The WaterTalk seminar aims to raise awareness, share knowledge, and foster stakeholder collaboration. Its third edition will be held during the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage (ARCID), which will be a panel discussion with knowledgeable experts in irrigation in Africa. Irrigation and water management are critical to Africa’s agricultural productivity, food security, and economic development.
However, the continent faces increasing challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, inefficient irrigation practices, and infrastructure gaps. Despite decades of investment, many irrigation schemes have failed to deliver their intended benefits. Farmer-led irrigation development (FLID) has emerged as a promising approach yet concerns remain over its inclusivity and sustainability. Moreover, global trends indicate rising land and water use for food production, raising questions about resource efficiency and environmental sustainability. As traditional approaches struggle to meet growing demands, there is an urgent need to rethink strategies and adopt innovative, sustainable solutions that enhance resilience.
A holistic irrigation and water management approach involves optimizing water use efficiency, integrating climate-smart technologies, and promoting stakeholder collaboration. Emerging tools such as data-driven decision-making, nature-based solutions, and policy innovations are crucial in building resilient water systems. By leveraging new technologies, strengthening governance, and fostering knowledge exchange, Africa can overcome water management crises and secure a more sustainable future.
Target audience: Experts and practitioners in irrigation and water management, policymakers, government representatives, researchers, academics, farmers, development organizations, NGOs, and the private sector.
Keywords: Irrigation, sustainability, collaboration, resilience, innovation
Session Lead: Dr Moctar Dembélé; moctar.dembele@cgiar.org
African Regional Working Group (AFRWG) was established in 2000 with the objective of promoting strong communications and networking among African countries as well as regional and international institutions for enhancing cooperation and coordination.
