International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

Tharparkar Desert Flora: Resilient Ecological System

2026-04-22T17:23:04Z

dc.title: Tharparkar Desert Flora: Resilient Ecological System dc.contributor.author: Gul, Nazar; Ashraf, Muhammad; Salam, Hafiz Abdul dcterms.abstract: Discover the unique flora of the Tharparkar Desert, a resilient ecological system that supports diverse plant species essential for soil conservation, dune stabilization, and the livelihoods of local communities. Learn how these plants provide food, medicine, fuel, and income. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Policy Innovations

Validating the Efficiency of the AquaCrop Model Under Full and Deficit Irrigation Regimes to Simulate Future Climate Impacts on Wheat Crop

2026-04-22T13:32:30Z

dc.title: Validating the Efficiency of the AquaCrop Model Under Full and Deficit Irrigation Regimes to Simulate Future Climate Impacts on Wheat Crop dc.contributor.author: Memon, Shamim Ara; Shaikh, Irfan Ahmed; Talpur, Mashooque Ali; Junejo, Abdul Rahim; Mangrio, Munir Ahmed; Gul, Nazar; Khan, Zaheer Ahmed; Salam, Hafiz Abdul; Ashraf, Muhammad dcterms.abstract: Wheat yield and water demand are affected by the ongoing disturbance of climatic factors and greenhouse gases (GHG). As a result, the AquaCrop model's ability to anticipate climate change impacts on wheat harvests under full and deficit irrigation regimes in Sindh, Pakistan, was evaluated using wheat trials conducted between 2018 and 2020. However, for its validation, the results of the deficit irrigation treatment ITS50 (50% controlled irrigation at the tillering stage) for both seasons were employed. The model efficiently estimated yield with a normalised root-mean-square error (NRMSE) of 13% and 17%, a Willmott's d-index of 98% and a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NME) of 95% under full and deficit irrigation treatments, respectively. The simulation results revealed an adverse effect of climate change on the yield and water productivity of wheat. Over the century, the model predicted an increase of 6% to 7% in wheat yield under full (well-watered) irrigation and a decrease of 10 to 12% in 25% reduced water applied depth (RAD) and 21% to 24% under 50% RAD scenarios for both representative concentration pathway RCPs (4.5 and 8.5). The overall wheat water productivity increased under a well-watered irrigation regime by 16% in RCP8.5 compared with RCP4.5. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Policy Innovations

Sunlight to Sustenance: Early Implementation Insights from a Solar-Grid Lift System Pilot in Nepal’s Mid-Hills

2026-04-22T10:05:08Z

dc.title: Sunlight to Sustenance: Early Implementation Insights from a Solar-Grid Lift System Pilot in Nepal’s Mid-Hills dc.contributor.author: Adhikari, Aashika; Karki, Darshan; Shrestha, Shisher; KC, Jibesh dcterms.abstract: This technical brief presents early insights from a pilot solar-grid lift system (SLS) implemented in Bisdeutar, a remote and marginalized Majhi community in Indrawati Rural Municipality, Nepal. The intervention addresses chronic water scarcity exacerbated by climate change, difficult terrain, and limited infrastructure. Designed as a multiple-use system, the SLS supplies both domestic and irrigation water, lifting over 90,000 liters daily and serving 55 households. The study highlights that strong community engagement, in-kind contributions, and continuous social mobilization are critical for successful adoption. Capacity-building, agricultural support, and stakeholder collaboration including local government involvement are essential for long-term sustainability. Early outcomes show improved water access, reduced workload for women, increased cropping intensity, and emerging livelihood opportunities such as vegetable farming and beekeeping. The intervention has also enhanced disaster preparedness and strengthened community initiative in accessing external support. Overall, the pilot demonstrates that integrated, context-specific water solutions can generate broader socio-economic and environmental benefits, emphasizing the importance of combining technological innovation with institutional support and local ownership. cg.contributor.initiative: NEXUS Gains; Mixed Farming Systems cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Climate Action; Policy Innovations

Gender Action Learning System Assessment: Insights on How Inclusive Innovations Shape Gender Transformative Outcomes

2026-04-22T07:32:00Z

dc.title: Gender Action Learning System Assessment: Insights on How Inclusive Innovations Shape Gender Transformative Outcomes dc.contributor.author: Enokenwa Baa, Ojongetakah; Chinyophiro, Amon; Nortje, Karen dcterms.abstract: The Gender Action Learning System (GALS) is a household and community-led transformative tool that offers researchers and practitioners a guide to drive inclusive transformation across food systems. The GALS assessment conducted under the CGIAR Scaling for Impact (S4I) program in Malawi evaluates how inclusive innovations drive gender-transformative outcomes in scaling climate-smart agriculture. This study engaged 1,417 participants—78% women—representing 4,095 households trained under the CGIAR Initiative on Diversification in East and Southern Africa (Ukama Ustawi). Using mixed methods (household surveys and Most Significant Change stories), the assessment found that GALS fosters equitable decision-making, agency, and climate resilience. Results show 87% of participants improved visioning and goal setting, 64% strengthened gender equality awareness, and 62% enhanced financial management. Joint household decision-making rose from 74–82% across domains such as farming, finance, and education, while women’s leadership and participation increased markedly. Adoption of climate-smart practices was high—96% for manure use and tree planting, 95% for crop rotation, and 93% for irrigation—demonstrating GALS’ effectiveness in promoting sustainable agriculture. Despite strong household and community uptake, institutional adoption remains limited (24%), signaling the need for integration into governance and partner systems. The report recommends strengthening facilitation capacity, linking GALS to economic empowerment initiatives, and embedding it in local institutions. Overall, GALS provides a scalable, self-sustaining methodology for gender-equitable innovation and climate-smart transformation. cg.contributor.initiative: Diversification in East and Southern Africa cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

Low-Cost and Labour-Efficient Innovations in Household Recycling of Organic Wastes for Soil Improvement

2026-04-21T10:08:20Z

dc.title: Low-Cost and Labour-Efficient Innovations in Household Recycling of Organic Wastes for Soil Improvement dc.contributor.author: Smith, Jo; Naher, Umme Aminun; Dahal, Khem Raj; Hasan, Md Mahmodol; Rahman, Md Mizanur; Smith, Pete; Bhusal, Mukunda; Wardle, Jennifer; Bittner, Dominik; Chukwu, Vince; Adhya, Tapan; Adhikari, Raj Kumar; Akter, Masuda; Campbell, Grant A.; Gaihre, Yam Kanta; Hossain, A. T. M. Sakhawat; Islam, Md Nurul; Khan, Mehedi Hasan; Maharjan, Salu; Mekuria, Wolde; Mia, Ripon; Moges, Awdenegest; Nalavade, Rujuta; Namaswa, Timothy; Panhwar, Qurban Ali; Tumwesige, Vianney; Vista, Shree Prasad; Yakob, Getahun; Zuan, Ali Tan Kee dcterms.abstract: Organic matter plays an important role in the health and productivity of soils, but its depletion is a common problem in households in low-income countries. This is due to lack of and competing uses for organic resources, and limited information on recycling methods. Therefore, here we review low-cost and labour-efficient innovations to improve recycling of organic wastes, stabilising residues so that soil organic matter can be increased with less inputs and enhancing nutrient content to produce a more effective organic fertiliser. Composting, anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis are all processes that stabilise organic matter. Innovations in treatments are needed to improve stabilization and control the release of nutrients so that they are available to crops in the right amounts and at the right time. This can be achieved by maintaining appropriate treatment conditions: for composting, carbon to nitrogen ratio 25–35, carbon to phosphorus ratio ∼50, pH 5.5–8.5 and 50%–60% moisture content; for anaerobic digestion, carbon to nitrogen ratio 20–35, bulk density 0.6–0.8 g cm−3, lignin content < 7.5%, pH 6.8–7.4 and moisture content 85%–95%; and for pyrolysis, carbon to nitrogen > 40 and moisture content < 20%. Different methods to achieve these ideal conditions are discussed, including appropriate choice of treatment method, co-composting/co-digestion for ideal nutrient content, enhancing nutrients using collected urine, nitrogen-fixing plants, bioslurry or by inoculating with bacterial communities, absorbing excess nutrients on biochar, adjusting pH using wood ash or biochar, pre-treatment to break down lignin and cellulose, and designs to achieve ideal moisture and temperature. Innovations should also ensure that treatment processes do not overuse or compete with other important household resources, such as finances, water or labour. We draw together findings to identify methods with most potential to improve soils in low-income countries, providing decision tables to guide selection of approaches for different contexts.

’Driving Impact with Partners and Communities to Achieve Research for Development - Client Orientation – Part 2

2026-04-22T01:07:21Z

dc.title: ’Driving Impact with Partners and Communities to Achieve Research for Development - Client Orientation – Part 2 dc.contributor.author: Fragaszy, Stephen; Samarasekara, Vidhisha; Stifel, Elizabeth

Connecting Donors and Governments to Achieve Research for Development - Client Orientation - Part 1

2026-04-22T01:06:33Z

dc.title: Connecting Donors and Governments to Achieve Research for Development - Client Orientation - Part 1 dc.contributor.author: Fragaszy, Stephen; Samarasekara, Vidhisha; Gharaibeh, Sawsan

Assessing the Use and Impact of GenderUp: Lessons for Gender-Responsive Innovation Design and Scaling

2026-04-22T01:02:47Z

dc.title: Assessing the Use and Impact of GenderUp: Lessons for Gender-Responsive Innovation Design and Scaling dc.contributor.author: Yami, Mastewal; McGuire, Erin; Enokenwa Baa, Ojongetakah; Nortje, Karen dcterms.abstract: The GenderUp tool was developed by Responsible Innovation in collaboration with CGIAR and partners as a responsible scaling method designed to support inclusive and responsible innovation strategies in agri-food systems. The tool has been used over time to support project teams anticipate risks, address power dynamics, and adapt scaling approaches to ensure equitable and socially responsible outcomes. This evaluation report was conducted under the CGIAR Scaling for Impact (S4I) Program, and it assesses GenderUp’s use, reach, outcomes, and challenges. The tool has been applied and used in over 20+ countries across 38 diverse organizations and institutions resulting in over 100 trained facilitators. Evidence suggests strong uptake in Sub-Saharan Africa where GenderUp has been used by both women (60%) and men (40%). The evaluation highlights that GenderUp has i) relevance for GESI tools users (43%) and or when combined with scaling activities ii) been integrated into different project stages by combining other tools such as biophysical modelling (adaptability) iii) increased capacity for designing gender-responsive interventions, influenced budget allocations toward gender-related activities (impact). These high-level insights have shifted mindsets toward inclusion, participatory research and institutional practices as evidenced by documented cases in this report. The tool remains a valuable reflective and capacity building tool for enhancing responsible scaling practices. Under the S4I program, this tool will be applied as a co-design instrument for innovation uptake with stronger institutional integration and systematic tracking of outcomes. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

