of 43 citizen scientists conducted between September and October 2026. Descriptive analysis and exploratory statistical tests assessed preferences, platform experiences, incentive understanding, perceived fairness and participation intentions. A four-stage engagement framework connects awareness, capacity building, active participation and retention with practical support, learning and recognition.  Participants generally valued incentives and expressed positive perceptions of fairness and motivation. However, only 18 respondents fully understood how incentives were earned, while 27 identified cash or stipends as the most motivating option. Participants preferred in-person and peer learning, while connectivity costs and device limitations constrained inclusive access. Women and young people were prominent among respondents, although equitable program reach could not be established. The Youth Marketplace Agency (YOMA) by UNICEF supported the River Monitors course, certificates and verified credentials. Platform, funding and logistical constraints prevented cross-country financial distribution. Other incentives required manual coordination and external providers limiting digital tracking.  The sample limited incentive exposure and inconsistent self-reported responses restrict generalisability and prevent conclusions about effects on monitoring frequency or sustained participation. The report recommends clearer earning rules, accessible training and participation support, monitoring of inclusion and fairness, and prior confirmation of country-specific payment capabilities and provider arrangements. Longitudinal evaluation linking verified contributions with benefit receipt is needed to assess effectiveness and inform sustainable implementation. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Digital Transformation

2026-11-04T00:00:00ZLanga, NicoleDarlington, Daniella EsiKiala, ZoloGarcia Andarcia, MariangelThis report examines the design, implementation and early evaluation of incentives for citizen science water monitoring in Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa within the Limpopo River Basin. It combines a stakeholder consultations and a cross-sectional survey of 43 citizen scientists conducted between September and October 2026. Descriptive analysis and exploratory statistical tests assessed preferences, platform experiences, incentive understanding, perceived fairness and participation intentions. A four-stage engagement framework connects awareness, capacity building, active participation and retention with practical support, learning and recognition.  Participants generally valued incentives and expressed positive perceptions of fairness and motivation. However, only 18 respondents fully understood how incentives were earned, while 27 identified cash or stipends as the most motivating option. Participants preferred in-person and peer learning, while connectivity costs and device limitations constrained inclusive access. Women and young people were prominent among respondents, although equitable program reach could not be established. The Youth Marketplace Agency (YOMA) by UNICEF supported the River Monitors course, certificates and verified credentials. Platform, funding and logistical constraints prevented cross-country financial distribution. Other incentives required manual coordination and external providers limiting digital tracking.  The sample limited incentive exposure and inconsistent self-reported responses restrict generalisability and prevent conclusions about effects on monitoring frequency or sustained participation. The report recommends clearer earning rules, accessible training and participation support, monitoring of inclusion and fairness, and prior confirmation of country-specific payment capabilities and provider arrangements. Longitudinal evaluation linking verified contributions with benefit receipt is needed to assess effectiveness and inform sustainable implementation.Velpuri, Naga ManoharLeh, MansoorOwusu, AfuaMcTough, MitchellDevkota, KrishnaWorqlul, AbeyouHilali, Muhi El-DineBrouziyne, YoussefNangia, VinayRuckstuhl, SandraRajapakse, Nilmini Dharshikahttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1863232026-11-05T02:05:01Z2026-10-30T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Designing Next-Generation Agriculture Systems in Syria: From Recovery to Transformation (NexGenAg-Syria) dc.contributor.author: Velpuri, Naga Manohar; Leh, Mansoor; Owusu, Afua; McTough, Mitchell; Devkota, Krishna; Worqlul, Abeyou; Hilali, Muhi El-Dine; Brouziyne, Youssef; Nangia, Vinay; Ruckstuhl, Sandra; Rajapakse, Nilmini Dharshika cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Food Frontiers and Security

2026-10-30T00:00:00ZVelpuri, Naga ManoharLeh, MansoorOwusu, AfuaMcTough, MitchellDevkota, KrishnaWorqlul, AbeyouHilali, Muhi El-DineBrouziyne, YoussefNangia, VinayRuckstuhl, SandraRajapakse, Nilmini DharshikaMalik, Manzoor AhmadAshraf, MuhammadIqbal, NaveedGul, NazarSemiromi, Majid Taiehttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1862912026-11-04T02:02:49Z2026-11-01T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Spatial and Vertical Variability of Soil Physico‐hydraulic Properties and Subsurface Lithology in the Upper Indus Plain of Pakistan dc.contributor.author: Malik, Manzoor Ahmad; Ashraf, Muhammad; Iqbal, Naveed; Gul, Nazar; Semiromi, Majid Taie dcterms.abstract: Accurate characterization of soil physico-hydraulic properties is critical for irrigation and drainage design, solute transport, soil–water–plant, and rainfall–runoff relationships. However, spatially representative datasets for these properties remain limited for the Indus Basin of Pakistan, where hydrological studies often rely on generalized parameters derived from other regions, introducing uncertainties in model-based assessments. This study presents a basin-scale integrated assessment of soil texture, bulk density, infiltration behavior, and soil moisture retention characteristics covering the Upper Indus Plain of Pakistan. Field-based in situ measurements were conducted at 66 spatially distributed sites across four doabs (area between the two rivers) at surface, 0.5-m, and 1.0-m depths. An integrated methodological framework was employed, combining hydrometer analysis for soil texture, improved double-ring infiltrometer tests for infiltration, pressure-plate extractor for soil water retention, oven-dried weight for bulk density, and resistivity survey for subsurface lithological assessment. Infiltration datasets were analyzed using the Horton and Philip cumulative infiltration models, while soil water retention behavior was quantified using hanging water column and pressure plate methods and parameterized using the van Genuchten model. Results indicate that the Horton infiltration model outperformed the Philip model for estimation of cumulative infiltration. Silty clay loam, sandy loam, and silt loam are the dominant texture classes. The soil with infiltration rates up to 30 mm/h remain predominant across the study area. This study provides robust and accurate baseline datasets along with an integrated methodological framework to support basin-scale improved hydrological modeling, flood simulations, recharge estimation, and effective water resource management. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Policy Innovations

