E-Newsletter # 56
THE INPIM E-NEWSLETTER
http://www.inpim.org
ihussain@inpim.org
Welcome to the INPIM E-Newsletter #56
NEWS
Ø World Bank offers new options for reengaging in agricultural water management
Ø Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) offers a new assistance strategy for the irrigation sector in
Ø Asian Development Bank (ADB) announces its new Water Financing Program 2006-2010
Ø African Development Bank launches a new water initiative
Ø Water User Associations Support Program (WUASP) initiates new pilot Water Users Associations (WUAs) in
Ø
Ø First national level ‘showcase’ of irrigation and resource conservation technologies in
Ø Farmers manage and police irrigation systems in
Ø Gender Equity in Participatory Irrigation Management – Experiences from
DONORS’ LENDING FOR IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE PROJECTS
Lending for Irrigation and Drainage Projects by:
Ø World Bank (WB) Group
Ø Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Ø African Development Bank (AfDB)
Ø Inter American Development Bank (IADB)
Ø Islamic Development Bank (IDB)
Ø International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
Ø Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)
Upcoming Regional/ International Meets and Events
Ø 26th Conference of the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE) - Water Workshop
Gold Coast, QLD
Ø Water for Irrigated Agriculture and the Environment - Finding a Flow For All
Ø 5th International Symposium on the Agricultural Environment, ‘Agricultural Constraints within the Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Continuum’
Ø IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition
Ø Biofilm Systems VI
Ø International Workshop on Global Irrigated Area Mapping (GIAM)
Ø Innovations in coping with water and climatological change related hazards
Ø The seventh international symposium on problems with waste water management in the agriculture industries
Ø Water Resources-Future Options
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Ø Global Change Issues in Developing and Emerging Countries
Ø International Symposium on Agricultural Innovation Systems in
November 2006
Ø The International Forum on Water and Food
Ø 5th International Water History Association (IWHA) Conference, "Past and Futures of Water"
13-17 June 2007
Ø 10th IWA Specialized Conference on Large Wastewater Treatment Plants
9-13 September 2007
NEW PUBLICATIONS
Ø Reengaging in Agricultural Water Management: Challenges and Options (2006)
Ø Hydro-political Assessment of Water Governance from the Top-down and Review of Literature on Local Level Institutions and Practices in the
Ø Strategic Planning of Sustainable Urban Water Management (June 2006)
Ø Integrated Transboundary Water Management in Theory and Practice (July 2006)
Ø Political Economy of Agrarian Distress (2006)
Ø Farmers' rights in
Ø Decentralization in the agricultural sector in
Ø Gender and desertification: expanding roles for women to restore drylands (2006)
Fellowship and funding opportunities
Ø Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) fellowship programme
Ø International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) Postdoctoral Program 2006
Ø Inter American Development Bank (IADB) Scholarship Programmes: Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology
Ø International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Fellowship
capacity
building and trainings
Ø Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
IN August 14–
November 20–
Ø Water Management and Crop Production
August 31-
Ø Decision Support Systems and Crop Modeling
Ø Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
September 18-
Ø The Farmer Led Extension Course
October 30-
DETAILS
NEWS AND EVENTS
World Bank offers new options for reengaging in agricultural water management
A new report entitled Reengaging in Agricultural Water Management: Challenges and Options (by the Water for Food Team/ World Bank) describes the changing context of demand and supply for agricultural water, and identifies the policy, institutional and incentive reform options that will accelerate improvements in productivity and pro-poor growth in this sector. The report articulates priorities for investment and indicates options for adjusting the respective roles of the public sector and other stakeholders. The report highlights that agricultural water management is an input to farming and a key factor in farmer incomes, agricultural growth and exports, and poverty reduction. This economic context defines two underlying themes for the future of agricultural water management: productivity of water use and the need for market-driven approaches. The following basic messages indicate how to apply these two themes to the future development and management of agricultural water:
Ø Agricultural water management has to be placed within an integrated water resource management context through integrated and participatory planning that assesses trade offs and ensures optimal use of water at the basin scale.
Ø A focus is required on ways to increase water productivity through a combination of institutional changes that empower the farmer, technological improvements, and investments to intensify and diversify agricultural production and increase farming profitability.
Ø There has to be a move towards new institutional arrangements which give more responsibility and say to farmers, engage the energy of the private sector, and reduce the role of government. The emphasis should be on decentralization, financial viability and accountability of water service providers, empowerment through rights and responsibilities of water users and their organizations, the use of incentives to reflect societal values, and innovative mechanisms to bring in the private sector.
Ø Many factors—policies, institutional change, and investments—need to be integrated to achieve efficient outcomes in all aspects of agricultural water management, from modernization of large-scale irrigation to rainfed agriculture. The sequencing and prioritization of change processes need attention, as well. At the macroeconomic level, policies and programs for water resources, agriculture, and environment need to be integrated. At the local level, investment needs to be based on profitable and sustainable farming and on workable institutional arrangements.
Ø To meet demand, there has to be both intensification and expansion of irrigation. Approaches to this have to be both practical and sensitive to environmental and social concerns, using participatory approaches and new methodologies to make sure that concerns are assessed and that responses enhance the economics and sustainability of investments.
Ø Increased attention is required to the potential for reducing poverty, and to the systematic factoring in of poverty and gender concerns to agricultural water programs. Where possible, irrigation and drainage investments should be targeted at poor areas, and projects should be designed with the needs and capabilities of the poor in mind.
These messages need to be adapted to regional and local situations through a process of dialogue and study that will produce programs of action.
[This is based on the World Bank’s recent publication Reengaging in Agricultural Water Management: Challenges and Options (2006)]
Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) offers a new assistance strategy for the irrigation sector in
Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) offers a new strategy for the irrigation sector of
The highest priority is placed on support to improvement of irrigation efficiency through rehabilitation of the existing irrigation facilities, because it has immediate and high level of economic returns.
Also, new development projects could be assisted subject to adequate environmental and social consideration, because there is still room for further development, and flood control projects could be assisted subject to consideration to integrated watershed management in the river basins, because agriculture production is damaged by frequent flood.