Commission on Water for Food Futures (CWFF): A Cambridge Sustainability Commission

2026-04-21T01:03:23Z

dc.title: Commission on Water for Food Futures (CWFF): A Cambridge Sustainability Commission dc.contributor.author: International Water Management Institute dcterms.abstract: The Commission on Water for Food Futures (CWFF) is a Cambridge Sustainability Commission addressing growing challenges at the intersection of water and food security. Formed through collaboration between the International Water Management Institute, the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, Collective Action for Water Security, and Cambridge University Press, its mission is to rethink and catalyze how water is managed in food systems. CWFF aims to translate the Global Commission on the Economics of Water’s call for a “new revolution in food systems” into practical, evidence-based action by 2040. This requires a fundamental shift not only in water management, but in how we produce food to feed a growing global population while preserving the planet’s resources. CWFF follows a demand-led approach, with global consultations informing four main themes: optimizing and diversifying water use; strengthening governance and institutions; improving market mechanisms for sustainable water use; and shaping diets to reflect water constraints. Drawing on wide-ranging expertise and research, CWFF will identify and highlight emerging innovations and actionable solutions, connecting scales from local farms and river basins to national and global policies, and providing essential guidance for practitioners, investors, and policymakers. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Policy Innovations

Mobile Weather Stations

2026-04-18T01:00:24Z

dc.title: Mobile Weather Stations dc.contributor.author: International Water Management Institute dcterms.abstract: Low-cost weather stations help monitor the weather more closely, helping rural communities better prepare for floods and landslides. These devices automatically measure and transmit weather information — rainfall, temperature and wind speed data — every five minutes. They operate autonomously, powered by solar energy. The stations are locally assembled using off-the-shelf technology and open-source software, like Arduino boards and code. The data is stored in microSD cards, and can be accessed directly from the card or received via SMS text message alerts. Users can use additional sensors and reprogram the software, making these stations incredibly flexible for a variety of applications. The weather stations can last up to ten years and cost only $350 each. Given their potential to reduce damage from flooding, it is estimated that they will pay for themselves in only two and a half years. This project was funded by the World Bank, through its Challenge Fund and the Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction (GFDRR), and the CGIAR Research Programs on Water Land and Ecosystems (WLE) and Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS).

Strengthening Aquatic Food Systems with Decision Support Tools: Evidence from Ghana and Myanmar

2026-04-17T01:10:52Z

dc.title: Strengthening Aquatic Food Systems with Decision Support Tools: Evidence from Ghana and Myanmar dc.contributor.author: Akpoti, Komlavi; Zwart, Sander J.; Win, S.; Buisson, Marie-Charlotte dcterms.abstract: Aquatic food systems in low- and middle-income countries face mounting pressures from climate variability, population growth, and competition for land and water resources. Decision-makers in these contexts frequently lack spatially explicit, integrated data to guide aquaculture planning and investment. This technical brief presents two Decision Support Tool (DST) ecosystems developed by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) under the CGIAR Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods (SAAF) Program: Ghana's Small Reservoir Decision Support System and Myanmar's Aqua-DST. Ghana's DST integrates Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, drying-risk classification, multi-criteria aquaculture suitability analysis, and an interactive dashboard to support planning across 2000 small reservoirs in northern Ghana. Pilot applications supported youth-led cage aquaculture in the Northeast Region, validating DST outputs and generating livelihood opportunities for young cooperatives. Myanmar's Aqua-DST applies a multi-criteria evaluation framework, combining climate hazard, biophysical, socio-economic, and management indicators to produce township-level suitability maps across 170 townships in Upper Myanmar. The tool was formally adopted by the Department of Fisheries following capacity-building workshops that trained over 130 government officials, university partners, and civil society actors. Comparative analysis across both systems reveals shared design principles: co-creation with end-users, integration of Earth observation and spatial modelling, dashboard-based dissemination, and institutional embedding as preconditions for long-term sustainability. Together, these experiences demonstrate that context-specific, yet methodologically aligned DSTs can substantially improve planning, investment targeting, and climate resilience in aquatic food systems. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods

GESI-Responsive Scaling Framework: Pathways, Partnerships, and Operational Guide for Innovation Uptake

2026-04-17T01:04:48Z

dc.title: GESI-Responsive Scaling Framework: Pathways, Partnerships, and Operational Guide for Innovation Uptake dc.contributor.author: McGuire, E.; Mutiso, A.; Enokenwa Baa, Ojongetakah; Nortje, Karen cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

AI4WaterPolicy: AI-Assisted Qualitative Feedback for Community Water Security in Rajasthan, India

2026-04-17T04:03:46Z

dc.title: AI4WaterPolicy: AI-Assisted Qualitative Feedback for Community Water Security in Rajasthan, India dc.contributor.author: Bhattacharjee, Suchiradipta; Nicol, Alan; Parhi, K. R.; Papnoi, P.; Iyer, R.; Kettle, S. dcterms.abstract: AI4WaterPolicy is an action-research pilot implemented in Rajasthan, India, by IWMI in partnership with Centre for Microfinance (CmF), Colectiv, and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS). The initiative explored the feasibility of using AI-assisted interviewing via WhatsApp (voice and text) to collect timely, scalable qualitative feedback from frontline water governance actors. The study engaged 352 participants across four cohorts, including CmF staff, Pani Mitras, and Panchayat representatives, generating structured qualitative insights to complement routine monitoring systems. Findings reveal the multifaceted role of Pani Mitras, spanning community mobilization, technical promotion, and institutional liaison. Sustained engagement was driven by visible outcomes, training, stewardship, and recognition, while disengagement stemmed from trust deficits, process challenges, and competing responsibilities, particularly affecting women. A key contribution of the pilot was demonstrating the value of “closing the feedback loop,” which led to improved confidence among participants, stronger engagement with local governance institutions, and enhanced ability to navigate water-related schemes. The study also highlights that digital tools require active facilitation to ensure inclusion and must be complemented by human oversight to address risks in AI transcription and translation. As a feasibility pilot, the study underscores the potential of AI-enabled feedback systems to inform adaptive program design and strengthen community water security interventions. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Policy Innovations

Many Partners, Big Numbers? Estimating the Reach of CGIAR – Supported Innovations in East and Southern Africa

2026-04-21T12:57:16Z

dc.title: Many Partners, Big Numbers? Estimating the Reach of CGIAR – Supported Innovations in East and Southern Africa dc.contributor.author: Ngoma, Hambulo; Mulungu, Kelvin; Manyanga, Mark; Simutowe, Esau; Mhlanga, Blessing; Hanke-Louw, Nora; Waswa, Boaz; Jacobs-Mata, Inga; Givertz, Evan; Thierfelder, Christian dcterms.abstract: As resource envelopes to fund research for development activities become tighter, demonstrating value for money is key. This is difficult for various reasons, chief among these being the failure to embed evaluation frameworks in project design. The multiplicity of scaling partners and their interests, and levels of involvement makes it even more complicated to ensure consistent monitoring and evaluation. We demonstrate how to estimate the reach in research for development projects using a population-based computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) survey methodology that is statistically representative at the desired administrative unit level. This approach was applied to the CGIAR Research Initiative – Diversification in East and Southern Africa (Ukama Ustawi) implemented with several scaling partners across 12 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. The assessment focused on five of the 12 target countries covered in phase one of implementation. The goal of the assessment was to measure the extent of reach and use of agronomic, mechanization, livestock, and nutrition innovations promoted under Ukama Ustawi, and to assess the extent to which the Initiative reached its intended targets. The data comes from 6,445 randomly sampled rural individuals across 27 districts in the five countries. Approximately 1.05 million people were aware of Ukama Ustawi activities, with Kenya and Zambia showing the highest awareness at 16%. Overall, 164,363 people benefited from various innovations promoted by Ukama Ustawi as of September 2024, about 3 years from the beginning of the project. Of these, 135,767 people were direct beneficiaries in areas where specific interventions were implemented. The rest benefited from spillover effects. About 52% of the beneficiaries were female and 56% were youth aged 18–35 years. Innovation use was highest for minimum tillage and post-harvest mechanization in Zimbabwe, followed by agronomic and mechanization options in Malawi. The benefit-reach ratio was highest in Zimbabwe at 61%, followed by Malawi at 31%. This means that Ukama Ustawi activities were most effective at converting reach to beneficiaries in Zimbabwe and Malawi, partly because implementation was layered on past similar interventions. While our results are comparable to more traditional case studies, our survey approach is nearly fourfold cheaper, demonstrating cost-effectiveness and efficiency. We discuss project design and implementation issues necessary to facilitate this kind of evaluation in international development projects. cg.contributor.initiative: Diversification in East and Southern Africa cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

India Has Built an Extraordinary Foundation of Groundwater Recharge Infrastructure over the Past 20 Years. The Task Now Is to Make It Work

2026-04-15T08:37:53Z

dc.title: India Has Built an Extraordinary Foundation of Groundwater Recharge Infrastructure over the Past 20 Years. The Task Now Is to Make It Work dc.contributor.author: Alam, Mohammad Faiz cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Policy Innovations

Food Security in a Time of Climate–Food–Water–Energy Convergence

2026-04-07T10:11:33Z

dc.title: Food Security in a Time of Climate–Food–Water–Energy Convergence dc.contributor.author: Falk, J.; Asari, M.; Bahar, F.; Behera, S.; von Braun, J.; Caquet, T.; Colwell, R.; Damania, R.; Ebi, K.; El-Beltagy, A. E. S. T.; Elouafi, Ismahane; Honma, M.; Iskanda, L.; Köhler, M.; Koundouri, P.; Lal, R.; Leinen, M.; Mulligan, C.; Nishikawa, H.; Pattberg, P.; Prabhakar, S.; Roopnarine, R.; Serageldin, I.; Smith, Mark; Takara, K.; Takeuchi, K.; Watanabe, C.; Zhang, Q.