2026-11-01T00:00:00ZMalik, Manzoor AhmadAshraf, MuhammadIqbal, NaveedGul, NazarSemiromi, Majid TaieAccurate characterization of soil physico-hydraulic properties is critical for irrigation and drainage design, solute transport, soil–water–plant, and rainfall–runoff relationships. However, spatially representative datasets for these properties remain limited for the Indus Basin of Pakistan, where hydrological studies often rely on generalized parameters derived from other regions, introducing uncertainties in model-based assessments. This study presents a basin-scale integrated assessment of soil texture, bulk density, infiltration behavior, and soil moisture retention characteristics covering the Upper Indus Plain of Pakistan. Field-based in situ measurements were conducted at 66 spatially distributed sites across four doabs (area between the two rivers) at surface, 0.5-m, and 1.0-m depths. An integrated methodological framework was employed, combining hydrometer analysis for soil texture, improved double-ring infiltrometer tests for infiltration, pressure-plate extractor for soil water retention, oven-dried weight for bulk density, and resistivity survey for subsurface lithological assessment. Infiltration datasets were analyzed using the Horton and Philip cumulative infiltration models, while soil water retention behavior was quantified using hanging water column and pressure plate methods and parameterized using the van Genuchten model. Results indicate that the Horton infiltration model outperformed the Philip model for estimation of cumulative infiltration. Silty clay loam, sandy loam, and silt loam are the dominant texture classes. The soil with infiltration rates up to 30 mm/h remain predominant across the study area. This study provides robust and accurate baseline datasets along with an integrated methodological framework to support basin-scale improved hydrological modeling, flood simulations, recharge estimation, and effective water resource management.Iqbal, W.Cheema, Muhammad Jehanzeb MasudAnjum, Muhammad NomanAmin, M.Hussain, S.https://hdl.handle.net/10568/1862842026-11-03T10:02:01Z2025-08-19T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Projections of precipitation and temperature changes in the Neelam River Basin, western Himalaya: a CMIP6-based assessment under shared socioeconomic pathways dc.contributor.author: Iqbal, W.; Cheema, Muhammad Jehanzeb Masud; Anjum, Muhammad Noman; Amin, M.; Hussain, S. dcterms.abstract: This study assessed the past and future precipitation and temperature changes in the Neelam River basin, which is located in the western Himalayas. The projections of five General Circulation Models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) were used to analyze the future climate change in the basin. The delta change method was used for the bias correction of the GCMs. The anticipated changes in temperature and precipitation for the near future (2021–2050) were computed under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs; SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5) relative to the baseline period (1985‒2014). The Modified Mann-Kendall (MMK) test was used to assess the significance of temperature and precipitation trends, and the Theil-Sen (TS) slope estimator was used to examine the slope of the trends. According to projections made under all SSPs, the average annual precipitation may decrease in the future. The possible reduction of precipitation varies between − 4.56% (under SSP2-4.5) and − 4.77% (under SSP5-8.5). All SSPs showed a significant decrease in future spring precipitation, with rates of -0.49 mm/year, -6.21 mm/year, and − 4.74 mm/year under SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5, respectively. Under all SSPs, both the minimum temperature (TMin) and maximum temperature (TMax) exhibited significant increases, with the most notable increase in annual TMin under SSP5-8.5, at a rate of 0.07 °C/year. The projected changes in precipitation and temperature may result in more frequent and severe droughts, which would negatively affect the ecosystem, crop production, and hydropower generation in Pakistan. This study provides critical insights for policymakers to devise targeted adaptation and mitigation measures for the Neelam River basin to address the impacts of climate change.

2025-08-19T00:00:00ZIqbal, W.Cheema, Muhammad Jehanzeb MasudAnjum, Muhammad NomanAmin, M.Hussain, S.This study assessed the past and future precipitation and temperature changes in the Neelam River basin, which is located in the western Himalayas. The projections of five General Circulation Models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) were used to analyze the future climate change in the basin. The delta change method was used for the bias correction of the GCMs. The anticipated changes in temperature and precipitation for the near future (2021–2050) were computed under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs; SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5) relative to the baseline period (1985‒2014). The Modified Mann-Kendall (MMK) test was used to assess the significance of temperature and precipitation trends, and the Theil-Sen (TS) slope estimator was used to examine the slope of the trends. According to projections made under all SSPs, the average annual precipitation may decrease in the future. The possible reduction of precipitation varies between − 4.56% (under SSP2-4.5) and − 4.77% (under SSP5-8.5). All SSPs showed a significant decrease in future spring precipitation, with rates of -0.49 mm/year, -6.21 mm/year, and − 4.74 mm/year under SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5, respectively. Under all SSPs, both the minimum temperature (TMin) and maximum temperature (TMax) exhibited significant increases, with the most notable increase in annual TMin under SSP5-8.5, at a rate of 0.07 °C/year. The projected changes in precipitation and temperature may result in more frequent and severe droughts, which would negatively affect the ecosystem, crop production, and hydropower generation in Pakistan. This study provides critical insights for policymakers to devise targeted adaptation and mitigation measures for the Neelam River basin to address the impacts of climate change.Mekuria, WoldeGirma, RedietMoges, Awdenegesthttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1862742026-11-03T02:07:51Z2026-11-02T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Refugee Settlement-Environmental Degradation Nexus in Kassala, El Gedaref, and White Nile States, Sudan dc.contributor.author: Mekuria, Wolde; Girma, Rediet; Moges, Awdenegest dcterms.abstract: Sudan hosts some of Africa's largest and longest-standing refugee populations in fragile drylands already strained by unreliable rainfall, land degradation, and conflict. This study examines whether refugee settlements are linked to environmental decline across 19 camps in Kassala, El Gedaref, and White Nile states, to help guide camp siting and sustainable hosting. Using satellite imagery, we tracked changes in land use, vegetation, soil, and land conditions between 1978 and 2025. Camps were grouped by age — long-established (pre-1990, Kassala), established (2011–2019, White Nile State), and recently established (2020 onward, El Gedaref) — and changes were measured across four distance bands around each camp (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, and 30–50 km). The results show a strong, consistent link between settlements and environmental change over space and time. Because the study included no comparison landscape without camps, this is an association, not proof that camps alone caused the damage. Farmland and built-up areas expanded steadily, replacing shrublands, grasslands, forests, and wetlands. Older camps showed the greatest total change; newer camps changed the fastest each year. Degradation spread outward from inner zones to the edges, with less healthy land remaining throughout. Refugee settlements are best seen as part of wider landscapes whose pressures reach far beyond camp boundaries, weakening nature's benefits and raising the risk of drought, flood, and resource conflict. Older camps need restoration; newer ones need prevention. Humanitarian agencies, governments, donors, communities, and researchers should build environmental checks from the start, promote clean energy and nature-based restoration, manage land use by zone, and sustain shared monitoring with early warning. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Food Frontiers and Security