In assisting the projects in the above areas, the following aspects should be appropriately addressed and incorporated into the project design:
1) Formation and strengthening of WUAs in charge of operation and maintenance: long-term and comprehensive assistance to WUAs, training, employment of NGOs/facilitators, farmers' participation to the projects at the planning and implementation stage, and beneficiary cost contribution
2) Effective development of facilities, considering cross-sectoral integrated water resource management, adequate environmental consideration, appropriate land acquisition and resettlement, and consultation with beneficiaries
3) Capacity building of concerned government institutions: training, improvement of equipment and vehicles, review of standards and manuals, strengthening of sections in charge of social development, WUA and human resource development, beneficiary participation, strengthening of coordination with other institutions
4) Financial sustainability through cost recovery from beneficiaries: increase in water charge to cover operation and maintenance cost, improvement of water charge collection, improvement of water charge collection structure, water charge collection by WUA, expenditure reduction
5) Support for agricultural development to link irrigation facility improvement with increase in agriculture production: land-leveling, on-farm channel development, agriculture technology extension, introduction of drip and sprinkler irrigation, support to post-harvest distribution and processing, integrated assistance among different institutions
6) Adequate project management organization: coordination with other institutions, improvement of understanding on loan procedures, strengthening of implementation capacity, clarification of roles of institutions and enhancement of autonomy, appropriate tendering and contract management.
Asian Development Bank announces its new Water Financing Program 2006-2010
ADB has formulated a new Water Financing Program (WFP) in response to the wide range of governance, institutional, social, environmental and political issues facing irrigation services, river basin management, flood management, mitigation, and wastewater management. The WFP seeks to make water a core investment area for ADB, under which the bank proposes to increase its water investments to well over $2 billion annually. WFP includes a large pipeline of programmed water investments, a wide array of knowledge and awareness products, and regional cooperation services. Its focus will be on combining increased investments in water infrastructure with capacity building and private sector participation.
For 2006-2010, ADB expects to double its investments in the water sector through its new Water Financing Program, which will direct funds into reforms and capacity development programs at rural communities, cities and river basins. The envisioned long-term impact of the WFP is a significant increase in the number of people in the
African Development Bank launches a new water initiative
The African Development Bank increases operational focus on water and sanitation and has recently launched new Department entirely dedicated to water issues in the African continent. AfDB has reaffirmed the importance it attaches to the infrastructure development on the African continent, with particular emphasis on the Water and Sanitation Sector. Within the framework of the reforms undertaken by the President Donald Kaberuka, a Water and Sanitation Department has become effective from July 2006, under the new Vice Presidency for Infrastructure, Private Sector and Regional Integration (OIVP). This decision will help to consolidate and enhance the AfDB’s leading role in water sector activities in the region. The Department will centralize the AfDB’s water sector activities for better coordination and facilitate the definition and implementation of sustainable solutions across the water value chain, from strategy, policy-making and institutional reforms to project implementation and monitoring. It will spearhead the Bank’s contributions to national efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets in the Water sector and the related areas of nutrition, education, health, gender empowerment and environment. The Department will also serve as trustee for the AWF Special Fund, initiated by the African Ministers' Council on Water (AMCOW). Finally, it will also provide support to the NEPAD Water and Sanitation Program, the operation of a multi-donor RWSSI Trust Fund and a multi-donor Water Partnership Program (MDWPP) funded by the
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has over 37 years accumulated a broad experience of water resources management in
Water Users Associations Support Program (WUASP) initiates new pilot Water Users Associations (WUAs) in
The USAID financed Water Users Associations Support Program (WUASP) provides assistance to farmers to promote WUAs in
WUASP’s Approach
The WUASP’s approach to increasing WUA management capacity is to provide technical advice, training and limited financial support to participating WUAs. The major program objectives are to:
Ø Develop WUAs' capacity to manage local irrigation systems, use sound business practices, and adopt democratic principles in its management. The WUASP is demonstrating the benefits of participatory irrigation management whereby management responsibilities and decision-making power are devolved to the local level.
Ø Support WUAs' implementation of institutional and technical improvements through technology transfer programs and limited financial support. This also includes strengthening WUAs’ capacity to include members of the associations in decision-making, and assist farmers to gather and assess relevant market information.
Ø Promote an improved legal and regulatory environment to support the development of WUAs and their long-term sustainability.
Ø Increase WUAs capabilities to carry out ancillary functions, such as providing information and other agricultural related services to their members and other farmers, through cooperation with related USAID and international support programs and activities.
In 2006, WUASP is actively selecting new pilot WUAs in the three countries.
(This information is based on recent material available on WUASP website www.wuasp.uz)
On
First National Level ‘Showcase’ of Irrigation and Resource Conservation Technologies in
Pakistan Guarantee Export Corporation Ltd. organized the first national level fair “Pak Agrotec Kissan Mela” during 14-17 July 2006 in
The prime objective of this exhibition was to highlight the prominent names in farming/ model farmers, agro-based machinery, irrigation related technologies, farm inputs, livestock and dairy etc. and many other related projects to showcase their products and expertise. The Government of Pakistan is keen in promoting such purposeful events, which are target oriented and have positive effects on the productivity and development of the industry. An effort is being made to ensure participation of the related industry by providing subsides.
Since
Pakistan Guarantee Export Corporation Ltd. (PGECL) was established in 2000, in public sector with an aim to follow the visionary guidelines of the progressive policies of the present Government to accomplish a National cause of self-reliance and strong
Farmers Manage and Police irrigation systems in
[This story is from Asia Water Wire, a news resource on a diverse range of water issues in the region (www.asiawaterwire.net). and Asian Development Bank (www.adb.org/water)]
The newly set up Area Water Boards (AWB) and Farmer’s Organizations (FO) have effectively prevented illegal use of the community resource and have also helped to generate revenue for the central coffers.
An evaluation of performance of 85 farmer groups of Lower
Even though theft is punishable under the law flouting the rules had almost become cultural – and people had begun to take pride for stealing water and cheating on tariffs. The PIDA was formed in 1997 to promote participatory irrigation management in
Under the PIDA Act, the farmer organizations are put in charge of policing field-level distribution, controlling theft, resolving disputes and collecting water tariffs. In return, they get to use 40 per cent of the water tariffs to meet operation and maintenance costs. Each farmer group has nine members elected by water users and must include three members from the most disadvantaged sections of the community. "This arrangement has led to some panic among the staffs at the irrigation department who now fear that they could lose jobs," says M. Aslam Qureshi, general manager, PIDA. “The farmer groups also have authority to hire and fire employees so they are in full control,” he adds. Today many government employees have begun to seek jobs at the newly created institutions, including the farmer groups. "Every FO is given water strictly in accordance with the collective requirement of areas under its jurisdiction,” says Sagheer Ahmed, president of a farmer organization. “If any one steals water, he deprives another farmer of his rights and believe me, no one is ready now to let go of a single drop of water from his share," adds Ahmed. People who take more than their share or steal are first issued warnings and those that continue to do so after being warned are charged fines as high as 20 times the price of the stolen water. When everyone uses a fair share everyone, even those at the tail end of the canal get to use water.