Demande et utilisation de l’eau : Tunisie

2026-04-09T01:10:15Z

dc.title: Demande et utilisation de l’eau : Tunisie dc.contributor.author: Belhaj Fraj, M. Makram; Bergaoui, Karim; Gafsaoui, Y.; Schmitter, Petra S.; Dembélé, Moctar dcterms.abstract: L'outil d'analyse de la consommation d'eau (WUT) évalue la consommation saisonnière d'eau d'irrigation dans le réseau d'irrigation de Bouheurtma, en s'appuyant sur les données WaPOR pour fournir des statistiques historiques et en temps réel via une interface accessible aux décideurs non spécialisés. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Digital Transformation; Gender Equality and Inclusion; Sustainable Farming

Demande et utilisation de l’eau : Algérie

2026-04-09T01:10:14Z

dc.title: Demande et utilisation de l’eau : Algérie dc.contributor.author: Belhaj Fraj, M. Makram; Bergaoui, Karim; Bellahreche, A.; Schmitter, Petra S.; Dembélé, Moctar dcterms.abstract: L'outil d'analyse de la consommation d'eau (WUT) évalue la consommation saisonnière d'eau d'irrigation dans le réseau d'irrigation de Mitidja Ouest. Il utilise les données WaPOR pour fournir des statistiques historiques et en temps réel via une interface conviviale destinée aux décideurs non spécialisés. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Digital Transformation; Gender Equality and Inclusion; Sustainable Farming

Pilotage de l’irrigation : Tunisi

2026-04-09T01:08:13Z

dc.title: Pilotage de l’irrigation : Tunisi dc.contributor.author: Belhaj Fraj, M. Makram; Bergaoui, Karim; Bouselmi, A.; Schmitter, Petra S.; Dembélé, Moctar dcterms.abstract: L'application « Irrigation Reference to Enhance Yield Smart Irrigation » (IREY App) utilise les données WaPOR pour fournir des alertes d'irrigation haute résolution et en temps quasi réel, adaptées à la demande en eau réelle et prévue dans les zones de culture du blé en Tunisie. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Digital Transformation; Gender Equality and Inclusion; Sustainable Farming

Performances d’irrigation: Mali

2026-04-09T01:00:31Z

dc.title: Performances d’irrigation: Mali dc.contributor.author: Zwart, Sander J.; Kassambara, B.; Schmitter, Petra S.; Dembélé, Moctar dcterms.abstract: L'outil d'évaluation et de diagnostic des performances d'irrigation (IPADT) fournit des informations fondées sur des données pour la réhabilitation des infrastructures, en combinant des données satellitaires WaPOR haute résolution avec des observations sur le terrain afin d'évaluer les performances d'irrigation. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Digital Transformation; Gender Equality and Inclusion; Sustainable Farming

WaPOR: Catalysing Data-Driven Solutions through a Co-Creation Approach

2026-04-06T12:33:08Z

dc.title: WaPOR: Catalysing Data-Driven Solutions through a Co-Creation Approach dc.contributor.author: Adamseged, Muluken Elias; Minh, Thai Thi; Schmitter, Petra S. dcterms.abstract: This working paper presents a co-creation approach to developing and scaling data-driven solutions based on the WaPOR database. The co-creation approach customizes tools derived from the WaPOR portal to local needs, making them more relevant, user friendly, and adapted to various contexts, stimulating ownership and supporting wider adoption. The process involves engaging stakeholders, identifying challenges, co-designing solutions, and incentivizing adoption, with stakeholders continuously engaged to prioritize and address emerging needs. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Sustainable Farming

Suivi de la sécheresse : Mali

2026-04-09T01:08:24Z

dc.title: Suivi de la sécheresse : Mali dc.contributor.author: Dembélé, Moctar; Koné, A.; Amarnath, Giriraj; Zwart, Sander J.; Schmitter, Petra S. dcterms.abstract: Le Système de surveillance de la sécheresse au Mali (MaliDMS) permet de suivre l'apparition, la survenue, la durée, l'étendue et la gravité de la sécheresse à partir de données issues du WaPOR et d'autres données de télédétection à haute résolution générées en temps quasi réel, afin de permettre une évaluation complète des conditions de sécheresse. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Digital Transformation; Gender Equality and Inclusion; Sustainable Farming

Stakeholders’ Validation and Capacity Assessment for Gender Integration in Nigeria’s Water Sector Policies and Governance

2026-04-15T03:16:02Z

dc.title: Stakeholders’ Validation and Capacity Assessment for Gender Integration in Nigeria’s Water Sector Policies and Governance dc.contributor.author: Appiah, Sarah; Osei-Amponsah, Charity; Nicol, Alan dcterms.abstract: The Stakeholders' Validation and Capacity Assessment for Gender Integration workshops organized by IWMI in Abuja and Ibadan, Nigeria, brought together government, civil society, and academia to review findings from a gender analysis of Nigeria’s water governance frameworks and assess readiness for gender mainstreaming. Key challenges identified include weak policy coherence, limited institutional capacity, inadequate funding, sociocultural barriers, and low awareness of gender frameworks, alongside the absence of clear implementation plans and accountability mechanisms. The workshops highlighted the urgent need to align water policies with national gender frameworks, strengthen coordination, and invest in sustained capacity building. Participants expressed a shared commitment to move from dialogue to action in advancing inclusive and gender-responsive water governance in Nigeria. cg.contributor.initiative: National Policies and Strategies cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Policy Innovations

Adaptive Scaling to Achieve System Transformation in CGIAR

2026-04-09T01:02:19Z

dc.title: Adaptive Scaling to Achieve System Transformation in CGIAR dc.contributor.author: Minh, Thai Thi; Schmitter, Petra dcterms.abstract: Scaling agricultural innovations remains central to achieving development outcomes, yet prevailing approaches often equate success with widespread adoption of discrete technologies. Tools such as stage gating, scaling readiness, and scaling scans help assess scalability but do not sufficiently address the systemic changes required for sustained impact. Evidence shows that adoption alone does not guarantee improvements in productivity, food security, or environmental outcomes without parallel shifts in institutions, incentives, and market structures. This technical brief reframes scaling as a dynamic, system-wide process embedded in complex socio-economic, ecological, and policy environments. Building on innovation systems and ecosystem thinking, the Adaptive Scaling Ecosystem (ASEco) framework conceptualizes scaling as a co-evolutionary process involving multiple actors, networks, and subsystems. It emphasizes four interconnected functions—niche, reach, accelerate, and transform—guided by five principles: adaptability, responsiveness, reflectiveness, inclusiveness, and flexibility. Together, these enable continuous learning, coordination, and adjustment across scaling pathways. Niche supports experimentation and innovation development; reach drives adoption and market expansion; accelerate strengthens enabling environments and investments; and transform reshapes system structures, governance, and practices. Application of ASEco demonstrates how combining technological, financial, and institutional innovations can address systemic barriers, strengthen value chains, and foster inclusive participation. Adaptive scaling highlights the importance of multi-actor collaboration, context-specific pathways, and feedback loops to manage trade-offs and risks. By embedding scaling within innovation ecosystems, CGIAR can better align interventions with its impact areas, including poverty reduction, food security, gender equality, and climate resilience. This approach ultimately enables more sustainable, inclusive, and transformative outcomes at scale. cg.contributor.initiative: Mixed Farming Systems cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact; Sustainable Farming

A New Water Balance Model Leveraging Satellite Observations for Effective Water Management Decisions in Data-Scarce Paddy-Dominated Regions

2026-04-09T01:05:34Z

dc.title: A New Water Balance Model Leveraging Satellite Observations for Effective Water Management Decisions in Data-Scarce Paddy-Dominated Regions dc.contributor.author: Mahapatra, Smaranika; Pandey, Shivam; Velpuri, Naga Manohar; Schmitter, Petra dcterms.abstract: Rice is consumed by roughly half the world's population, but its cultivation demands large volumes of water, accounting for 24–40% of global irrigation supplies. In Bihar's Eastern Gangetic Plains, rice is extensively grown across the landscape, yet farmers and stakeholders struggle to use water effectively due to lack of field hydrological information. Existing water balance models fail to capture paddy-specific hydrological processes, including ponding dynamics (depth and duration), soil water level fluctuation, and bund-influenced surface runoff. Even the limited modified water balance models for paddy which exist now cannot function in the data-scarce regions. The conventional Water Accounting Plus (WA+) framework operates at a coarser scale, and unable to capture above paddy field dynamics. To address these limitations, a new water balance framework (PaddyWA+), a daily water-accounting model, modified for paddy-dominated landscapes, was developed that integrates high-resolution (30-m) evapotranspiration data with satellite-derived inputs. It explicitly incorporates paddy-specific features: field bund heights, hardpan percolation constraints, and ponding dynamics. Analysis of PaddyWA+ results reveals significant regional variability in ponding depths and soil water levels across Bihar's districts, with southwestern regions experiencing notable water stress. The model demonstrates that in Bihar, rainfall accounts for most of the water used in paddy fields. As the framework supports irrigation scheduling, water budgeting, climate adaptation planning, and the assessment of methane mitigation potential, it will establish a scalable pathway for water management in rice-dominated regions. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Sustainable Farming

Scenario-Based Land Management Options for the Highlands of Ethiopia: A Decision Support Tool to Implement Rural Land Use Plans

2026-04-06T05:40:03Z

dc.title: Scenario-Based Land Management Options for the Highlands of Ethiopia: A Decision Support Tool to Implement Rural Land Use Plans dc.contributor.author: Wondie, M.; Mekuria, Wolde; Amare, D.; Katzensteiner, K. dcterms.abstract: The implementation of locally acceptable land management practices is crucial to improving the livelihoods of local communities and reducing the degradation of ecosystem services. This is particularly important in mountain regions, where steep slopes, fragile soils, high erosion risk, and climate variability intensify land degradation and livelihood shocks, while also influencing downstream water regulation and sediment delivery. This study was conducted in Tara Gedam watershed, northwestern Ethiopia, to evaluate 4 ecosystem-service-based scenarios—business as usual (BAU), transition agriculture (TAG), intensified agriculture (INA), and optimized ecosystem services (OPE)—as land management options using the analytic hierarchy process method. A stakeholder workshop and group discussions with farmers, agricultural experts, and local decision-makers were conducted to set criteria for selecting the best management option. Livelihood benefits and environmental improvements were rated highest and are therefore the most influential factors in selecting land management options. These 2 criteria were responsible for the best performance of OPE and INA. INA and/or TAG were the options preferred by farmers because they provide livelihood benefits within a shorter time than OPE. Smallholder farmers should therefore be provided with financial and technical support to implement OPE. The results of this study will contribute to the knowledge base of agricultural experts to support future implementation of rural land use plans in the highlands and mountain regions of Ethiopia.