2026-11-02T00:00:00ZMekuria, WoldeGirma, RedietMoges, AwdenegestSudan hosts some of Africa's largest and longest-standing refugee populations in fragile drylands already strained by unreliable rainfall, land degradation, and conflict. This study examines whether refugee settlements are linked to environmental decline across 19 camps in Kassala, El Gedaref, and White Nile states, to help guide camp siting and sustainable hosting. Using satellite imagery, we tracked changes in land use, vegetation, soil, and land conditions between 1978 and 2025. Camps were grouped by age — long-established (pre-1990, Kassala), established (2011–2019, White Nile State), and recently established (2020 onward, El Gedaref) — and changes were measured across four distance bands around each camp (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, and 30–50 km). The results show a strong, consistent link between settlements and environmental change over space and time. Because the study included no comparison landscape without camps, this is an association, not proof that camps alone caused the damage. Farmland and built-up areas expanded steadily, replacing shrublands, grasslands, forests, and wetlands. Older camps showed the greatest total change; newer camps changed the fastest each year. Degradation spread outward from inner zones to the edges, with less healthy land remaining throughout. Refugee settlements are best seen as part of wider landscapes whose pressures reach far beyond camp boundaries, weakening nature's benefits and raising the risk of drought, flood, and resource conflict. Older camps need restoration; newer ones need prevention. Humanitarian agencies, governments, donors, communities, and researchers should build environmental checks from the start, promote clean energy and nature-based restoration, manage land use by zone, and sustain shared monitoring with early warning.Danyo, Mawufemor AfiDembélé, MoctarKumah, MabelAtampugre, GeraldTilahun, Seifu A.https://hdl.handle.net/10568/1862632026-11-02T03:25:35Z2026-10-30T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Unlocking Local Knowledge Production for Global Water Reanalysis: Co-Creation Workshop Report for the Case of Sherigu Catchment, Ghana dc.contributor.author: Danyo, Mawufemor Afi; Dembélé, Moctar; Kumah, Mabel; Atampugre, Gerald; Tilahun, Seifu A. dcterms.abstract: This report documents a co-creation workshop held on 26 June 2026 at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) office in Accra, Ghana, under the project Unlocking Local Knowledge Production for Global Water Reanalysis (UNLOCKiNG), funded by Schmidt Sciences through its Virtual Institute for Earth’s Water (VIEW) programme. The workshop brought together 31 participants from research, government, civil society, the private sector and the local community to identify and characterize local knowledge, water-related practices and non-conventional hydrological data in the Sherigu catchment, the project’s Ghana pilot site. Participants identified a diverse but fragmented evidence base, including community-based groundwater and rainfall monitoring, borehole records held by NGOs and drilling companies, small-reservoir datasets and indigenous knowledge. Of the local practices identified, bush burning and dry-season irrigation were identified to have the greatest direct impact on water resources. The report recommends mobilizing existing datasets before new data collection, adopting event-based monitoring, establishing ethical custodianship and benefit-sharing arrangements for indigenous knowledge, and pursuing data-sharing agreements with key institutions. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Food Frontiers and Security

2026-10-30T00:00:00ZDanyo, Mawufemor AfiDembélé, MoctarKumah, MabelAtampugre, GeraldTilahun, Seifu A.This report documents a co-creation workshop held on 26 June 2026 at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) office in Accra, Ghana, under the project Unlocking Local Knowledge Production for Global Water Reanalysis (UNLOCKiNG), funded by Schmidt Sciences through its Virtual Institute for Earth’s Water (VIEW) programme. The workshop brought together 31 participants from research, government, civil society, the private sector and the local community to identify and characterize local knowledge, water-related practices and non-conventional hydrological data in the Sherigu catchment, the project’s Ghana pilot site. Participants identified a diverse but fragmented evidence base, including community-based groundwater and rainfall monitoring, borehole records held by NGOs and drilling companies, small-reservoir datasets and indigenous knowledge. Of the local practices identified, bush burning and dry-season irrigation were identified to have the greatest direct impact on water resources. The report recommends mobilizing existing datasets before new data collection, adopting event-based monitoring, establishing ethical custodianship and benefit-sharing arrangements for indigenous knowledge, and pursuing data-sharing agreements with key institutions.Alam, Mohammad FaizSharma, NavneetPavelic, PaulSikka, Alokhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1862552026-11-02T13:49:22Z2026-10-29T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Recharge Performance of Pond-Based Managed Aquifer Recharge in the Ramganga Basin dc.contributor.author: Alam, Mohammad Faiz; Sharma, Navneet; Pavelic, Paul; Sikka, Alok dcterms.abstract: Groundwater underpins India’s water and food security but faces growing stress from overexploitation and climate change. This study evaluates the hydrologic performance of small-scale, pond-based managed aquifer recharge (MAR) interventions implemented under government development programs, in the context of India’s plan to construct 14 million additional recharge structures. Focusing on the groundwater-stressed Ramganga basin, the study draws on three years of participatory monitoring of 23 recharge structures. Using topographic surveys, staff gauge installations, daily water-level records maintained by trained community members, and water-balance methods, 236 recharge spells were captured and associated (potential) recharge volumes quantified. While the structures demonstrated utility in recharging groundwater, performance remained below potential with a consistent declining trend. The ratio of recharge volume to pond storage averaged 1.75 in 2023 but fell to ∼0.8 in 2024 and 2025, far below values of 5–12 reported in a nearby MAR pilot. Substantial variability was observed across structure types and seasons. Declining recharge rates were linked to siltation, inadequate maintenance, and hydrogeological constraints. Pond water availability (∼140 d per season) was not the primary constraint; instead, low infiltration rates mostly below 40 mm d−1 emerged as the dominant limiting factor. High evaporation losses (∼28% of pond storage) further reduced effective recharge. These findings highlight the need for performance-based MAR planning, integration with watershed measures, regular operation and maintenance to manage siltation, context-specific designs particularly for multipurpose ponds and participatory monitoring to build local ownership and capacity. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Policy Innovations

2026-10-29T00:00:00ZAlam, Mohammad FaizSharma, NavneetPavelic, PaulSikka, AlokGroundwater underpins India’s water and food security but faces growing stress from overexploitation and climate change. This study evaluates the hydrologic performance of small-scale, pond-based managed aquifer recharge (MAR) interventions implemented under government development programs, in the context of India’s plan to construct 14 million additional recharge structures. Focusing on the groundwater-stressed Ramganga basin, the study draws on three years of participatory monitoring of 23 recharge structures. Using topographic surveys, staff gauge installations, daily water-level records maintained by trained community members, and water-balance methods, 236 recharge spells were captured and associated (potential) recharge volumes quantified. While the structures demonstrated utility in recharging groundwater, performance remained below potential with a consistent declining trend. The ratio of recharge volume to pond storage averaged 1.75 in 2023 but fell to ∼0.8 in 2024 and 2025, far below values of 5–12 reported in a nearby MAR pilot. Substantial variability was observed across structure types and seasons. Declining recharge rates were linked to siltation, inadequate maintenance, and hydrogeological constraints. Pond water availability (∼140 d per season) was not the primary constraint; instead, low infiltration rates mostly below 40 mm d−1 emerged as the dominant limiting factor. High evaporation losses (∼28% of pond storage) further reduced effective recharge. These findings highlight the need for performance-based MAR planning, integration with watershed measures, regular operation and maintenance to manage siltation, context-specific designs particularly for multipurpose ponds and participatory monitoring to build local ownership and capacity.International Water Management Institutehttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1862522026-10-30T09:14:18Z2026-02-09T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Visionary Integration dc.contributor.author: International Water Management Institute cg.contributor.initiative: Digital Innovation cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Digital Transformation