PIDA officials said putting the system in place was not easy especially because of the opposition by farmer groups that had found ways to beat the system. "We had to recruit social mobilizers to visit rural areas and explain the idea to locals, the system was introduced only after we had convinced the people of the benefits of participatory management," says M. Aslam Qureshi. The system has been so successful that now other provinces have begun following the path shown by
Gender Equity in Participatory Irrigation Management – Experiences from
Water & Environmental Sanitation Network (WES-Net India)
Solution Exchange for Gender Community
Solution Exchange for WES-Net India
Consolidated Reply
Compiled by Bonani Dhar and Pankaj Kumar S., Resource Persons; additional research provided by Sarika Dhawan and Ramya Gopalan, Research Associates
While working as a team leader on the World Bank funded Andhra Pradesh Economic Restructuring Project on Role of Gender (Women) in Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM), I had discussions with the Government of AP on incorporating gender concerns in policy.
In spite of willingness in government towards building policy space for gender, the lack of a legal framework was found to be a major concern. To fill this gap, I am helping to redraft the regulations on Water Users Association (WUA), which may provide necessary knowledge base to policy planners in Government of Andhra Pradesh.
To detail the context of the issue, in all states of
Irrigation sector reforms have been a priority area among economic sector reforms in Andhra Pradesh. Although women's empowerment concerns have been raised both in the Vision 2020 document of the state as well as the AP Water Vision, there have been no initiatives to engender irrigation sector policy and more importantly, to support women's inclusion in WUAs. Women's status in the WUA is restricted as only legal owners of land have voting rights and most land is under ownership of men. Additional obstacles in women's inclusion despite the reforms are:
- Legal-There are no special provisions for women's participation in the Andhra Pradesh Farmers' Management of Irrigation Systems Act, 1997 (APFMIS).
- Political-Representation of women elected in most medium and minor systems is poor and generally reflects vested political interests.
- Social- So far WUA activities are focused on construction works related to system rehabilitation, participation in which is dominated by men.
- Capacity building-Women's participation remains very low in training programs, which has been a major barrier for women not being able to come to decision-making forums at par with men.
I therefore request members to share their experiences in the following areas on ensuring gender equity in PIM:
1. Successful examples of women's involvement in PIM, enabling them to play a key role in decision making within WUAs.
2. Suitable mechanisms for enhancing the qualitative representation of women within the WUAs in addition to focusing on increasing their numerical strength?
3. Existing or potential legal and mandatory interventions enabling women to be at par with men in decision making on water sharing and management issues?
Summary of Responses
The query on gender equity in Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) elicited a wide range of responses from members. They emphasised that although women provide almost 70% of the labour in agriculture, they rarely get a chance to participate in decision-making. Respondents also deliberated on some of the legal, political, socio-cultural and capacity building constraints preventing women from becoming members of Water Users' Associations (WUAs), exercising their voting rights, contesting elections and being part of the Executive Committees.
As one of the main legal factors inhibiting women's participation in PIM, the group listed that women's lack of legal rights over land has long-term repercussions. This restricts their ability to control resources and access credit. To correct this imbalance, members suggested that all further land purchased be joint owned by both the husband and wife. They also recommended that all future participatory irrigation acts compulsorily include women as members and ensure they have voting rights within WUAs.
Participants pointed out that PIM programmes need to facilitate women's inclusion in WUAs. Ensuring adequate number of women members within WUAs provides them the confidence to participate fully in this traditionally male dominated space. For example, members shared a project in
The issue of representation of women in management and decision making in WUAs occupied much of members' attention. They felt that the rules of WUAs need to be changed, allowing women to represent their husbands and vote. Members quoted a case from Orissa, where men allowed their wives entry into the WUA. Additionally, governments could amend PIM Acts so women would have a legal right to participate in WUA. The Madhya Pradesh government has already modified its Farmer Management of Irrigation Systems Act, which mandates the participation of one male and one female member from every land-owning household in the command area of an irrigation system, making it possible for women to become formal members of WUAs. Members suggested that the draft Uttar Pradesh PIM Act, which touches on women's participation, could further expand its scope.
Similarly, members wrote about two projects that include women formally in WUAs. In a project from the
At the same time members warned that merely increasing women's representation in WUAs will be insufficient if the goal is to improve their participation. They underscored the importance of building the capacities of women to allow them to emerge from the shadows of male WUA members and actively participate in decision-making. For instance, the Madhya Pradesh Water Sector Restructuring Project (MPWSRP) is training women functionaries and presidents of WUAs to improve their leadership skills, better exercise their voting rights and empower them to express their views in the WUA meetings.
Members also noted that given the crucial role women play in irrigation management, it is necessary to improve their technical competence. Areas identified for training included new irrigation technologies and improved irrigation practices- such as maintenance, lining of canals, optimal water flow and velocity, and construction of irrigation systems. Women, as the primary water managers on farms, would greatly benefit from such training since it would enhance their understanding of water use efficiency. A project in
In addition, respondents highlighted that engendering the training process will improve outreach. Most programmes hold trainings away from where women live. This adversely affects the involvement of women because attending requires travelling and taking additional time away from their household responsibilities. Instead, members contended, training programmes for women in PIM need to be as close to their homes as possible. Also, tracking gender disaggregated data on attendance and appointing women trainers could further improve the reach and impact of irrigation training programmes. Additionally, since Irrigation Department officials are vital PIM stakeholders, the group recommended gender sensitizing departmental staff.