Amplifying National Climate Action: Insights from Conference of Parties (COP) Engagements in Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Togo

2026-04-22T01:09:55Z

dc.title: Amplifying National Climate Action: Insights from Conference of Parties (COP) Engagements in Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Togo dc.contributor.author: Osei-Amponsah, Charity; Dembélé, Moctar; Akpoti, Komlavi

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

2026-04-09T01:06:12Z

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

Stakeholder Profiling and Innovation Scaling Demand Signaling in Nigeria

2026-04-09T01:07:27Z

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

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

2026-04-09T01:11:47Z

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

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

2026-04-09T01:07:27Z

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

Investment Plan for Solar-Based Irrigation Systems in Nigeria

2026-04-09T01:10:10Z

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

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

2026-04-10T17:19:21Z

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

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

2026-04-06T13:01:29Z

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

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

2026-04-02T05:56:34Z

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

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

2026-03-26T11:38:11Z

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

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

2026-03-27T02:10:57Z

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

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

2026-03-26T02:03:13Z

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

Pathways for Circular Aquaculture and Resource-Efficient Food Production

2026-03-25T02:11:05Z

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

CGIAR 10 Year Impact in Nepal

2026-03-25T14:37:58Z

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

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

2026-03-24T07:02:43Z

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

Resilient Agriculture in Thar Desert, Pakistan

2026-03-23T14:15:31Z

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

Management Strategies for Sustainable Wheat Production in Pakistan – a Review

2026-03-23T10:17:29Z

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

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

2026-03-23T08:31:56Z

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

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

2026-03-23T05:42:37Z

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

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

2026-03-27T14:01:37Z

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

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

2026-03-21T02:03:27Z

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

Climate and Water Risk Profile of Jerash Refugee Camp, Jordan

2026-03-23T06:30:39Z

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

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

2026-03-20T13:41:57Z

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

For Sri Lankan Farmers, Small Investments Bring Big Wins

2026-03-20T06:50:24Z

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

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

2026-04-15T07:48:15Z

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

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

2026-03-19T07:34:56Z

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

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

2026-04-22T01:10:30Z

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

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

2026-03-19T02:07:57Z

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

Innovative Financing Solutions for Water-Agriculture Innovations in Nepal

2026-03-19T02:08:26Z

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

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

2026-03-23T03:01:39Z

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

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

2026-03-19T02:09:28Z

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

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

2026-04-06T13:15:23Z

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

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

2026-04-06T13:21:40Z

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

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

2026-03-18T02:09:53Z

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

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

2026-04-21T11:19:52Z

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

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

2026-03-20T03:42:45Z

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

Brief: Integrating Green Water Risks in Agricultural Commodities Supply Chains

2026-03-14T02:06:08Z

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

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

2026-03-13T02:11:57Z

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

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

2026-03-13T02:03:52Z

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

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

2026-03-12T02:08:55Z

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

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

2026-03-11T02:06:08Z

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

Establishing Entry Points for Sustainable and Inclusive Groundwater Use for Agriculture in the Mekong

2026-03-27T14:09:36Z

dc.title: Establishing Entry Points for Sustainable and Inclusive Groundwater Use for Agriculture in the Mekong dc.contributor.author: Pavelic, Paul; Bertolatus, Svea; Douangsavanh, Somphasith; Hoanh, Chu Thai; Oeurng, C.; Sok, T.; Suhardiman, D.; Viossanges, Mathieu; Vongphachanh, S.; Zambelli, Barbara dcterms.abstract: This research has been carried out in contrasting settings in Champassak province in Lao PDR and Prey Veng province in Cambodia to identify entry points for poor and vulnerable groups to improve their livelihoods through groundwater access. After a careful site selection process, a household level survey was administered in both countries entailing around 100 respondents to gain a good understanding of the local contexts and groundwater-related needs. In Lao PDR, farmers are beginning to find an alternative to upland rainfed coffee production through a range of groundwater irrigated fruits and vegetables. The higher cost of accessing the resource in this volcanic terrain means that many opportunities are as yet unrealized. Limited knowledge on the use of groundwater for irrigation could be addressed through the and provision of improved extension services for technology adoption linked to capacity development. In Cambodia, groundwater is utilized extensively by farmers with their own tube wells to grow lowland rice year-round. Groundwater storage has declined in recent years, threatening the supplies of shallow well users. In the current environment, high fuel prices to pump water and restricted market access is negatively impacting on groundwater irrigation-based livelihoods. High cost incurred by diesel pump owners may be addressed through a range of options. In both contexts, policies that encourage the use of solar-powered pumping and diversification beyond monoculture cropping would provide more reliable income streams and enhance climate resilience. Models to encourage collective action amongst marginal farmers may have potential to improve affordability and access to groundwater enabling technologies and support more socially inclusive and participatory-based climate change adaptation strategies.

An Innovate Way to Quantify Water Energy Food Nexus at the Watershed Scale

2026-03-10T08:48:55Z

dc.title: An Innovate Way to Quantify Water Energy Food Nexus at the Watershed Scale dc.contributor.author: Aryal, Anil; Magome, J.; Ishidaira, H.; Souma, K. dcterms.abstract: Water, energy, and food are recognized as a new dimension in debate among the research scientists and the policy makers for a sustainable future. With the rapid increase in the global urban population, secured water, energy, and food have been a concern. Balancing these elements with an innovation in nexus thinking is crucial for managing for a secured water, energy, food. The innovation in nexus dissemination becomes complex when it comes at watershed scale because of limitation in data availability. In this research, we aim to establish an interrelationship between water, energy, and food in terms of total revenue generation in a data scarce Bagmati River Basin (BRB) in Nepal. The basin was further sub-divided as upper, middle, and lower BRB based on the topographic variation. An integrated approach of simulation models, remote sensing, and ArcGIS was used. Simulation models were used to estimate water and food supply and demand and energy supply while the remote sensing products were used for estimating the energy demand. The results show that annual water in the basin ranges from 1880 to 2170 mm which is enough to supply municipal and irrigation purpose in the basin. The energy consumption ranged from 37.57 to 154.99 kWh/capita. Further, the results show that Oct and Nov are the highest energy consumption period. Results show paddy requires 194.5 mm of water from irrigation during the nursery and late development stage of crop development while the total amount of water required for the crop development is 596.8 mm. Similarly, the water requirement for maize and wheat is found to be 502 mm and 533.1 mm respectively. With the increment in the supply of irrigation water, the crop yield increased by 83.0% for wheat and 16.3% for paddy at lower BRB. Similarly, for the upper and mid BRB, the wheat yield increased by 124.4%, and 165.8% respectively. The paddy yield increased by 81.8% and 32.6% at upper and mid BRB respectively. The revenue generated with the sale of energy is found to range from 1.4 billion to 72.5 billion NRs while with the sale of the yielded crops the revenue generation ranged from 25.8 to 45.2 billion NRs. In particular, the ability to identify the creation of cross-sectoral linkages or changes in those connections because of single sector actions was one of the benefits of a sectoral balanced, dynamic Nexus approach that was highlighted by the analysis.

Water Security and Climate Change: Adaptation for Sustainable and Resilient Development

2026-03-09T08:16:17Z

dc.title: Water Security and Climate Change: Adaptation for Sustainable and Resilient Development dc.contributor.author: Babel, M.; Haarstrick, A.; Ribbe, L.; Shinde, V. R.; Aryal, Anil; Chapagain, K. dcterms.abstract: This book presents a curated collection of cutting-edge research and practical insights into one of the most pressing global challenges of our time: securing water under a changing climate. Framed around the need for adaptive strategies to foster sustainable and resilient development, it explores the multifaceted dimensions of water security through an integrated lens that bridges science, policy, and practice. Structured into eight thematic parts, each part comprises multiple chapters contributed by leading researchers and practitioners from around the world, offering a rich tapestry of perspectives, methodologies, and real-world experiences. The book intentionally balances technical rigor with policy relevance and practical application, making it a valuable resource for academics, decision-makers, and frontline practitioners alike. It is designed to inspire informed decisions, drive innovation, and catalyze transformative change toward water-secure and climate resilient futures.

Solar-Powered Water Solutions for Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Lessons from SoLAR (Session Report)

2026-03-07T02:02:54Z

dc.title: Solar-Powered Water Solutions for Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Lessons from SoLAR (Session Report) dc.contributor.author: Bhaduri, Tanmoy; Adamseged, Muluken Elias; Ravindranath, Darshini dcterms.abstract: At the World Water Week on 24 August 2025, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) hosted an online session under the Solar Energy for Agricultural Resilience (SoLAR) initiative, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The session examined how solar-powered irrigation can strengthen water resilience and support climate adaptation in agriculture across the Global South. Participants highlighted how climate change is intensifying droughts, floods, and rainfall variability, placing pressure on water resources and the livelihoods of agriculture-dependent communities. Irrigation has long helped reduce vulnerability to climate variability in regions such as South Asia, yet access remains uneven—particularly for women and marginalized farmers. Emerging evidence shows that solar irrigation technologies can improve water access, boost crop productivity, extend growing seasons, and support diversified livelihoods. The discussion also explored the rapid expansion of solar technologies in rural areas, including solar pumps, lighting, dryers, and cold chains. Experiences from South Asia and East Africa illustrated how government subsidies, donor investments, and private-sector models—such as pay-as-you-go services—are accelerating adoption. However, participants emphasized persistent challenges related to equitable access, financing, and the risk of groundwater over-extraction. The session underscored the need for context-specific policies, inclusive financing models, and stronger partnerships to scale solar irrigation sustainably while safeguarding water resources and supporting resilient agri-food systems.