2026-02-09T00:00:00ZInternational Water Management InstituteInternational Water Management Institutehttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1862462026-10-30T04:29:40Z2026-09-22T00:00:00Z

dc.title: The Commission on Water for Food Futures to Address How Food Systems Manage Water dc.contributor.author: International Water Management Institute

2026-09-22T00:00:00ZInternational Water Management InstituteLeh, MansoorVelpuri, Naga ManoharWickramasinghe, DarshanaDissanayake, DedunuSiriwardhane, SandaminiGunasekara, KavindaGarcia Andarcia, Mariangelhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1862352026-11-02T04:53:46Z2026-10-29T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Agricultural Water Demand Signaling (AgWaterDS) for smarter irrigation decisions: Matching Irrigation Water to What Crops Really Need dc.contributor.author: Leh, Mansoor; Velpuri, Naga Manohar; Wickramasinghe, Darshana; Dissanayake, Dedunu; Siriwardhane, Sandamini; Gunasekara, Kavinda; Garcia Andarcia, Mariangel dcterms.abstract: AgWaterDS (Agricultural Water Demand Signaling) is a digital decision-support framework, led by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) under the CGIAR Digital Transformation Accelerator, that helps match irrigation water allocation to actual crop and climate needs. It combines water accounting and hydrologic modeling of water supply with spatially and temporally explicit crop water demand modeling. Gap analysis, environmental-flow tools and scenario simulation then identify deficit and surplus zones, and the results are translated into tailored signals for farmers, irrigation districts and policymakers through maps, allocation plans and an interactive dashboard. The framework signals crop water demand. This factsheet outlines the approach, users, data inputs, planned outputs and priority countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia). Expected benefits include higher water productivity, less wasted water, more equitable access and greater climate resilience. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Digital Transformation

2026-10-29T00:00:00ZLeh, MansoorVelpuri, Naga ManoharWickramasinghe, DarshanaDissanayake, DedunuSiriwardhane, SandaminiGunasekara, KavindaGarcia Andarcia, MariangelAgWaterDS (Agricultural Water Demand Signaling) is a digital decision-support framework, led by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) under the CGIAR Digital Transformation Accelerator, that helps match irrigation water allocation to actual crop and climate needs. It combines water accounting and hydrologic modeling of water supply with spatially and temporally explicit crop water demand modeling. Gap analysis, environmental-flow tools and scenario simulation then identify deficit and surplus zones, and the results are translated into tailored signals for farmers, irrigation districts and policymakers through maps, allocation plans and an interactive dashboard. The framework signals crop water demand. This factsheet outlines the approach, users, data inputs, planned outputs and priority countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia). Expected benefits include higher water productivity, less wasted water, more equitable access and greater climate resilience.Varshney, DeepakRavindranath, DarshiniBanerjee, AnuragBuisson, Marie-CharlotteSikka, AlokMukherji, Aditihttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1862332026-11-10T02:07:16Z2026-10-28T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Selling Sunlight or Using It to Pump Groundwater: Causal Evidence from Gujarat’s Grid-Connected Solar Irrigation Program dc.contributor.author: Varshney, Deepak; Ravindranath, Darshini; Banerjee, Anurag; Buisson, Marie-Charlotte; Sikka, Alok; Mukherji, Aditi dcterms.abstract: This study evaluates the causal impact of Gujarat’s Suryashakti Kisan Yojana (SKY), a solar irrigation scheme that enables farmers to sell surplus electricity to the grid through a feed-in tariff (FIT) and an evacuation-based incentive. Focusing on western Gujarat—one of the driest parts of India, with a long history of irrigated agriculture—we used panel data from 2017 to 2021 and a quasi-experimental design with staggered Difference-in-Differences (DID) and dynamic treatment effects to examine how farmers respond to the dual-use opportunity: using solar energy for irrigation or selling it to the grid. We found that SKY significantly reduced energy consumption for groundwater extraction by up to 14% annually. While the scheme does not lead to significant changes in cropping patterns or gross cropped area, it results in a notable reduction in irrigation hours per unit of land, suggesting that farmers improved irrigation efficiency rather than altering their cropping patterns. By estimating crop-specific production functions, we identified the trade-offs farmers face: the marginal productivity of irrigation energy varies significantly across crops—high for cotton, low for wheat—shaping energy allocation decisions. These findings provide critical insights into how clean energy transitions can be implemented in intensively groundwater irrigated and productive agricultural regions without compromising food production, farmer livelihoods, or exacerbating groundwater depletion, and therefore, offer practical pathways for achieving just transitions in the agriculture sector under climate change. These findings also provide critical insights into the energy-water-agriculture nexus and support the expansion of decentralized solar irrigation. They offer important implications for national programs like PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan), indicating that even a FIT only framework can encourage farmers to reallocate energy away from irrigation, thereby promoting more efficient groundwater use.

2026-10-28T00:00:00ZVarshney, DeepakRavindranath, DarshiniBanerjee, AnuragBuisson, Marie-CharlotteSikka, AlokMukherji, AditiThis study evaluates the causal impact of Gujarat’s Suryashakti Kisan Yojana (SKY), a solar irrigation scheme that enables farmers to sell surplus electricity to the grid through a feed-in tariff (FIT) and an evacuation-based incentive. Focusing on western Gujarat—one of the driest parts of India, with a long history of irrigated agriculture—we used panel data from 2017 to 2021 and a quasi-experimental design with staggered Difference-in-Differences (DID) and dynamic treatment effects to examine how farmers respond to the dual-use opportunity: using solar energy for irrigation or selling it to the grid. We found that SKY significantly reduced energy consumption for groundwater extraction by up to 14% annually. While the scheme does not lead to significant changes in cropping patterns or gross cropped area, it results in a notable reduction in irrigation hours per unit of land, suggesting that farmers improved irrigation efficiency rather than altering their cropping patterns. By estimating crop-specific production functions, we identified the trade-offs farmers face: the marginal productivity of irrigation energy varies significantly across crops—high for cotton, low for wheat—shaping energy allocation decisions. These findings provide critical insights into how clean energy transitions can be implemented in intensively groundwater irrigated and productive agricultural regions without compromising food production, farmer livelihoods, or exacerbating groundwater depletion, and therefore, offer practical pathways for achieving just transitions in the agriculture sector under climate change. These findings also provide critical insights into the energy-water-agriculture nexus and support the expansion of decentralized solar irrigation. They offer important implications for national programs like PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan), indicating that even a FIT only framework can encourage farmers to reallocate energy away from irrigation, thereby promoting more efficient groundwater use.International Water Management Institutehttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1862282026-10-30T02:11:47Z2026-10-29T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Rewriting the Future of Colombo’s Wetlands: Harnessing Stories, Histories and Heritage for Inclusive Wetland Management in Sri Lanka dc.contributor.author: International Water Management Institute dcterms.abstract: The history of Colombo’s wetlands spans thousands of years and is tied to river deltas, historical kingdoms and colonial rule. This project seeks to uncover years of human–wetland interactions by bringing together environmental historians, heritage scholars, artists, ecologists, hydrologists and social scientists. Through archival research, historical mapping and participatory creative workshops, the project will work with local communities to document the stories, memories and cultural heritage embedded in Colombo's wetlands. By reconnecting people with the history and significance of these landscapes, the project aims to inspire more inclusive and participatory wetland management. It will demonstrate how cultural heritage and local knowledge can complement scientific understanding to support better decision-making and strengthen community stewardship.