In the overall discussion about including women in PIM, members also drew attention to larger societal issues related to gender, emphasising that unless changes occur in social and religious customs, mere legislative change will not achieve the desired outcome. Consequently, members suggested the following broad areas be looked in order to improve the environment for women's participation:
a. Equal legal rights for women in land ownership and suitable amendments facilitating women's involvement in the Farmers Irrigation Management Acts
b. Reservations for women from land owning and share cropping families in WUAs
c. Radical changes in social and religious customs, such as elimination of dowry
d. Create an enabling environment for women within families and government structures
e. Stop sex determination tests, which often lead to female feticide
In conclusion, the discussions underlined the importance of taking a gendered view of participatory irrigation management. The group also shared examples of preliminary field level efforts at addressing this. However, as is the case with most gender issues, the solutions lie in examining the broader socio-cultural, legal and political super structure. Members emphasised the need for continued work on the root causes of gender inequity in order to transform and empower women to assume equal status.
Many thanks to all who contributed to this query!
If you have further information to share on this topic, please send it to the Gender Community at se-gen@solutionexchange-un.net.in and Solution Exchange for WES-Net in India at se-wes@solutionexchange-un.net.in with the subject reading “RE: [se-gen][se-wes] Query: Gender equity in Participatory Irrigation Management, from DHV-MDP, New Delhi (Experiences). Additional Reply”
Disclaimer: In posting messages or incorporating these messages into synthesized responses, the UN accepts no responsibility for its veracity or authenticity. Members intending to use or transmit the information contained in these messages should be aware that they are relying on their own judgment.
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DONORS’ LENDING FOR IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE PROJECTS
Lending for Irrigation and Drainage Projects by the World Bank (WB)
|
P090887 |
29.2 |
IBRD/ IDA |
|
Active |
| |
|
P081567 |
66 |
IBRD/ IDA |
|
Active |
| |
|
P093622 |
20 |
IBRD/ IDA |
|
Active |
|
Lending for Irrigation and Drainage Projects by the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
ADB’s Loans
|
Project No. |
Loan No. |
Total Project Cost |
Loan Amount |
|||
|
Samur-apsheron water supply and irrigation (stage 1) |
35405 |
|
2-AZE |
47.5 |
30 |
|
|
Second water resources management and land improvement |
31170 |
|
3-KAZ |
0 |
50 |
|
|
Rural development project |
33191 |
|
10-KGZ |
0 |
10 |
|
|
|
36415 |
|
5-CAM |
44 |
35 |
|
|
National water resource development |
35065 |
|
10-KIR |
0 |
6 |
|
|
Integrated rural development |
37225 |
|
10-BHU |
0 |
4 |
|
|
Water management improvement project |
35483 |
|
6-NEP |
0 |
20 |
|
|
Water resources management sector |
37049 |
|
22-INO |
0 |
150 |
|
ADB’s Technical Assistance
|
Project No. |
Amount |
Approval no |
Date approved | ||
|
39354 |
|
2,232,000 |
4798 |
| |
|
39004 |
|
450,000 |
4774 |
| |
|
38079 |
|
130,000 |
4408 |
|
Lending for Irrigation and Drainage Projects by the African Development Bank (AfDB)
|
Project name |
Country |
Approval date |
Estimated start up date and duration |
Grant (US$) |
|
Agriculture Sector Study |
|
|
Nov-2006, for 24 months |
3 million |
|
Agricultural and rural sector rehabilitation project |
|
|
May-2006, for 5 years |
8.53 million |
|
SADC Shared Watercourses Support Project for |
|
|
|
13.80 millions |
|
Agricultural Production and Income |
|
|
Mar-2006, for 5 years |
22 million |
|
Ninth Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Project |
|
July-06 |
Last quarter of 2006, for 5 years. |
80.29 million Euros |
|
The Afram Agricultural Development Project |
|
|
Nov-2006, for 5 years |
29 million |
|
Rural Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (DWSS) |
|
|
Oct-2006, for 48 months |
19.2 million |
|
Kimira-Oluch Smallholder Farm Improvement Project |
|
|
For 6 years |
35 million |
|
Watershed Management Project (PABV) |
|
|
|
13 million |
|
Integrated Agriculture Development Project for Kairouan |
|
|
Jul-2006, for 6 years |
21 million |
|
Decentralised Rural Development Support Project in the Provinces of Gnagna and Kourittenga |
|
|
Dec-2006 |
18.49 million |
Lending for Irrigation and Drainage Projects by the Inter American Development Bank (IADB)
|
Project No. |
||||
|
BO-T1039 |
|
Approved |
| |
|
Implementation and Design of a National Irrigation Management System |
ES-T1043 |
|
Approved |
|
|
Preparation of the Intervention for the Watershed Management Program |
HA-T1037 |
|
Approved |
|
Lending for Irrigation and Drainage Projects by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB)
|
Project Title |
Country |
Finance Mode |
Approval date |
Total cost (US$) |
|
|
Loan |
|
20.63 million | |
|
|
Loan |
|
12.71 million | |
|
|
Loan |
|
14.11 million |
Lending for Irrigation and Drainage Projects by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
|
Project name |
Country |
Project ID number |
Project duration |
Tentative project start |
Estimated project cost (US$) |
|
Agricultural and Rural Rehabilitation and Development Initiative Project |
|
1329 |
Six or seven years |
2007 |
|
|
National Agricultural Technology Project |
|
1355 |
Possibly five years (for phase I) |
Jan-2007 |
70.0 million |
|
Agricultural Services and Producer Organizations Project – Phase II |
|
1287 |
Four years |
Jan-2007 |
47.0 million (provisional) |
Lending for Irrigation and Drainage Projects by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)
|
Project name |
Country |
Date of Approval |
Amount of Approval |
|
|
|
3493 |
UPCOMING REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEETS AND EVENTS
26th Conference of the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE) - Water Workshop
Gold Coast, QLD
The International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE) is a worldwide confederation of agricultural economists and others concerned with agricultural economic problems, including problems related to the use of renewable resources and the environment. Its broad goal is to “make a difference” through:
Ø Fostering the application of agricultural economics to improve rural economic and social conditions
Ø Advancing knowledge of agriculture’s economic organization.
Ø Facilitating communication and information exchange among those concerned with rural welfare.
Current membership includes professionals from many areas of government (including policy makers), academe and industry. The IAAE has a triennial conference held in major cities around the world and typically attracting in excess of 1,000 delegates from developed and developing countries.