Assessing the impact of nature-based solutions on soil health in Sub-Saharan Africa through farmer-centred methods

2026-03-05T05:26:28Z

dc.title: Assessing the impact of nature-based solutions on soil health in Sub-Saharan Africa through farmer-centred methods dc.contributor.author: Bittner, D.; Smith, J.; Leontidis, G.; Campbell, G. A.; Biegel, J.; Smith, P.; Kuhnert, M.; Skalský, R.; Giuliani, L. M.; Salik, A. W.; Hallett, P.; Burslem, D. F. R. P.; Yakob, G.; Mekuria, Wolde; Phimister, E.; Haileslassie, Amare; Tegegne, Desalegn; Norouzi, S.; Chen, H.; Gubry-Rangin, C.; Khan, A. dcterms.abstract: Soils underpin many ecosystem services, including food production, through functions such as organic matter decomposition. These functions are increasingly threatened by soil degradation, especially in climate-vulnerable regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, where unstable soils are prone to severe erosion. As soils continue to degrade, farmers face multiple challenges; they cannot afford accurate tests to assess soil, their livelihoods are constrained by demand for food, fuel and water, and competition for valuable resources hampers farming. Hence, there is a pressing need for accessible tools to assess soil health and methods to provide tailored advice on resilient, climate-smart agricultural management and optimal use of resources. This narrative review offers a comprehensive overview of key issues and potential solutions. We highlight tools and approaches that can support farmers to improve soil and secure livelihoods. Practical indicators and field-ready tests are evaluated, with examples from Ethiopia, but tailored to support farmers and advisors across sub-Saharan Africa and other developing countries. A wide range of tests are reviewed, including physical, biological, chemical, function and service-related tests, drawing on scientific and farmers knowledge. Science-based tests require expertise, equipment and incur costs, while locally-derived tests are affordable and seamlessly applicable. We also review Nature-based Solutions for improving soil quality, and assess them against factors such as labour, costs, and crop production. There is no single universally applicable practice; suitability depends on farmers’ priorities and circumstances. Therefore, we explore predictive methods—mechanistic, processbased soil models, data- and knowledge-driven Artificial Intelligence and systems models—to simulate the impact of practices on soil and farm dynamics. Promising approaches include hybrid approaches assimilating data, physics and knowledge through digital soil mapping. Overall, this review emphasizes the need to empower farmers with accessible tools and methods to harness Nature-based Solutions, build climate resilience and secure sustainable futures for generations ahead.

Policy Think Tank Stakeholder Consultation Meeting: strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation on policy implementation in Lao PDR

2026-03-06T16:46:32Z

dc.title: Policy Think Tank Stakeholder Consultation Meeting: strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation on policy implementation in Lao PDR dc.contributor.author: Inphonephong, Souphalack; Phounvisouk, L.; Dubois, Mark dcterms.abstract: The report summarizes key insights from the Policy Think Tank (PTT) Stakeholder Consultation Meeting and presents recommendations to strengthen the launch and implementation of the PTT Policy Research Priority Agenda (PRPA) for 2025–2030. The workshop was jointly organized by PTT and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) under the CGIAR Policy Innovations Program, with the overall aim of soliciting feedback and exploring opportunities for further cooperation among key stakeholders in implementing the PRPA. Some key recommendations to support effective implementation of the PRPA include (i) diversifying its dissemination channels to increase awareness for both public agencies and development partners; (ii) mobilizing funding opportunities for periodic research proposals demonstrating the alignments between the PRPA’s thematic priorities and development trends and emerging issues; and (iii) seeking opportunities to collaborate with development partners through joint research to demonstrate the PRPA’s impact and support broader uptake of the findings. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Policy Innovations

Evidence of the multifunctional performance of the Akole Landscape in Maharashtra, India

2026-03-06T16:42:53Z

dc.title: Evidence of the multifunctional performance of the Akole Landscape in Maharashtra, India dc.contributor.author: Yadav, Shweta; Behera, Abhijit; Krishnan, Smitha; Samaddar, Ayan; Malaiappan, Sudharsan; Tripathi, Mansi; Kumar, Gopal; Sikka, Alok; Mittra, Sarika; Rana, Jai; Alvi, Muzna dcterms.abstract: This report presents evidence on the multifunctional performance of the Akole landscape in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, India, located in the ecologically significant Western Ghats. Drawing on assessments conducted between 2022 and 2024, the study evaluates agronomic, economic, environmental, and social dimensions to understand landscape-level sustainability and resilience. Akole, situated in the Sahyadri ranges, is predominantly inhabited by tribal and rural communities dependent on agriculture and forest resources. Despite its rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge systems, the landscape faces mounting pressures from soil erosion, declining water retention, deforestation, monocropping, excessive tillage, and high fertilizer use. Increasing climatic variability—marked by erratic rainfall, droughts, and pest outbreaks—further exacerbates vulnerability. Limited livelihood diversification, high poverty levels, and malnutrition intensify socio-economic risks, while critical data gaps persist, particularly in assessing human health and well-being. The report identifies key bottlenecks and synthesizes available data to evaluate early outcomes of targeted nature-positive and agroecological interventions. It advocates a transition from production-centric agriculture to a Multifunctional Landscape approach that integrates diversified livelihoods, sustainable resource management, and equity. Such a shift is essential to enhance long-term resilience, ecological integrity, and economic sustainability under changing climatic conditions. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Multifunctional Landscapes

Pathways to climate-resilient cocoa: is solar-powered Irrigation-as-a-Service a viable adaptation strategy?

2026-03-04T02:10:31Z

dc.title: Pathways to climate-resilient cocoa: is solar-powered Irrigation-as-a-Service a viable adaptation strategy? dc.contributor.author: Agyemang, Daniel; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Atampugre, Gerald; Ofosu, Abena; Minh, Thai Thi dcterms.abstract: This study examines smallholder farmers’ perceptions and the enabling conditions for adopting irrigation in Ghana’s cocoa sector, specifically focusing on solar-powered Irrigation-as-a-Service (IAS). Research was conducted in the Eastern, Ashanti, and Central regions using a qualitative design involving focus groups and interviews with farmers, cooperative leaders, and agricultural officials. The analysis centers on six themes: climate impacts, irrigation technology perceptions, existing IAS models, the viability of solar-powered bundles, financing, and adoption barriers. Findings reveal that erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and rising temperatures are severely disrupting production, leading to yield declines and income instability. Consequently, farmers increasingly view irrigation as a critical adaptation strategy. However, access remains constrained by high capital costs, weak institutional support, and limited technical knowledge. While farmers show strong enthusiasm for solar-powered systems—valuing their low operating costs and alignment with clean energy—implementation is hindered by financing challenges, maintenance issues, and insecure land tenure. Regional dynamics vary: Eastern Region farmers have more exposure to irrigation initiatives; Ashanti farmers demonstrate stronger interest in collective ownership through cooperatives; and in the Central Region, illegal mining and water pollution present unique environmental hurdles. The study concludes that although IAS is currently unfamiliar within these communities, solar-powered models offer a viable pathway for climate-resilient agriculture. Success depends on policies that promote cooperative-based management, inclusive financing, and capacity-building. Strengthening multi-stakeholder partnerships between the government, private sector, and farmer organizations is essential to ensuring sustainable and equitable access to these technologies. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

Agroecological transition pathways for India: scaling from homesteads to multifunctional landscapes

2026-03-06T16:39:16Z

dc.title: Agroecological transition pathways for India: scaling from homesteads to multifunctional landscapes dc.contributor.author: Kumar, Gopal; Malaiappan, Sudharsan; Sikka, Alok; Sena, Dipaka Ranjan; Nayak, A. K.; McCartney, Matthew P.; Tripathi, Mansi; Samaddar, A.; Shamim, M.; Singh, S. dcterms.abstract: India’s agrifood system stands at a critical juncture as the country seeks to sustain food security gains while addressing soil degradation, groundwater depletion, declining input-use efficiency, and growing climate risks. With over 40% of land degraded, falling water tables in key agrarian regions, and increasing concerns around food safety and nutrition, the policy discourse is shifting from productivity-centric growth toward sustainability, resilience, and human health. In this context, agroecology offers a science-based yet locally adaptable pathway that integrates ecological principles, traditional knowledge, and innovation to strengthen rural livelihoods and multifunctionality in agricultural landscapes. This technical report synthesizes emerging evidence from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and partners to propose differentiated agroecological transition pathways for India. It identifies three complementary entry points: homestead-based agroecology as a low-risk platform for nutrition and women’s empowerment; rainfed agroecological intensification to enhance soil health, climate resilience, and livelihood diversification; and phased efficiency-led transitions in intensive irrigated systems to reduce environmental footprints while maintaining productivity. Together, these pathways support the scaling of nature-positive, climate-resilient, and nutritionally secure multifunctional landscapes aligned with national priorities and the CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes agenda. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Multifunctional Landscapes

Perception of communities on benefit-sharing mechanisms in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