2026-10-29T00:00:00ZInternational Water Management InstituteThe history of Colombo’s wetlands spans thousands of years and is tied to river deltas, historical kingdoms and colonial rule. This project seeks to uncover years of human–wetland interactions by bringing together environmental historians, heritage scholars, artists, ecologists, hydrologists and social scientists. Through archival research, historical mapping and participatory creative workshops, the project will work with local communities to document the stories, memories and cultural heritage embedded in Colombo's wetlands. By reconnecting people with the history and significance of these landscapes, the project aims to inspire more inclusive and participatory wetland management. It will demonstrate how cultural heritage and local knowledge can complement scientific understanding to support better decision-making and strengthen community stewardship.Phiri, Micheal KatongoBanda, KawawaLeh, MansoorVelpuri, Naga ManoharTinonetsana, Primrosehttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1861832026-10-30T04:27:48Z2026-08-01T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Application of the water accounting plus (WA+) framework for the assessment of water availability and consumption in the Zambezi River Basin (ZRB) dc.contributor.author: Phiri, Micheal Katongo; Banda, Kawawa; Leh, Mansoor; Velpuri, Naga Manohar; Tinonetsana, Primrose dcterms.abstract: Study region The Zambezi River Basin (ZRB) is a large transboundary basin in south-central Africa shared by eight countries. It provides vital water resources for hydropower, agriculture, ecosystems, and human use across the region. Study focus The remote sensing-based Water Accounting Plus (WA+) framework was applied to the ZRB from 2003 to 2023 to quantify its water balance. The WA + methodology was used to overcome sparse ground data by leveraging satellite-derived datasets such as precipitation (P), actual evapotranspiration (ETa) and land cover and use (LULC). New hydrological insights for the region The WA + water balance for the ZRB reveals that P (1280.5 km³/year) is the dominant inflow, while ETa (1095.6 km³/year) constitutes 85.5% of the gross inflow. This leaves a long-term mean surface water yield (P–ETa) of 184.9 km³ /year. A substantial portion of the inflow (115.9 km³/year) is lost to storage, suggesting significant basin-scale water-storage potential. The exploitable water averages 106.6 km³ /year, of which 19.9 km³ /year is reserved outflow and 0.2 km³ /year is non-utilisable outflow; thus, about 86.4 km³ /year remains available for use. Currently, 44.5 km³ /year is utilised flow, leaving 42.0 km³ /year that is still undeveloped. Overall, the basin sustains a net-positive water balance, though water availability declined over the study period, coinciding with a general downward tendency in P and elevated ETa in recent years; however, the basin-scale trends in P and ETa were not statistically significant.

2026-08-01T00:00:00ZPhiri, Micheal KatongoBanda, KawawaLeh, MansoorVelpuri, Naga ManoharTinonetsana, PrimroseStudy region The Zambezi River Basin (ZRB) is a large transboundary basin in south-central Africa shared by eight countries. It provides vital water resources for hydropower, agriculture, ecosystems, and human use across the region. Study focus The remote sensing-based Water Accounting Plus (WA+) framework was applied to the ZRB from 2003 to 2023 to quantify its water balance. The WA + methodology was used to overcome sparse ground data by leveraging satellite-derived datasets such as precipitation (P), actual evapotranspiration (ETa) and land cover and use (LULC). New hydrological insights for the region The WA + water balance for the ZRB reveals that P (1280.5 km³/year) is the dominant inflow, while ETa (1095.6 km³/year) constitutes 85.5% of the gross inflow. This leaves a long-term mean surface water yield (P–ETa) of 184.9 km³ /year. A substantial portion of the inflow (115.9 km³/year) is lost to storage, suggesting significant basin-scale water-storage potential. The exploitable water averages 106.6 km³ /year, of which 19.9 km³ /year is reserved outflow and 0.2 km³ /year is non-utilisable outflow; thus, about 86.4 km³ /year remains available for use. Currently, 44.5 km³ /year is utilised flow, leaving 42.0 km³ /year that is still undeveloped. Overall, the basin sustains a net-positive water balance, though water availability declined over the study period, coinciding with a general downward tendency in P and elevated ETa in recent years; however, the basin-scale trends in P and ETa were not statistically significant.International Water Management Institute (IWMI)https://hdl.handle.net/10568/1861822026-10-28T02:09:21Z2026-10-26T00:00:00Z

dc.title: இலங்கையில் IWMI – உண்மைத் தகவல் தாள் dc.contributor.author: International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

2026-10-26T00:00:00ZInternational Water Management Institute (IWMI)International Water Management Institute (IWMI)https://hdl.handle.net/10568/1861812026-10-28T02:06:37Z2026-10-26T00:00:00Z

dc.title: ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ IWMI – කරුණු පත්‍රිකාව dc.contributor.author: International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

2026-10-26T00:00:00ZInternational Water Management Institute (IWMI)Zane, GiuliaBuisson, Marie-CharlotteSalmawobil, JosephGbodji, KekeliAppiah, Sarahhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1861792026-10-27T07:55:13Z2026-09-16T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Bridging Supply-and Demand-Side Stated Preferences for Designing Sustainable Youth-Led Aquaculture Business Models: Evidence from Northern Ghana dc.contributor.author: Zane, Giulia; Buisson, Marie-Charlotte; Salmawobil, Joseph; Gbodji, Kekeli; Appiah, Sarah cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods

2026-09-16T00:00:00ZZane, GiuliaBuisson, Marie-CharlotteSalmawobil, JosephGbodji, KekeliAppiah, SarahBhaduri, Tanmoyhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1861782026-10-27T07:22:14Z2026-10-13T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Why Climate Finance Matters More than Ever across South Asia dc.contributor.author: Bhaduri, Tanmoy cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Climate Action