Water for Irrigated Agriculture and the Environment - Finding a Flow for All
Most of the human use of renewable fresh water is for agriculture. 250 million hectares of irrigated agriculture (five times more than in 1900; 55% in Asia) account for about 80% of global fresh water consumption, about 70% of Australia’s consumption and 86% of developing countries’ consumption. The global irrigation demand is slowly increasing and it is projected to increase by 12% by 2025. This is placing pressure on water supplies, particularly where water supplies are already inadequate. In some countries, ground water is being depleted as human use (especially for irrigation) exceeds recharge rates. For example, 60% of the total irrigated area in
The basic aim of the event is to:
Ø Raise awareness of the challenges of efficient and sustainable water use in irrigated agriculture and food security. The focus will be on irrigation water for world food supplies (globally and particularly in the Asia-Pacific region), and the tension between water for food and for environmental services; and
Ø Examine the opportunities that international agricultural research for development can offer in addressing these challenges.
5th International Symposium on the Agricultural Environment, ‘Agricultural Constraints within the Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Continuum’
For sustainable agricultural systems to meet the rising demands for food production, apart from economic and social benefits, also environmental impacts should be considered. The pressure and impacts of agricultural and horticultural activities on the environment in terms of soil, plant and atmosphere need to be controlled. Expertise for controlling or reducing these agricultural constraints and improving agricultural efficiency through technological innovation should promote sustainable development and resource conservation while preserving social and economic profitability. The symposium will cover a range of topics addressing key environmental agricultural and horticultural issues through applying new technologies that aim at sustaining agricultural systems, monitoring the environment and conserving natural resources.
Some of the topics to be addressed in this symposium are as follows:
Ø The role of conservation agriculture for sustainable farming.
Ø Contamination of the soil-water-atmosphere continuum in agricultural areas.
Ø Desertification and land degradation in agricultural ecosystems.
IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition
The conference programme will cover the latest scientific thinking, innovations and best practice on wastewater treatment, drinking water treatment, operating and managing water and wastewater systems, appropriate and nonconventional wastewater systems, strategic management of water in urban areas, integrated water resources and river basin management, health and the environment. The event is expected with 650 oral presentations, 250 poster presentations, 35 workshops and an exhibition comprising 200 exhibitors.
The 5th IWA World Water Congress will build on the success of its predecessors held in
Leading researchers and practitioners will present the latest innovations in water management at the Congress. The water needs of the globe have never been more pertinent. Helping people within the water industry to communicate their ideas and practices will enable the progress of sustainable water management in the new millennium. The Congress themes cover most areas of the global water industry and there is a desire to create a programme, which is relevant to both the developed and developing regions of the world.
Biofilm Systems VI
This conference aims to bring together scientists and practitioners involved in areas where biofilms play a major role. This covers biofilm reactors, biofilm processes in biofilm reactors or natural systems, biofouling and biocorrosion. The program will be build upon submitted abstracts/papers related to the conference themes. Scientific papers as well as well documented case studies and general review papers are all encouraged for submission.
Conference Themes:
Ø Advances in control of biofouling control
Ø Anaerobic systems
Ø Biofilm modelling, Biofilm morphology, Biofilm kinetics
Ø Biofouling and biocorrosion
Ø Biofouling of membrane systems
Ø Conversion of specific compounds
Ø Effects of biofouling in water distribution systems
Ø Full scale case studies
Ø Granular sludge
Ø Hybrid reactors
Ø Membrane biofilm processes
Ø Monitoring biofilm accumulation
Ø New reactor concepts
Ø Nutrient removal processes
Ø Use of natural biofilms
Ø Reactor technology
International Workshop on Global Irrigated Area Mapping (GIAM)
Irrigation is widely thought to provide 40% of the world's food from around 17% of the cultivated area, and has been an instrumental factor in the success of the 'Green Revolution' in meeting food needs over the past 40 years, particularly for staple grains.
The primary goals of the GIAM International Workshop will be:
Ø Gather a group of experts on global application of RS and GIS to present, discuss, and refine products and associated methodologies, with specific focus on mapping irrigated area;
Ø Disseminate GIAM products, data, methods, techniques, and protocols to a wide group of user's and experts;
Ø Define future work programme to refine and improve products and methodologies;
Ø Write a book on irrigated areas of the World;
Ø Provide hands-on training for interested participants in irrigated area mapping methods and techniques, used by IWMI, FAO and other partners; and
Ø Involve stakeholders in product use and dissemination.
Innovations in coping with water and climatological change related hazards
The impacts of climate change upon the hydrological systems are undeniable. In The Netherlands fundamental changes in water management are underway. From a defensive policy we are moving in the direction of a comprehensive set of structural and non-structural policies, strategies, tools, appliances and measures. And, in addition to all these measures we also realise the importance of communication between the policy makers, the policy implementers and the public. It is time to discuss coping with climate change in this broad context. Water managers and scientists will present new developments in coping with climate related risks in the water sector.
The conference will address four topics:
Ø Risk assessment methodologies
Ø Communicating risks
Ø Space for water" in practice
Ø Innovations in technologies
Ø Warning and forecasting
Ø Flood proving (building in water)
Ø Operations of water utilities
Ø Technical innovations and appliances
The seventh international symposium on problems with wastewater management in the agriculture industries
The increasing pace of complex environmental problems caused by numbers of agro-industries, including textile, pulp and paper, leather, food, pesticides, brewery, etc, necessitates urgent and effective solution based upon available scientific information and engineering experience. Sewage treatment in rural area and run-off of pollutants from agricultural areas also deserve scientific solutions.
The 7th event in this symposium series will focus on providing a forum for the discussion of the present and future problems, recent experience and advances in this significant field of environmental management.
Conference Themes:
Ø The fate and effect of xenobiotics in industrial activities
Ø Biological treatment of strong and special wastes
Ø Biological nutrient removal
Ø Resources recovery and reuse
Water Resources-Future Options
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP), Water Resources Department, Govt. of Rajasthan; New Delhi Associate Centre of World Water Council (NDC-WWC) and Indian Water Resources Society (IWRS) together are proposing to organize a two days seminar on “Water Resources – Future Options” on 28-29 September 2006 at Jaipur. The proposed seminar will focus on the water management issues including the issue of management of structures needed for managing the assets that are created.
The following themes in tune with the above said program of Govt. of India are proposed to be discussed during the two days deliberations of the seminar:
- Management of Water Resources
Ø Challenges in water resources and irrigation management.