2026-03-20T09:01:02Z

dc.title: Perception of communities on benefit-sharing mechanisms in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia dc.contributor.author: Tadele, H.; Haileslassie, Amare; Mekuria, Wolde dcterms.abstract: Protected area management has shifted towards holistic, ecosystem-based approaches that consider human-environment interactions. This includes the concept of benefit-sharing, which remains underexplored in the context of Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), Ethiopia. Using the BMNP as a case study, the research (i) assessed existing benefit-sharing mechanisms, (ii) investigated community acceptance of existing benefit-sharing mechanisms, (iii) assessed the equity and fairness of benefit-sharing in BMNP, (iv) investigated the decision-making process in benefit-sharing mechanisms, and (v) assessed the challenges of operationalizing the benefit-sharing mechanisms. A mixed-methods approach involving household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions was employed, with respondents selected using multistage sampling. The findings suggest that, while BMNP has the potential to employ various benefit-sharing mechanisms, benefits are mainly derived from ecotourism and non-timber forest products. The existing benefit-sharing structure operates mainly through community user groups, but the benefits, delivered in the form of direct payments, community development projects, and capacity-building initiatives, are very limited. This reflects a weak and poorly coordinated benefit-sharing structure within the park. The results also revealed that community acceptance of existing benefit-sharing mechanisms varied significantly across districts bordering the park, which is attributed to unequal access to benefits across districts, and socioeconomic disparities, particularly the income levels of households. The study showed that 52.3% of the respondents expressed dissatisfaction with existing benefit-sharing mechanisms due to the lack of transparency and community involvement in benefit-sharing decisions. At the same time, decision-making processes were also reported to be male-dominated. The existing benefit-sharing mechanisms are fundamentally constrained by the lack of transparency, trust and a clear approach, further compounded by limited skilled manpower and financial resources, making them unsatisfactory in their current form. We suggest that the BMNP further expand benefit-sharing through community-based ecotourism, participatory forest management, and controlled hunting zones. In addition, a well-structured benefit-sharing mechanism is needed to create a win-win situation, ensuring both ecological integrity and economic benefits. Strong political will and commitment are essential to establishing a tourism revenue-sharing policy that ensures that local communities receive their fair share, fostering ownership and support for the park. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

Decentralised Food System Governance at the District Level in Cambodia: Studying the Performance of District Technical Working Groups in Boeng Sneh (Mekong Delta) and Boeng Ream (Tonle Sap)

2026-03-10T14:30:23Z

dc.title: Decentralised Food System Governance at the District Level in Cambodia: Studying the Performance of District Technical Working Groups in Boeng Sneh (Mekong Delta) and Boeng Ream (Tonle Sap) dc.contributor.author: Sithirith, Mak; de Silva, Sanjiv; Sao, Sok; Marong, Chhaing; Vichet, Sean; Raksmey, Ang; Kosal, Mam; Joshi, Deepa dcterms.abstract: This working paper examines decentralised food system governance at the district level in Cambodia through an assessment of District Technical Working Groups (DTWGs) established in Boeng Sneh (Mekong Delta) and Boeng Ream (Tonle Sap). These floodplain ecosystems are critical for rice production, fisheries, and rural livelihoods but face increasing pressures from fragmented governance, water conflicts, and climate variability. The study analyses DTWG performance across five governance dimensions—stakeholder representation, coordination and integration, transparency and accountability, behavioural and institutional change, and sustainability—using interviews, focus group discussions, meeting records, and policy reviews. Findings show that DTWGs improved water security, restored irrigation infrastructure, reduced conflicts, and strengthened ecological conservation through coordinated multi-stakeholder planning. They also enhanced transparency, institutional learning, and community participation, including women’s involvement. However, sustainability challenges remain, including limited budgets, technical capacity gaps, and incomplete institutional integration. The paper concludes that DTWGs represent an effective model for integrated, decentralised governance, providing a scalable mechanism to strengthen food security, climate resilience, and ecosystem sustainability in Cambodia’s floodplain regions. cg.contributor.initiative: Asian Mega-Deltas; Aquatic Foods cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact; Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods

Development of the Niger Basin Drought Monitor (NBDM) for early warning and concurrent tracking of meteorological, agricultural and hydrological droughts

2026-02-27T11:57:48Z

dc.title: Development of the Niger Basin Drought Monitor (NBDM) for early warning and concurrent tracking of meteorological, agricultural and hydrological droughts dc.contributor.author: Okpara, J. N.; Ogunjobi, Kehinde; Adefisan, E. A. dcterms.abstract: Drought remains a phenomenal disaster of critical concerns in West Africa, particularly within the Niger River Basin, due to its insidious, multifaceted, and long-lasting nature. Its continuous severe impacts on communities, combined with the limitations of existing univariate index-based monitoring methods, worsen the challenge. This paper introduces and evaluates a Hybrid Drought Resilience Empirical Model (DREM) that integrates meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological indicators to improve their concurrent monitoring and early warning for effective decision-making in the region. Using reanalysis hydrometeorological data (1980–2016) and community vulnerability records, results show that the DREM-based composite index detects drought earlier than the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), with stronger alignment to soil moisture and streamflow variations. The model identifies drought onset when thresholds range from −0.26 to −1.19 over three consecutive months, depending on location, and signals drought termination when thresholds rise between −0.08 and −0.82. The study concludes that the DREM-based composite index provides a more reliable and integrated framework for early drought detection and decision-making across the Niger River Basin, and hence, has proven to be a suitable drought monitor for stakeholders in the Niger Basin which can be relied upon and trusted with high confidence.

Chapter 15 - Summary: beyond crop water productivity to transform agricultural water management

2026-03-05T05:40:21Z

dc.title: Chapter 15 - Summary: beyond crop water productivity to transform agricultural water management dc.contributor.author: Nhamo, Luxon; Mpandeli, S.; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe dcterms.abstract: Agricultural water management (AWM) is paramount to sustainable agricultural development, healthy food systems, human and environmental health and is key to socioeconomic development. Agriculture is one of the sectors responsible for the degradation and depletion of water resources, mostly due to poor water management practices and the lack of proper knowledge. The adoption of novel and smart technologies that are optimally designed for a specific local context enhances AWM practices. It ensures high efficiency and uniform distribution of applied water. Advanced planning and proper management of water contribute to the adaptation of the agriculture sector to climate change. This has the potential to guide coherent and strategic decisions on sustainable agricultural development that result in optimal crop production even under physical, environmental, financial, and technological restrictions. The chapters in this book have addressed most of the pertinent and topical issues earmarked to transform AWM. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

Homestead farming is empowering Indigenous women in central India

2026-02-27T09:07:20Z

dc.title: Homestead farming is empowering Indigenous women in central India dc.contributor.author: Bhaduri, Tanmoy; Borah, Gulshan; Malaiappan, Sudharsan cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Multifunctional Landscapes

Co-designing blended finance mechanisms for farmer-led irrigation in Kenya

2026-02-27T02:09:41Z

dc.title: Co-designing blended finance mechanisms for farmer-led irrigation in Kenya dc.contributor.author: Agyekumhene, Christopher; Mbai, J.; Ires, Idil; Jacobs-Mata, Inga; Tilahun, Seifu A. dcterms.abstract: This report presents the outcomes of a multi-stakeholder workshop held on November 4, 2025, in Nairobi, convened by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the State Department for Irrigation (SDI), and the World Bank to co-design blended finance mechanisms for farmer-led irrigation in Kenya. Convened by the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation (MoWSI), the workshop brought together 60 participants from government agencies, development partners, commercial banks, research institutions, and private irrigation service providers. Kenya faces a significant irrigation gap, with smallholder farmers highly exposed to climate shocks and rainfall variability. Despite policy momentum through the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP), Farmer-Led Irrigation Development (FLID) initiatives, and climate-smart agriculture strategies, irrigation finance remains fragmented. Key constraints include limited farmer affordability, high perceived lending risk, short-term bank funding structures, weak value-chain coordination, and persistent policy and data gaps. During the workshop, the World Bank presented two proposed financing structures to operationalize NISIP: a results-based financing facility to reward verified installation and performance of irrigation systems, and a risk-sharing and credit/investment facility to de-risk lending through guarantees, concessional capital, and technical assistance. Participants broadly endorsed these mechanisms and emphasized the importance of affordability, risk mitigation, operational quality, climate resilience, and aggregator capacity. The workshop concluded with a consensus on establishing a coordinated blended finance platform involving SDI, international financial institutions, and local commercial banks. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

Chapter 11 - Integrated water and land management practices: demand-driven participatory research in the semiarid agricultural landscapes of Tanzania

2026-03-05T04:23:24Z

dc.title: Chapter 11 - Integrated water and land management practices: demand-driven participatory research in the semiarid agricultural landscapes of Tanzania dc.contributor.author: Zemadim, Birhanu; Muhoma, Leila; Joseph, Jacob Emanuel; Gumma, Murali K.; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe; Cofie, Olufunke O.; Whitbread, Anthony M. dcterms.abstract: The semi-arid agricultural landscape of Tanzania is characterized by erratic and variable rainfall. Land degradation and the absence of improved water and land management interventions pose greater challenges to the resilience and livelihoods of communities. Previously implemented practices focused much on productivity gains and followed a top-down approach. Despite the growing impact studies on increased crop yield, published data on environmental sustainability and household socio-economic dynamics of the different practices are limited. This paper presents the results of a participatory and integrated approach to water and land management employed. The Kongwa watershed was used as a case study to investigate the challenges of the farming system and to identify and implement demand-driven practices. The watershed was characterized using information derived from climate and climate risk, land use and land cover (LULC), existing production systems, and GIS tools. Gender disaggregated data on farmers’ perceptions of implemented practices and natural resource management governance were analyzed. This information, together with productivity data collected from experimental stations and the FAO database, enabled agricultural sustainability assessment. Our results revealed that both male and female farmers are concerned about the farming systems in their landscapes, highlighting that soil erosion, frequent pests and diseases, and crop fields destroyed by livestock are the most common challenges they face. It was also highlighted that service provisions from extension officers were limited in the Kongwa watershed. Data collected from experimental stations revealed that the watershed suffers from insufficient seasonal rainfall distribution, which fails to meet the minimum water requirements for major crops grown, such as sorghum and pigeon peas. In this case, implementing demand-driven and participatory water and land management practices yielded significant improvements in the agricultural sustainability indicators. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