2026-10-13T00:00:00ZBhaduri, TanmoyInternational Water Management Institutehttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1861772026-10-28T02:01:19Z2025-12-30T00:00:00Z

dc.title: مشروع «جاهز» – تعزيز جاهزية المجتمعات المستضيفة للاجئين للاستجابة للتغيرات المناخية في الأردن dc.contributor.author: International Water Management Institute dcterms.abstract: يقوّي مشروع «جاهز» قدرة اللاجئين والمجتمعات المستضيفة في الأردن على الاستعداد للمخاطر المناخية والتكيف معها والاستجابة لها، من خلال نهج متكامل يربط بين المعلومات المناخية والجوية، والحد من مخاطر الكوارث، والحلول القائمة على الطبيعة، وبناء القدرات المؤسسية والمجتمعية. ويُنفذ المشروع في بلديات إربد الكبرى والرمثا الجديدة والأزرق الجديدة، بالتعاون مع المؤسسات الحكومية والشركاء المحليين والمجتمعات المستهدفة. ويركز المشروع على تطوير خدمات مناخية محلية وتنبؤات قائمة على الأثر لدعم الإجراءات الاستباقية وصنع القرار، وتصميم وتنفيذ تدخلات مجتمعية تعزز الصمود أمام المخاطر المناخية والكوارث. كما يدمج اعتبارات المساواة بين الجنسين والتنوع والإدماج الاجتماعي وحساسية النزاعات في مختلف مراحل التنفيذ، بما يعزز مشاركة النساء والشباب والفئات المهمشة. ويسعى «جاهز» كذلك إلى استخلاص الأدلة والدروس من المواقع الريادية وتطوير نماذج قابلة للتكرار والتوسع، بما يدعم دمج النهج الناجحة في السياسات والاستراتيجيات الوطنية، ويسهم في تعبئة التمويل المناخي والإنساني والتنموي لتعزيز صمود المجتمعات على المدى الطويل.

2025-12-30T00:00:00ZInternational Water Management Instituteيقوّي مشروع «جاهز» قدرة اللاجئين والمجتمعات المستضيفة في الأردن على الاستعداد للمخاطر المناخية والتكيف معها والاستجابة لها، من خلال نهج متكامل يربط بين المعلومات المناخية والجوية، والحد من مخاطر الكوارث، والحلول القائمة على الطبيعة، وبناء القدرات المؤسسية والمجتمعية. ويُنفذ المشروع في بلديات إربد الكبرى والرمثا الجديدة والأزرق الجديدة، بالتعاون مع المؤسسات الحكومية والشركاء المحليين والمجتمعات المستهدفة. ويركز المشروع على تطوير خدمات مناخية محلية وتنبؤات قائمة على الأثر لدعم الإجراءات الاستباقية وصنع القرار، وتصميم وتنفيذ تدخلات مجتمعية تعزز الصمود أمام المخاطر المناخية والكوارث. كما يدمج اعتبارات المساواة بين الجنسين والتنوع والإدماج الاجتماعي وحساسية النزاعات في مختلف مراحل التنفيذ، بما يعزز مشاركة النساء والشباب والفئات المهمشة. ويسعى «جاهز» كذلك إلى استخلاص الأدلة والدروس من المواقع الريادية وتطوير نماذج قابلة للتكرار والتوسع، بما يدعم دمج النهج الناجحة في السياسات والاستراتيجيات الوطنية، ويسهم في تعبئة التمويل المناخي والإنساني والتنموي لتعزيز صمود المجتمعات على المدى الطويل.Attallah, MayFragaszy, StephenEldabbagh, Fayrouzhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1861602026-10-27T04:21:34Z2026-10-22T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Understanding National Climate Change Commitments and Associated Opportunities for Financiers dc.contributor.author: Attallah, May; Fragaszy, Stephen; Eldabbagh, Fayrouz dcterms.abstract: This practical guide shows how financial institutions can use national climate commitments to identify investment opportunities and manage climate-related risks. It explains how Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) can serve as investment roadmaps, signaling priority sectors, project pipelines, and co-financing opportunities. Focusing on climate adaptation, particularly in water, agriculture, infrastructure, and Nature-based Solutions (NbS), the guide draws on examples from the MENA region and globally to illustrate potential lending opportunities. It also explains how concessional capital, guarantees, and blended finance can reduce investment risks and improve project bankability. The guide outlines practical entry points to align existing portfolios with national priorities, engage potential financing partners, and integrate climate priorities into project screening and risk assessment. By bridging the gap between national climate priorities and commercial finance, it aims to help financial institutions identify new markets, manage risks, and strengthen portfolio resilience.

2026-10-22T00:00:00ZAttallah, MayFragaszy, StephenEldabbagh, FayrouzThis practical guide shows how financial institutions can use national climate commitments to identify investment opportunities and manage climate-related risks. It explains how Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) can serve as investment roadmaps, signaling priority sectors, project pipelines, and co-financing opportunities. Focusing on climate adaptation, particularly in water, agriculture, infrastructure, and Nature-based Solutions (NbS), the guide draws on examples from the MENA region and globally to illustrate potential lending opportunities. It also explains how concessional capital, guarantees, and blended finance can reduce investment risks and improve project bankability. The guide outlines practical entry points to align existing portfolios with national priorities, engage potential financing partners, and integrate climate priorities into project screening and risk assessment. By bridging the gap between national climate priorities and commercial finance, it aims to help financial institutions identify new markets, manage risks, and strengthen portfolio resilience.Appiah, SarahZane, GiuliaBuisson, Marie-Charlottehttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1861582026-10-26T08:44:29Z2026-09-16T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Group-Based Aquaculture Systems in Ghana: A Collective Action Assessment dc.contributor.author: Appiah, Sarah; Zane, Giulia; Buisson, Marie-Charlotte cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods

2026-09-16T00:00:00ZAppiah, SarahZane, GiuliaBuisson, Marie-CharlotteMekonnen, KirubelVelpuri, Naga ManoharLeh, MansoorOwusu, AfuaAkpoti, KomlaviMadushanka, LahiruPerera, TharinduTadesse, MulugetaJayathissa, IsuruMadurasinghe, NaduniFernando, GeethyaPandey, ShivamMahapatra, SmaranikaTinonetsana, PrimroseMortey, EricParanamana, Thilina PrabhathDilshara, TharushiAbdella, MohammedYeboah, FeliciaBakuri, RansfordKoduah, RomeoMalalgoda, DimuthuSeid, Abdulkarimhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1861572026-10-27T10:20:09Z2026-10-26T00:00:00Z