Ø Alternative models of managing water resources, water related assets, particularly about approaches like Water User Associations (WUAs).
Ø Sustainable management of water supply through Public, People and Private Participation (PPPP).
- Sustainable Use of Available Water Resources
Ø Irrigation and improved water management practices to rejuvenate and revitalize agriculture.
Ø Water use efficiency and greater equity in the utilization of water.
Ø The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Program (AIBP).
Ø Sustainability of planned measures with better management and conservation of surface and ground water considered together integrally.
- Watershed Management
- Rain Water Harvesting Practices
- Drinking Water Supply to Rural Areas
- Flood Management
- Water for Energy Security
Ø Energy requirements – Security and related issues.
Global Change Issues in Developing and Emerging Countries
Today, there are only a few conferences on GIS and Remote Sensing in
The second GGRS will deal with GIS and Remote Sensing with a focus on Global Change issues in developing and emerging countries.
Main Topics include:
Ø Watershed Management
Ø Land degradation and desertification
Ø Management of forested landscapes
Ø Management of agricultural and agroforestry landscapes
Ø Dynamics of urban and peri-urban environments
Ø Human health and epidemiology
International Symposium on Agricultural Innovation Systems in
The Innovation Africa Symposium will bring together researchers and practitioners involved in innovation systems to share current thinking, experiences, advances and lessons. It will include plenary keynotes, small group discussions, mini-workshops and an interactive information market for researchers and practitioners, who include innovative farmers. Together, the participants will draw lessons for policy, research, development and practice of innovation in agriculture and natural resource management (NRM) in
The objectives of the Symposium are:
Ø To enable researchers, social entrepreneurs, private sector and development practitioners to interact and share experiences on the latest research and initiatives on innovation systems and their impacts.
Ø To demonstrate the importance of building upon local peoples' initiatives in experimentation and innovation.
Ø To understand the implications of an innovation systems perspective for agricultural research and development.
Ø To identify policy options, organizational solutions and capacity needs, and the way forward to strengthen the potential for greater pro-poor innovation.
Ø To catalyze new knowledge-sharing partnerships for developing south-south learning and networking of professionals working on innovation.
The International Forum on Water and Food
The CPWF Forum will highlight research achievements in the field of water productivity in agriculture, expand on this knowledge, and recommend future areas for research and development investment.
The Specific objectives of the forum are:
Ø To add value to water productivity research advances carried out under the CPWF, and complemented by other (non-CPWF) sources.
Ø To use CPWF benchmark basins, especially the
Ø To showcase the CPWF and its partnership structure as a means to identifying problems and delivering solutions to improving water productivity in agriculture, including the cooperation between the CPWF and the MRC.
Ø To recommend areas for research and development investment in the field of water productivity in agriculture, and to show how water-productivity research results can be better translated into positive development impact.
Ø To provide information about the CPWF as the leading research for development program in the field of water productivity in agriculture.
5th International Water History Association (IWHA) Conference, "Past and Futures of Water"
13-17 June 2007
The conference program addresses diverse topics related to water history and futures, and will provide an excellent opportunity for scholars and practitioners from a variety of disciplines and different parts of the world to meet and discuss the many fascinating aspects of water history. Deadline for sending proposals for sessions and/or papers is
Each session should have four or five papers. Proposals for individual papers may also be submitted. Please include also information on the session chair, a one-page CV for each author, and an abstract of max. 500 words, including the title and contact addresses.
You can also send your proposal for a poster with max. of 500 words.
Accepted session, paper and poster proposals will be notified by
10th IWA Specialized Conference on Large Wastewater Treatment Plants
9-13 September 2007
Large wastewater treatment plants are the most important contributors to water quality improvement worldwide. With increasing population in congested urban areas, these plants have become essential to protect surface and ground water for drinking water supply. This conference aims to promote the exchange of experience and knowledge in wastewater treatment between designers, managers, operators and scientists on an international level. These experts’ cooperation is the main prerequisite for successful future investments in sustainable water quality management.
The event is being organized by Institute for Water Quality, Resources and Waste Management of the Vienna University of Technology, Austria; International Water Association (IWA).
NEW PUBLICATIONS
Reengaging in Agricultural Water Management: Challenges and Options (2006)
Author: The Water for Food Team / World Bank
Since the late 1980s, opportunities to harness new resources for agricultural water management (AWM) have grown fewer and more expensive. Lending for irrigation and drainage has focused on rehabilitation and improvement of the existing systems. Water productivity, however, has generally remained low, and returns on public investment have been disappointing, especially in large-scale irrigation. More recently, though, new solutions have begun to emerge, based on widely available technology and new management and governance options. The role of government is changing, responsibility is being decentralized, farmers are playing an increasingly important role in decisions and investment, and driving growth. Reengaging in Agricultural Water Management: Challenges and Options explores this emerging paradigm, which integrates AWM within a more comprehensive development framework. The ultimate aims of AWM are being redefined: to meet the ever-rising demand for food while at the same time increasing farmer incomes, reducing poverty, and protecting the environment – all from an increasingly constrained water resource base.
The book’s main message is that AWM will be integrated into a broader perspective, one which embraces the objectives of productivity growth, poverty reduction, natural resources management, and environmental protection.
The report sets AWM as an input to farming and as a key factor in farmer incomes, in agricultural growth and exports, and in poverty reduction. This economic context defines two underlying themes: an emphasis on productivity of water use and the need for market-driven approaches. These themes have driven the key messages of the report:
Ø The setting of Agricultural water management within an integrated water resource management context, ensuring both efficiency in allocation of water between sectors and the integration of the productivity of agricultural water within the broader context of evapotranspiration form the hydraulic system.
Ø A focus on ways to increase water productivity and farmers profitability through markets and the incentive structure, through investment, and through technology development and adoption.
Ø A move towards new institutional arrangements which give more responsibility and say to farmers, engage the energy of the private sector, and reduce the government’s role.
Ø An emphasis on integration of policies, institutional change, and investments to achieve efficient outcomes in all aspects of AWM from modernization of large scale integration to enhancing water management in rain fed agriculture, and on the sequencing and prioritization of change processes.
Ø A pragmatic approach to intensification and expansion of AWM using participatory approaches and new methodologies to make sure that social and environmental concerns enhance the economics and sustainability of investments, and ensuring the broader benefits of AWM are captured.