CGIAR Climate Action Program in Tamil Nadu, India

2026-03-06T17:44:43Z

dc.title: CGIAR Climate Action Program in Tamil Nadu, India dc.contributor.author: Bhaduri, Tanmoy; Borah, Gulshan; Amarnath, Giriraj; Padhee, Suman Kumar; Malaiappan, Sudharsan; Sikka, Alok dcterms.abstract: The CGIAR Climate Action Program was formally launched in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu to strengthen science-driven support for climate adaptation and resilience. Facing escalating risks from droughts, heatwaves, floods, and cyclones, the state is seeking integrated solutions to safeguard agriculture, water resources, and vulnerable communities. The launch workshop convened senior government officials, researchers, and development partners to identify priority areas and shape a collaborative adaptation agenda aligned with state needs. Discussions highlighted Tamil Nadu’s progress in data-driven planning, village-level climate initiatives, and proactive heatwave recognition, while acknowledging gaps in localized climate analytics, forecasting, and integrated water management. CGIAR and International Water Management Institute (IWMI) presented decision-support tools—including SADMS, AWARE, and climate-smart governance dashboards—to enhance anticipatory planning, digital advisories, hydrological modelling, and evidence-based policymaking. Sectoral priorities included crop diversification, soil health, climate-resilient extension services, tank restoration, flood forecasting, multi-hazard early warning systems, and impact-based disaster preparedness. Participants emphasized co-development of climate information systems, pilot climate-resilient districts, and joint capacity-building initiatives. The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to develop a five-year roadmap, establish a multi-stakeholder advisory platform, and mobilize financing to scale climate-smart innovations across Tamil Nadu. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Climate Action

Mapping Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) suitability for climate adaptation in Odisha, India

2026-03-06T17:39:51Z

dc.title: Mapping Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) suitability for climate adaptation in Odisha, India dc.contributor.author: Mizan, Syed Adil; Alam, Mohammad Faiz; Chaudhary, Shivam; Sikka, Alok; Amarnath, Giriraj dcterms.abstract: Groundwater resources in India are increasingly stressed due to unsustainable extraction, climate variability and rising demand. In Odisha, despite an average annual rainfall of about 1,452 mm, agriculture remains largely rainfed and vulnerable to climatic shocks. While surface water currently supports the majority of irrigation, groundwater use has grown substantially over the past decade, increasing the urgency for strategic groundwater management. Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) offers a promising climate adaptation strategy by enhancing groundwater storage, improving irrigation reliability and building resilience against drought and rainfall variability. This study presents a state-scale spatial suitability assessment for MAR in Odisha using a GIS-based multi-criteria framework. The analysis integrates hydrogeological parameters (aquifer type, soil characteristics, slope, groundwater depth) with indicators of water availability for recharge and groundwater demand patterns. By combining physical feasibility with supply–demand considerations, the study moves beyond purely biophysical screening to identify zones where MAR is both technically suitable and contextually relevant for climate risk management. The outputs include a statewide MAR suitability map and characterization of priority districts and blocks. The results provide evidence-based guidance for targeted MAR investments and support sustainable, climate-resilient groundwater development planning in Odisha. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Climate Action; Sustainable Farming; Digital Transformation

Solar-powered irrigation solutions: seven innovative projects in India, Nepal and Pakistan under Innovation Fund Grant

2026-04-21T01:04:50Z

dc.title: Solar-powered irrigation solutions: seven innovative projects in India, Nepal and Pakistan under Innovation Fund Grant dc.contributor.author: Sharan, Aklavya dcterms.abstract: Amid growing concerns over climate change and carbon emissions, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) launched the Solar Irrigation for Agricultural Resilience (SoLAR) project in South Asia in 2020, with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The project addresses critical barriers limiting the uptake of solar irrigation pumps (SIPs), particularly among small-scale, marginal, and women farmers. Through its Innovation Fund (IF), SoLAR has supported grantees in piloting technological, financial, and institutional solutions to enable equitable and sustainable scaling of solar irrigation. The IF grants aimed to bridge adoption gaps, promote sustainable groundwater use, and strengthen climate-resilient livelihood opportunities. These grants represent a financial innovation designed to enhance access and reduce risks for underserved farmers. Supported interventions include solar micro-pumps for smallholders, productive use of surplus solar energy, collateral-free loans through revolving funds, data-driven monitoring systems, and community-based models such as women-led Water Users Groups and solar mini-grids. Water-efficient technologies, including hydroponics and responsive drip irrigation, were also promoted to improve water productivity. This synthesis report documents the experiences and lessons from seven IF grantees across three countries, highlighting scalable pathways for inclusive and sustainable solar irrigation in South Asia.

Chapter 10 - Impacts and interventions for extreme weather events in Southern Africa

2026-03-05T04:02:00Z

dc.title: Chapter 10 - Impacts and interventions for extreme weather events in Southern Africa dc.contributor.author: Nhamo, Luxon; Mpandeli, S.; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe dcterms.abstract: The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Southern Africa, particularly El Niño-induced extreme events like heatwaves and droughts, are negatively impacting water management in the region. Without any preparedness framework in place, the region has been trapped in a vicious cycle of donor dependency whenever there is an extreme event. This chapter assesses the available drought intervention frameworks and the level of preparedness of Southern Africa for extreme weather events and provides strategic recommendations to guide policy on becoming proactive instead of the current reactive interventions. The chapter develops frameworks and systems for monitoring water resources for livestock and agriculture to enhance water and food security. The chapter also develops a baseline of water sources and builds a framework to facilitate the mapping of water bodies for agricultural livelihood activities in the region. This was achieved through a multipronged research approach which included literature review, key informant interviews, field visits, earth observations, and focus group discussions. The study developed a framework and system for monitoring the availability of water for livestock and agriculture and developed a predictive disaster risk reduction early warning tool to provide early warning information on the potential impact of droughts on agricultural water resources for the region. The study also established an initial baseline of water resources and developed a framework to facilitate the mapping of water bodies for agricultural livelihood activities in drought-affected areas. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

Institutions and governance for agricultural water management in support of resilient food systems

2026-03-05T08:47:11Z

dc.title: Institutions and governance for agricultural water management in support of resilient food systems dc.contributor.author: Mapedza, Everisto; Maviza, Gracsious cg.contributor.initiative: Climate Resilience cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Climate Action; Scaling for Impact

Gender equality and social inclusion in agricultural water management

2026-03-05T08:46:12Z

dc.title: Gender equality and social inclusion in agricultural water management dc.contributor.author: Maviza, Gracsious; Mapedza, Everisto cg.contributor.initiative: Climate Resilience; Fragility, Conflict, and Migration cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Climate Action; Food Frontiers and Security; Gender Equality and Inclusion; Scaling for Impact

Can we build groundwater stewardship through participatory games?

2026-02-24T08:15:41Z

dc.title: Can we build groundwater stewardship through participatory games? dc.contributor.author: Banerjee, Anurag cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Policy Innovations

Advancing agribusiness through gender and social inclusion: a practical toolkit for scalable growth

2026-03-06T18:21:03Z

dc.title: Advancing agribusiness through gender and social inclusion: a practical toolkit for scalable growth dc.contributor.author: Njiru, A. R.; Enokenwa Baa, Ojongetakah; Bohjanen, C.; Nortje, Karen dcterms.abstract: The GESI Agribusiness Toolkit provides a practical, action-oriented resource designed to help agribusinesses integrate Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) into their core strategies, operations, and decision-making. Developed under the CGIAR Initiative on Diversification in East and Southern Africa and finalized through the CGIAR Scaling for Impact (S4I) program, the toolkit supports small and medium enterprises, business accelerators, and researchers working to advance inclusive, climate-resilient agrifood systems. It offers a fit-for-purpose approach to identifying gender and social barriers, strengthening internal systems, and aligning with global frameworks such as the 2X Challenge criteria and the Gender at Work framework. The toolkit begins by outlining why GESI is essential for agribusiness performance—highlighting evidence that women reinvest significantly in households, youth drive innovation, and gender-diverse leadership improves business outcomes. It then provides a step-by-step guide to diagnosing current practices, developing an actionable and measurable GESI plan, and tracking progress using dashboards and reflective indicators. Practical tools include self-scoring checklists, a Gender Responsive Business Model Canvas, and templates for building gender action plans linked to business goals. A central feature is the CGIAR GESI Framework for Agribusiness, which helps organizations map informal norms and formal policies across individual and systemic levels, identifying targeted actions to reduce exclusion, enhance leadership opportunities, and create enabling organizational environments. By simplifying key concepts and offering ready-to-use worksheets, the toolkit enables agribusinesses to mainstream GESI effectively, meet investor expectations, and unlock new market opportunities. Ultimately, it provides a structured pathway for businesses to become more equitable, competitive, and resilient. cg.contributor.initiative: Diversification in East and Southern Africa cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

Digital inclusiveness report of the Enabel Citizen Science Project: potential risk & mitigation recommendations

2026-03-06T18:14:23Z

dc.title: Digital inclusiveness report of the Enabel Citizen Science Project: potential risk & mitigation recommendations dc.contributor.author: Darlington, Daniella E. dcterms.abstract: The Enabel Citizen Science Project aims to enhance water resource management in the Limpopo River Basin (LRB)—covering Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique—by integrating community-contributed data into a Digital Twin for inclusive and transparent decision-making. This report serves as an initial assessment of the project’s digital inclusiveness, focusing on establishing a foundation that empowers rural and marginalized communities, particularly women and youth. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Digital Transformation

Policy alignment for climate-resilient food systems in Zambia

2026-03-06T18:18:19Z

dc.title: Policy alignment for climate-resilient food systems in Zambia dc.contributor.author: Matchaya, Greenwell C.; Chindele, C.; Hanke-Louw, Nora dcterms.abstract: This report presents a comprehensive inventory and analysis of national policies and institutional programs in Zambia aligned with CGIAR’s five Impact Areas: Climate Adaptation and Mitigation; Environmental Health and Biodiversity; Nutrition, Health and Food Security; Poverty Reduction, Livelihoods and Jobs; and Gender Equality, Youth and Social Inclusion. The study systematically compiles active national policies, strategies, and action plans and maps them against the CGIAR Impact Areas using a structured inventory template. Through qualitative content analysis and stakeholder validation, the report assesses policy framing, institutional mandates, implementation arrangements, and the extent to which national frameworks create an enabling environment for scaling food system innovations. Findings show that Zambia has an extensive policy architecture addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation, agricultural development, financial inclusion, and gender equality. Strategic intent is clearly articulated across multiple frameworks. However, implementation effectiveness is constrained by coordination gaps, overlapping mandates, limited financing alignment, and weak monitoring and evaluation linkages across sectors. A focused analysis of Climate Adaptation and Mitigation highlights both strong policy commitment and institutional fragmentation affecting operational coherence in climate-resilient food systems. The report underscores the importance of strengthening cross-sectoral integration, financing mechanisms, and implementation platforms to accelerate innovation uptake and scaling. The findings inform CGIAR’s Country Strategy Framework engagement in Zambia and provide evidence to support improved research–policy alignment and strategic partnerships for sustainable impact. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