dc.title: National Water Accounting Atlas for Sub-Saharan Africa: Ethiopia dc.contributor.author: Mekonnen, Kirubel; Velpuri, Naga Manohar; Leh, Mansoor; Owusu, Afua; Akpoti, Komlavi; Madushanka, Lahiru; Perera, Tharindu; Tadesse, Mulugeta; Jayathissa, Isuru; Madurasinghe, Naduni; Fernando, Geethya; Pandey, Shivam; Mahapatra, Smaranika; Tinonetsana, Primrose; Mortey, Eric; Paranamana, Thilina Prabhath; Dilshara, Tharushi; Abdella, Mohammed; Yeboah, Felicia; Bakuri, Ransford; Koduah, Romeo; Malalgoda, Dimuthu; Seid, Abdulkarim dcterms.abstract: Ethiopia’s highlands feed the Abay (Blue Nile), Tekeze–Atbara and Baro–Akobo–Sobat rivers, which supply most of the Nile’s flow, yet national water abundance masks acute scarcity in time and space. This country profile applies the Scale-Invariant Water Accounting Plus (SIWA+) framework, driven by satellite observations and continental hydrological modeling, to produce a consistent national water account for Ethiopia for 2003–2024. Ethiopia received about 946 km³ of rainfall per year (838 mm), of which about 72% returned to the atmosphere as evapotranspiration and 118 km³ (12.5%) left the country as river outflow. Exploitable water was estimated at 124.9 km³/year. With a Water Self-Sufficiency Index of 0.97–1.00, Ethiopia generates virtually all of its renewable water internally and passes most of it to Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan. Rainfed croplands consume about 75 km³/year, compared with 1.9 km³/year for irrigated croplands, although irrigated area is expanding. Per capita water availability averaged about 1,079 m³/person/year, but fell below the 1,000 m³ scarcity threshold in nine of the 22 years. The atlas recommends raising green-water productivity in rainfed areas, investing in storage and climate-resilient farming while safeguarding environmental flows, and using shared, transparent water accounts as a basis for benefit-sharing with downstream neighbors.

2026-10-26T00:00:00ZMekonnen, KirubelVelpuri, Naga ManoharLeh, MansoorOwusu, AfuaAkpoti, KomlaviMadushanka, LahiruPerera, TharinduTadesse, MulugetaJayathissa, IsuruMadurasinghe, NaduniFernando, GeethyaPandey, ShivamMahapatra, SmaranikaTinonetsana, PrimroseMortey, EricParanamana, Thilina PrabhathDilshara, TharushiAbdella, MohammedYeboah, FeliciaBakuri, RansfordKoduah, RomeoMalalgoda, DimuthuSeid, AbdulkarimEthiopia’s highlands feed the Abay (Blue Nile), Tekeze–Atbara and Baro–Akobo–Sobat rivers, which supply most of the Nile’s flow, yet national water abundance masks acute scarcity in time and space. This country profile applies the Scale-Invariant Water Accounting Plus (SIWA+) framework, driven by satellite observations and continental hydrological modeling, to produce a consistent national water account for Ethiopia for 2003–2024. Ethiopia received about 946 km³ of rainfall per year (838 mm), of which about 72% returned to the atmosphere as evapotranspiration and 118 km³ (12.5%) left the country as river outflow. Exploitable water was estimated at 124.9 km³/year. With a Water Self-Sufficiency Index of 0.97–1.00, Ethiopia generates virtually all of its renewable water internally and passes most of it to Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan. Rainfed croplands consume about 75 km³/year, compared with 1.9 km³/year for irrigated croplands, although irrigated area is expanding. Per capita water availability averaged about 1,079 m³/person/year, but fell below the 1,000 m³ scarcity threshold in nine of the 22 years. The atlas recommends raising green-water productivity in rainfed areas, investing in storage and climate-resilient farming while safeguarding environmental flows, and using shared, transparent water accounts as a basis for benefit-sharing with downstream neighbors.Appiah, SarahArulingam, IndikaMapedza, Everisto D.Buisson, Marie-CharlotteZane, Giuliahttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1861552026-10-27T02:09:36Z2026-10-23T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Youth Livelihoods in Aquaculture in Ghana: Why context, aspirations and mobility matter for designing effective aquaculture interventions dc.contributor.author: Appiah, Sarah; Arulingam, Indika; Mapedza, Everisto D.; Buisson, Marie-Charlotte; Zane, Giulia dcterms.abstract: This brief explores youth engagement in aquaculture in Ghana and examines how aquaculture fits within their livelihood aspirations and futures. Drawing on empirical evidence from young women and men engaged in aquaculture value chains in Ghana's Western and North-East regions, it highlights how the interplay of socioeconomic and ecological conditions, available livelihood opportunities, and education and employment aspirations shapes youth participation in the sector. The findings show that young people engage with the aquaculture sector in diverse ways depending on their circumstances, opportunities, and aspirations. The brief concludes that efforts to promote youth engagement in aquaculture must be inclusive, context-specific, and responsive to the varied realities and aspirations of young people. Strengthening access to opportunities, resources, and support systems will be critical to fostering meaningful and sustainable youth participation in the sector. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods

2026-10-23T00:00:00ZAppiah, SarahArulingam, IndikaMapedza, Everisto D.Buisson, Marie-CharlotteZane, GiuliaThis brief explores youth engagement in aquaculture in Ghana and examines how aquaculture fits within their livelihood aspirations and futures. Drawing on empirical evidence from young women and men engaged in aquaculture value chains in Ghana's Western and North-East regions, it highlights how the interplay of socioeconomic and ecological conditions, available livelihood opportunities, and education and employment aspirations shapes youth participation in the sector. The findings show that young people engage with the aquaculture sector in diverse ways depending on their circumstances, opportunities, and aspirations. The brief concludes that efforts to promote youth engagement in aquaculture must be inclusive, context-specific, and responsive to the varied realities and aspirations of young people. Strengthening access to opportunities, resources, and support systems will be critical to fostering meaningful and sustainable youth participation in the sector.Minh, Thai ThiAgyekumhene, ChristopherOsei-Amponsah, CharityTilahun, Seifu A.Ofosu, AbenaZane, GiuliaKotchofa, PacemKamanda, JoseySchmitter, Petra S.https://hdl.handle.net/10568/1861192026-10-26T05:50:40Z2026-10-23T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Tool for Process-Based Assessment of Scaling Pathway Outcomes dc.contributor.author: Minh, Thai Thi; Agyekumhene, Christopher; Osei-Amponsah, Charity; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Ofosu, Abena; Zane, Giulia; Kotchofa, Pacem; Kamanda, Josey; Schmitter, Petra S. dcterms.abstract: The Process-Based Assessment of Scaling Pathway Outcomes (PATHs) practical guideline provides a structured approach to assessing how innovation scaling unfolds, why outcomes occur, and how scaling strategies can be adapted to strengthen impact. Designed for researchers, project implementation teams, monitoring and evaluation specialists, government agencies, financial institutions, and private-sector actors, the guideline supports evidence-based decision-making throughout the scaling process. The PATHs framework comprises eight analytical elements: adaptive scaling pathway, functions, activity delivery, outputs, influencing factors, agility, outcomes, and system change. It guides users through six practical steps, from defining the assessment scope and mapping intended and actual scaling processes to developing a dynamic Theory of Change, measuring stakeholder outcomes, assessing evidence, and using findings for continuous learning and adaptation. Templates for process assessment, Theory of Change development, and outcome monitoring support practical application and integration with existing monitoring and evaluation systems. The guideline illustrates the framework through two examples: scaling solar-powered farmer-led irrigation development in Northern Ghana and scaling Virtual Irrigation Academy soil-water sensors bundled with solar-powered pumps in India. These examples demonstrate how process-based assessment can help identify enabling conditions, implementation challenges, turning points, and opportunities for more inclusive, sustainable, and effective scaling across agricultural, water, and food systems. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