Ø Increased attention to the potential for reducing poverty, and the systematic factoring in of poverty and gender concerns to AWM programs. Where possible, irrigation and drainage investments should be targeted at poor areas, and projects should be designed.
These messages need to be adapted to regional and local situations through a process of dialogue and study that will produce action programs. At the country level, the new World Bank Country Water Assistance Strategies can act as the locus for an integrated approach to AWM with broader sectoral and macroeconomic strategies.
The case of Sub-Saharan Africa is raised in many parts of the report and deserves special attention: it is the poorest region, and growing poorer, yet with a large untapped endowment of water resources, Sub-Saharan Africa is where change in AWM could make the biggest difference. Hitherto, agricultural growth has been large through extension of low-yielding, rainfed cultivation. The low infrastructure base, low capitalization, scant market development, and high levels of risk combine to keep farmers locked in a poverty trap of low-yielding, self-sufficiency strategies. Yet less than 5 percent of renewable water resources is abstracted and only 4 percent of agricultural land is under irrigation. Climate change and increasing hydrological variability increase the need for AWM – and improve its economic returns. There are constraints – high cost, low population densities, weak skills base, and so forth – but it is clear that integrated investment in AWM infrastructure, markets, technology, institutions, and human development would help increase incomes and reduce poverty, offering Sub-Saharan Africa the prospect of the path to economic takeoff that Asian countries have so successfully pursued.
Hydro-political Assessment of Water Governance from the Top-down and Review of Literature on Local Level Institutions and Practices in the
Authors: Dr. Yaw Opoku-Ankomah, Dr. Youssouf Dembélé, Mr. Ben Ampomah, Dr. Léopold Somé.
This Working Paper reports on research carried out in the
Strategic Planning of Sustainable Urban Water Management (June 2006)
Authors: P-A Malmqvist, G Heinicke,
This book synthesizes the results of the Urban Water programme, including not only the technical, economic and environmental aspects of strategic planning, but also the challenges of institutional capacity and public participation in the planning A number of planning case-studies are summarized and included too.
Integrated Transboundary Water Management in Theory and Practice (July 2006)
Author(s): Geoffrey D Gooch, Per Stålnacke
This book will examine and analyse the problems inherent in integrated water management in transboundary conditions.
Integrated Transboundary Water Management in Theory and Practice will provide new knowledge and policy recommendations based on the experiences and results of a major 3-year interdisciplinary research project (MANTRA-East). Drawing on extensive studies of the
The book presents conclusions and policy recommendations for integrated transboundary water management that will be invaluable to water managers, policy-makers and academic researchers working in this rapidly expanding field.
Political Economy of Agrarian Distress (2006)
Author: Suri, K. C.
This paper examines the structural and economic changes of the political domain over the past five decades to see how the changed nature of politics and policy priorities have exacerbated agrarian distress in various Indian states, characterized by a rise in farmers' suicides.
The author attributes the agrarian distress in
Ø A disjuncture between farmers' interests and the preferential interests of the political representatives in public works, trade and business.
Ø Marginalisation of farmers and their concerns in politics.
Ø A failure to organize the heterogeneous class of farmers across caste, faction and political lines.
Ø The financial constrain on peasants to enter politics.
Ø The control of the union government on policies relating to imports and exports and trade tariffs.
The author notes that it is only in recent years that most political parties have begun to speak of farmers' distress after hundreds of farmers committed suicide. This is apparent with the inclusion of agriculture and related issues in the NDA Union Budget 2003-2004, the 'Graven Vices' as part of the 2004 Indian National Congress election manifesto, and the promised 'New Deal' for rural
The author calls for a change in the strategies of economic development, to mechanisms that would ensure remunerative prices to agricultural produce, willingness of the political executive to use tariffs to support Indian farmers, and an end of corruption, illegal amassment of wealth by the political class and to the disjuncture between the interests of the people and people's representatives. If these issues are not addressed, the author hypothesizes that farmers will either have to abandon agriculture or rebel against governments; 'or else the spate of suicides continues to haunt the country'.
Farmers' rights in
Authors: Muller, M. R.
This case study provides an overview of the state of Farmers' Rights in
The study offers an analysis of the various and complex issues and problems, which arise with regard to understanding and, especially, implementing farmers' rights at the national level.
The study finds that
Decentralization in the agricultural sector in
Authors: Kaarhus, R.; Nyirenda, R.
The government of
The implementation process granted the Ministry of Agriculture the power to influence the devolving of their own powers, functions and responsibilities to the District level. Does the Ministry of Agriculture have the institutional capacity to manage these processes?
The report uncovers the following conclusions:
Ø The decentralization process has been pursued with significant influence of varies parties with vested interests - it lacks clear leadership with the necessary commitment and strategy to make the process succeed within the given time frames.
Ø There exists a great deal of ambiguity over the exact roles of the parties involved - with a degree of reluctance at the ministerial level to devolve power and resources to the lower levels.
Ø Clarification of leadership, commitment, strategy, and reliable support (particularly funding) are all necessary to ensure successful and efficient decentralization.
Gender and desertification: expanding roles for women to restore drylands (2006)
Authors: Jeannette D. Gurung, Sheila Mwanundu, Annina Lubbock, Maria Hartl, Ilaria Firmian.
This review examines the impact of desertification on women, their role in the management of natural resources and drylands, and the constraints they face. It presents project experience in addressing women as natural resource users and managers in dryland areas, highlights some of the approaches used to reach women more effectively, and provides recommendations for expanding women's roles in order to restore dryland areas.
In many dryland areas, women's traditional roles and knowledge in natural resource management and food security are crucial. They are severely affected when erosion and diminished soil fertility result in decreased crop and livestock productivity and lessen the sources of income derived from these products. Despite their roles and extensive knowledge, women often face constraints in caring for their families and for the lands on which they depend. These include increased workloads and responsibilities, decreased access to already limited productive assets (such as land, water and livestock), and a lack of ownership and decision-making over land and livestock. The latter has remained predominantly the domain of men- women are often excluded from participation in development projects, extension work, and policy processes.
Based on experience from multiple projects, the authors conclude that strategic actions for the future must include:
Ø Strengthening rural poor women's organizations.
Ø Capacity-building to create enabling environments.
Ø Applying a gender approach, while promoting the role of women.