Gender responsive Water-Energy-Food-Environment Nexus approach for local level planning in Nepal: a manual

2026-04-09T01:05:00Z

dc.title: Gender responsive Water-Energy-Food-Environment Nexus approach for local level planning in Nepal: a manual dc.contributor.author: Pokharel, B. K.; Koirala, Sanju; Pradhan, M. S.; Onta, N.; Khadka, Manohara; Nepal, Santosh dcterms.abstract: This manual was developed in response to the demand from local governments in the Rangun Watershed for a knowledge resource on the Water, Energy, Food, and Environment (WEFE) Nexus approach. The manual presents key concepts and practical guidance for applying the WEFE Nexus approach in watershed planning. It also aims to offer a practical reference to support local authorities in integrating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) responsive WEFE principles into their annual planning, budgeting, and policy formulation processes. It is specifically designed for local government representatives and municipal and ward-level staff in Nepal who are engaged in the WEFE sectors. It serves as a practical reference for developing local plans, policies, and activities, as well as for budgeting and implementing them effectively. It is also a valuable resource for NGOs, INGOs, and academicians working in these fields, and serves as a foundational guide for training design and delivery. The content is based on the materials developed and tested during the GESI Responsive WEFE Nexus Approach training for the Rangun Watershed and the WEFE Leadership Workshop in Nepal. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Policy Innovations

Chapter 9 - Evaluation of drip and conventional surface irrigation in the poorly drained, naturally irrigated lands of the Khorezm region: lessons from Central Asia

2026-03-05T05:15:58Z

dc.title: Chapter 9 - Evaluation of drip and conventional surface irrigation in the poorly drained, naturally irrigated lands of the Khorezm region: lessons from Central Asia dc.contributor.author: Eshchanov, O.; Kenjabaev, Shavkat dcterms.abstract: This chapter evaluates drip and conventional surface irrigation methods in the Khorezm region, Uzbekistan, focusing on poorly drained and naturally-irrigated lands. With water supplies dwindling and agriculture consuming large amounts, efficient irrigation is critical. The study compares drip and furrow irrigation in terms of soil moisture, water seepage, and cotton yield. Two experimental fields were analyzed—one with drip irrigation and the other with furrow irrigation. Methods included soil moisture measurement and water distribution assessments to evaluate efficiency. The research highlights the inefficiencies in traditional irrigation, leading to water loss and low productivity, and provides recommendations for optimizing practices. The findings aim to enhance water use efficiency and improve agricultural productivity in Uzbekistan’s arid conditions cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

Responsible scaling for impact: inclusion and power in food, land and water systems

2026-02-23T05:15:40Z

dc.title: Responsible scaling for impact: inclusion and power in food, land and water systems dc.contributor.author: McGuire, E.; Mutiso, A.; Valencia, E.; Ewell, H.; Enokenwa Baa, Ojongetakah; Alame, D. S.; Paez-Valencia, A. M.; Newton, J.; Rietveld, A.; Nortje, Karen; Keller-Bischoff, L.; Yami, M. dcterms.abstract: Achieving sustainable and equitable impact at scale remains one of the most persistent challenges in agricultural research for development (AR4D). Despite a rich pipeline of technological, social, and institutional innovations, benefits often fail to reach women, youth, and marginalized producers who face entrenched structural barriers. This brief synthesizes emerging insights from the CGIAR Scaling for Impact (S4I) Program under its Enabling Environment Lab (AoW‑3) in collaboration with Multifunctional Landscapes Program, the Gender and Inclusion Accelerator Program, and Responsible Innovation. Scaling scientists, gender researchers, and innovation practitioners were convened to examine how responsible scaling can transform food, land, and water systems. Responsible scaling recognizes that scaling is neither automatic nor neutral—it is shaped by power relations, institutional incentives, market structures, and social norms. The workshop emphasized that innovation processes must be anticipatory, inclusive, reflexive, and responsive to context-specific risks and opportunities. Key recommendations include harmonizing existing CGIAR frameworks such as IPSR, GenderUp, Scaling Scan, and empowerment metrics to embed inclusion and social risk assessment into scaling readiness; developing a Responsible Scaling Index to track empowerment and equity outcomes; and establishing communities of practice that bridge scaling and GESI expertise across institutions. Participants emphasized that responsible scaling begins at project design, requiring co-created socio-technical bundles and participatory approaches that align technological solutions with community priorities. Transformative scaling demands rethinking metrics of success to move beyond counts of adoption toward indicators of empowerment, legitimacy, and systemic change. By integrating responsible scaling principles across institutional, operational, and cultural dimensions, CGIAR and its partners can ensure that innovations not only spread widely but also contribute to just, resilient, and socially inclusive food system transformation. This brief reflects on a practical roadmap for scaling “better” rather than simply “more,” aligning scientific excellence with equity and long‑term impact. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact; Multifunctional Landscapes; Gender Equality and Inclusion

Multidimensional Digital Inclusivity Index (MDII)

2026-03-06T18:24:48Z

dc.title: Multidimensional Digital Inclusivity Index (MDII) dc.contributor.author: International Water Management Institute dcterms.abstract: The Multidimensional Digital Inclusivity Index (MDII) allows researchers and innovators to understand how they can improve the inclusiveness of a digital solution. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Sustainable Farming; Digital Transformation; Gender Equality and Inclusion; Scaling for Impact

Chapter 8 - AquaCrop model as a tool to forecast crop yield during the growing season: lessons from Nepal, South Asia

2026-03-05T05:17:34Z

dc.title: Chapter 8 - AquaCrop model as a tool to forecast crop yield during the growing season: lessons from Nepal, South Asia dc.contributor.author: Shrestha, Nirman; Raes, D. dcterms.abstract: The ability to accurately predict crop yields is crucial for making informed crop management decisions, such as whether to apply (additional) irrigation, at the right moment throughout the growing season. Having an early warning system in place to alert policymakers of a potential yield failure or poor crop output by the end of the season can help alleviate food shortages. The simulations using daily data from the past to predict maize yield during the season in the Terai region of Nepal produced some encouraging results. AquaCrop was able to foresee the likelihood of crop failure by midseason thanks to the dynamic nature of climate data. This method of yield prediction can be used for other drought-sensitive crops. This will give both the farmers and the government time to respond to the impending produce shortfall. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

Scaling solar irrigation through grassroot institutions in India

2026-02-24T02:06:50Z

dc.title: Scaling solar irrigation through grassroot institutions in India dc.contributor.author: Varshney, Deepak; Khan, Ramsha; Banerjee, Anurag; Ravindranath, Darshini; Al-Zu’bi, Maha; Singh, R. K.; Gautam, U. S.; Singh, R.; Sikka, Alok; Jacobs-Mata, Inga dcterms.abstract: This technical brief, Scaling Solar Irrigation through Grassroot Institutions in India, examines how local institutions can accelerate inclusive adoption of solar irrigation pumps (SIPs) under the PM-KUSUM scheme. While SIP adoption has expanded rapidly under PM KUSUM, millions of conventional pumps remain in operation, and barriers such as low awareness, limited digital literacy, and constrained access to credit continue to exclude smallholders and women farmers. Drawing on a meta-analysis of 83 studies, the brief shows that institutional engagement significantly increases adoption. Structured extension support raises uptake by 14 percent, while collective institutions improve access to formal credit by 8.7 percent. These findings underscore that technology deployment alone is insufficient; institutional enablers are critical for equitable and sustained scaling. The brief identifies three practical pathways for strengthening delivery under PM-KUSUM: integrating renewable energy expertise within Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs); leveraging Self-Help Groups (SHGs) linked to NABARD and NRLM to ease financing constraints; and embedding Citizen Service Centres (CSCs) to provide end-to-end facilitation and reduce digital access barriers. Pilot evidence from Uttar Pradesh demonstrates that CSC-led facilitation can convert awareness into applications and installations. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Scaling for Impact

Participatory mapping of ecosystem services and degradation hotspots in the Nyadire Sub-Catchment, Zimbabwe: implications for multifunctional landscape design

2026-02-20T08:38:31Z

dc.title: Participatory mapping of ecosystem services and degradation hotspots in the Nyadire Sub-Catchment, Zimbabwe: implications for multifunctional landscape design dc.contributor.author: Choruma, Dennis Junior; Mupangwa, W.; Gebrezgabher, Solomie A. dcterms.abstract: This report presents findings from participatory GIS (PGIS) mapping of ecosystem services and environmental hotspots conducted with smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe’s Multifunctional Landscapes specifically the Nyadire Sub-Catchment. The study applied a structured, community-based mapping methodology to identify and spatially locate key ecosystem services (e.g., water sources, fertile soils, grazing areas, forests) and environmental degradation hotspots (e.g., erosion gullies, sedimentation zones, water stress areas, infrastructure failures). Separate focus groups (by age and gender categories) ensured inclusive representation of local knowledge and priorities. The participatory mapping process generated spatially explicit datasets that reflect farmers’ lived experiences of landscape dynamics, resource flows, and vulnerability patterns. Results highlight the interlinkages between soil erosion, water stress, declining productivity, and ecosystem degradation, demonstrating the value of integrating local ecological knowledge into landscape planning. The outputs provide actionable evidence for prioritizing micro-watershed interventions, soil and water conservation measures, and climate-smart agroecological bundles. By combining participatory methods with geospatial validation, the study strengthens inclusive landscape governance and contributes locally grounded data to multifunctional landscape planning processes. The findings highlight the importance of co-producing spatial knowledge to inform sustainable land and water management strategies in smallholder systems. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Multifunctional Landscapes