2026-10-23T00:00:00ZMinh, Thai ThiAgyekumhene, ChristopherOsei-Amponsah, CharityTilahun, Seifu A.Ofosu, AbenaZane, GiuliaKotchofa, PacemKamanda, JoseySchmitter, Petra S.The Process-Based Assessment of Scaling Pathway Outcomes (PATHs) practical guideline provides a structured approach to assessing how innovation scaling unfolds, why outcomes occur, and how scaling strategies can be adapted to strengthen impact. Designed for researchers, project implementation teams, monitoring and evaluation specialists, government agencies, financial institutions, and private-sector actors, the guideline supports evidence-based decision-making throughout the scaling process. The PATHs framework comprises eight analytical elements: adaptive scaling pathway, functions, activity delivery, outputs, influencing factors, agility, outcomes, and system change. It guides users through six practical steps, from defining the assessment scope and mapping intended and actual scaling processes to developing a dynamic Theory of Change, measuring stakeholder outcomes, assessing evidence, and using findings for continuous learning and adaptation. Templates for process assessment, Theory of Change development, and outcome monitoring support practical application and integration with existing monitoring and evaluation systems. The guideline illustrates the framework through two examples: scaling solar-powered farmer-led irrigation development in Northern Ghana and scaling Virtual Irrigation Academy soil-water sensors bundled with solar-powered pumps in India. These examples demonstrate how process-based assessment can help identify enabling conditions, implementation challenges, turning points, and opportunities for more inclusive, sustainable, and effective scaling across agricultural, water, and food systems.Khan, RamshaVarshney, DeepakBanerjee, AnuragRavindranath, DarshiniAl-Zu’bi, MahaJacobs-Mata, Ingahttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1861092026-10-24T01:07:43Z2026-10-22T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Institutional Innovations for PM KUSUM Implementation: A Case of Citizen Service Centers in Uttar Pradesh, India dc.contributor.author: Khan, Ramsha; Varshney, Deepak; Banerjee, Anurag; Ravindranath, Darshini; Al-Zu’bi, Maha; Jacobs-Mata, Inga cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

2026-10-22T00:00:00ZKhan, RamshaVarshney, DeepakBanerjee, AnuragRavindranath, DarshiniAl-Zu’bi, MahaJacobs-Mata, IngaKhan, RamshaBanerjee, AnuragShukla, K. C.Varshney, Deepakhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1860872026-10-23T01:07:16Z2026-10-22T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Citizen Service Center (CSC) Operators’ Training Manual for PM KUSUM Application Support in Uttar Pradesh, India dc.contributor.author: Khan, Ramsha; Banerjee, Anurag; Shukla, K. C.; Varshney, Deepak cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

2026-10-22T00:00:00ZKhan, RamshaBanerjee, AnuragShukla, K. C.Varshney, DeepakKasoma-Pele, WinnieEnokenwa Baa, OjongetakahNigussie, LikimyeleshWapamesa, AgreyNkosi, Mahlatsehttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/1860802026-10-23T09:22:36Z2026-10-22T00:00:00Z

dc.title: Inclusive and Responsible Scaling in Zambia: How Enabling Environment Barriers Shape Enterprise Entry, Growth, Resilience, and Innovation Uptake Among Women and Youth dc.contributor.author: Kasoma-Pele, Winnie; Enokenwa Baa, Ojongetakah; Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Wapamesa, Agrey; Nkosi, Mahlatse dcterms.abstract: This scoping review examines how Zambia’s enabling environment influences the inclusive and responsible scaling of agricultural innovations, particularly among women- and youth-owned enterprises. Conducted under the CGIAR Scaling for Impact (S4I) Program, the review assesses six interconnected domains: policy and regulation, financial market access, market coordination, institutional capacity, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), and climate finance. It focuses on three Solution Tracks: inclusive mechanization, climate-smart agro-advisories, and forage-based livestock feed innovations. The findings reveal that regulatory complexity, limited access to affordable finance, fragmented markets, weak institutional coordination, discriminatory social norms, and restricted climate-finance opportunities collectively constrain enterprise entry, formalization, growth, resilience, and innovation uptake. These barriers disproportionately affect women and youth, particularly those operating informal enterprises with limited productive assets, market access, and decision-making power. The review highlights the importance of innovation delivery systems in connecting enterprises to technologies, finance, information, markets, and institutional support. It emphasizes that successful scaling requires more than expanding innovation reach; it must also ensure sustained adoption, equitable benefit sharing, and effective management of potential social and economic risks. The review recommends integrated interventions that simplify regulatory processes, expand inclusive and climate-resilient finance, strengthen market linkages and institutional capacity, and promote gender-responsive governance. It also proposes a preliminary AoW3 framework for estimating program reach and investment mobilization, supported by improved monitoring and evidence generation. Ultimately, responsible scaling requires coordinated systemic reforms that enable women and youth to participate meaningfully, sustain enterprise growth, and benefit equitably from agricultural transformation. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

2026-10-22T00:00:00ZKasoma-Pele, WinnieEnokenwa Baa, OjongetakahNigussie, LikimyeleshWapamesa, AgreyNkosi, MahlatseThis scoping review examines how Zambia’s enabling environment influences the inclusive and responsible scaling of agricultural innovations, particularly among women- and youth-owned enterprises. Conducted under the CGIAR Scaling for Impact (S4I) Program, the review assesses six interconnected domains: policy and regulation, financial market access, market coordination, institutional capacity, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), and climate finance. It focuses on three Solution Tracks: inclusive mechanization, climate-smart agro-advisories, and forage-based livestock feed innovations. The findings reveal that regulatory complexity, limited access to affordable finance, fragmented markets, weak institutional coordination, discriminatory social norms, and restricted climate-finance opportunities collectively constrain enterprise entry, formalization, growth, resilience, and innovation uptake. These barriers disproportionately affect women and youth, particularly those operating informal enterprises with limited productive assets, market access, and decision-making power. The review highlights the importance of innovation delivery systems in connecting enterprises to technologies, finance, information, markets, and institutional support. It emphasizes that successful scaling requires more than expanding innovation reach; it must also ensure sustained adoption, equitable benefit sharing, and effective management of potential social and economic risks. The review recommends integrated interventions that simplify regulatory processes, expand inclusive and climate-resilient finance, strengthen market linkages and institutional capacity, and promote gender-responsive governance. It also proposes a preliminary AoW3 framework for estimating program reach and investment mobilization, supported by improved monitoring and evidence generation. Ultimately, responsible scaling requires coordinated systemic reforms that enable women and youth to participate meaningfully, sustain enterprise growth, and benefit equitably from agricultural transformation.