Fellowship and funding opportunities
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Fellowship programme
Application Deadline:
The Fellowship Program of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) attempts to promote international co-operation and networking in priority areas of basic and applied agro-food research.
The objectives of the Co-operative Research Program (CRP) are:
Ø To provide a sound scientific knowledge base to agricultural policy-making;
Ø To contribute to an informed public debate on current and emerging agro-food issues and to help resolve conflicting views in Member countries (through sponsorship of conferences and workshops);
Ø To contribute to scientific advances in this field (through sponsorship of fellowships), and
Ø To promote scientific understanding and standards between major regions of OECD.
The CRP funds fellowships to conduct research projects in a foreign country with a view to strengthening the potential of the scientific community by increasing mobility and exchange of ideas. The Programme pays transportation costs and subsistence to post-doctoral level research scientists from a participating country wishing to work in a laboratory in another participating country. These fellowships may be from
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) Postdoctoral Program 2006
Application Deadline:
The goals of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) Postdoctoral Program are:
Ø To encourage and promote the development of young researchers and offer them the opportunity to further their careers by gaining hands-on professional research experience in a highly international scientific environment; and
Ø To enrich IIASA’s intellectual environment and help achieve research program goals.
The Institute provides full funding for up to two postdoctoral researchers per year.
IIASA conducts interdisciplinary scientific studies on environmental, economic, technological, and social issues in the context of human dimensions of global change. The work is organized in research programs and special projects. Candidates for the IIASA Postdoctoral Program can apply to work with any research program or special project. To explore productive synergies, candidates are encouraged to discuss, at an early stage of preparing their application, their scientific interests and research ideas with the intended IIASA hosts.
Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) Scholarship Programme: Merit Scholarship Programme for High Technology
Deadline of application: September 30
The IADB Merit Scholarship Programme aims at developing technically qualified human resources in the IDB member countries by providing scholarships to promising and/or outstanding scholars and researchers to undertake advanced studies and/or research in the fields of applied science and technology needed for the development of the member countries. The main objectives of this programme are:
Ø To develop technically qualified human resources in the IDB member countries;
Ø To enhance the scientific, technological and research capability and potential of scholars and researchers in IDB member countries;
Ø To help meet the needs of the IDB member countries in areas of science and technology; and
Ø To strengthen the scientific, technological and research capability of institutions in member countries.
The Programme covers two types of studies/research: three-year Ph.D study and one-year Post-Doctoral research. The duration of study of three years or 36 months for Ph.D study and 3 – 6 months for Post-Doctoral research is fixed and not extendable.
The currently approved fields of study are as follows:
Ø Laser and Fiber Optics
Ø Conductors/Semi-Conductors
Ø Polymer Science
Ø Genetic Engineering/Biotechnology
Ø Nuclear Science/Engineering
Ø Electronics/Micro Electronics/Telecommunication
Ø Computer Science (including CAD/CAM)
Ø Renewable Energy/Fuel Technology
Ø Hydrology/Water Resources
Ø Metallurgy
Ø Chemical Engineering/Material Sciences
Ø Medicine/Pharmaceutical
Ø Agriculture/Food Technology
Ø System Engineering
Ø Space Science/Technology
Ø Environmental Preservation Technology
Ø Technology Management and Innovation (For Post-Doctoral only)
International Water Management Institute Fellowship
IWMI is seeking simultaneously to strengthen its own field research capacity and make a strong contribution to professional development of water resources researchers, especially those from developing countries. The program for Post Doctoral scientists aims to attract and support excellent Ph.D. student researchers, in cooperation with interested universities.
The program has two "tracks":
Ø Long term strategic partnerships with a limited number of universities that are willing to enter into a sandwich-program with IWMI, i.e., with joint university-IWMI responsibility for the PhD students and their research; and
Ø Students from other recognized universities on a case-by-case basis.
Research Topics:
Ø Theme 1: Basin Water Management
Ø Theme 2: Land, Water and Livelihoods
Ø Theme 3: Agriculture, Water and Cities
Ø Theme 4: Water Management and Environment
capacity
building and trainings
Water Management and Crop Production
August 31-
The Water Management and Crop Production Training Programme provides a broad background in the interrelationship between water, plants, soil and the environment, along with the principles of irrigation system design and water management. An effective irrigation system and water management plan can enhance the quality of the land and conserve water resources. It can affect the crop production and food supply in given environments. Special attention is given to the design of irrigation systems and water management for different crops and income generation. This seminar will focus on water resource management and in particular the use of wastewater for irrigation. The Crop Production Management programme will focus on developing the tools needed by transitional countries to improve local conditions in supplying food for their country. Modern harvesting, post harvesting and shipping methods will be discussed in depth. The seminar will discuss Israeli background and experience in this field and possible applications from local agriculture to the participants' own countries.
Decision Support Systems and Crop Modeling
The purpose of this training workshop is to understand how farmers can apply and benefit from information and decision support systems in agriculture and environmental sciences. The program will demonstrate how an IFAD-funded project in
The workshop will include the fundamentals of data handling, analysis, and operation of the crop models and geographic information systems (GIS) using standard data sets and/or participant data. The program will make extensive use of “hands-on” practical sessions on personal computers that demonstrate the application of the decision support tools in agribusiness, environmental monitoring, and sustainable production. A session will be devoted to improving the accessibility of the tools and their outputs to the farmers, agribusiness dealers, and policymakers. Expert speakers from IFDC, universities, agricultural research centers, and the private sector will draw on their experiences and successful applications of decision support systems from around the world.
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
August 14–
November 20–
The general objective of this training programme is to support and stimulate the development of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) in the participants’ home countries, and to encourage the participants to involve in and contribute to regional networking for IWRM.
Specific objectives:
After the programme the participants should have;
– increased understanding of international processes for sustainable development and poverty alleviation and how these relate to IWRM;
– increased knowledge about international, national and local IWRM processes, including legislative measures, technology development and management tools;
– clearly formulated plans for how to apply the knowledge acquired during the programme in practice;
– improved capacity to establish contacts and networks with other participants and with resource persons from Sweden and South Africa for information exchange in connection with participants day-to-day work at home.
The Farmer Led Extension Course
October 30-
This course aims to contribute to the institutionalization of farmer led extension approaches in Africa through creating awareness, understanding and appreciation of the farmer as a leader in rural de