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Water management in agriculture is pivotal for ensuring food security, promoting economic stability, and achieving sustainable development in the developing world. Approximately 70% of the world's freshwater resources are utilized by the agriculture sector. However, the efficiency of water use in many countries lags, falling below 50% according to FAO statistics. With the global population projected to reach 9.1 billion by 2050, the imperative for efficient water management in agriculture increases. This calls for innovative strategies and sustainable practices to ensure that the available water resources are used efficiently to meet the growing food demand without depleting the resources for future generations.
In regions where agriculture forms the backbone of the economy, the ability to manage water resources efficiently is not just a matter of agricultural success but also one of social and economic resilience. Proper water management can mitigate the impacts of droughts and floods, improve crop yields, and enable farmers to make informed decisions about irrigation and planting. Therefore, addressing water management in agriculture is essential for the overall development and sustainability of these regions.
In Egypt GOPA AFC is implementing the GIZ “Nile Delta Water Management Programme (NDWM)” since 2022. The project aims to improve water management practices in the Nile Delta region, ensuring sustainable agriculture for future generations. The project focuses on the development of efficient irrigation techniques, trains local farmers and stakeholders in these techniques and implements water-saving technologies in order to increase water use efficiency, enhance crop yields and agricultural productivity as well as sustainable water management practices.
Since 2024 GOPA AFC is supporting the GIZ Program for support for climate-smart irrigated agriculture in Togo (ProSAC). The project is working in three areas: i) Practical Irrigated Agriculture, ii) Technical Development of Model Rural Irrigation Infrastructures, and iii) Strategy for Inclusive Development of Irrigated Agriculture. The project team is developing and implementing hands-on training related to irrigation techniques and agronomy for representatives from public institutions, ministries, consulting services, research institutions, universities, and multipliers from the private sector, including representatives of farmer organizations and lead farmers. Further, we are guiding the agricultural transformation agency (ATA) and supporting the GIZ team in the water-technical realization and use of the identified agricultural development zones. Lastly, we support the development of a national irrigation strategy in collaboration with key ministries. The strategy will serve as a guideline for future investments, proposing future-oriented and resource-saving technologies and cultivation methods.
In support to the GIZ “Program for support for climate-smart irrigated agriculture in Togo (ProSAC)” we are currently conducting a diagnostic of the capacity and competence profiles of the main public and private sector actors in irrigation, coupled with proposals for a capacity-building plan.
In Mauritania we provide technical assistance to the SONADER Project, financed by the French development agency (AFD). From 2023, we aim to improve food security by increasing irrigation in the Guidimakha and Gorgol regions through enhancement of irrigation infrastructure, capacity building for local water management and provision of sustainable advisory services. The project will improve irrigation systems and water management, increase agricultural resilience and productivity and strengthen local capacities and knowledge.
GOPA AFC is implementing many more projects that support agricultural water management all over the world e.g. in the arid regions of Uzbekistan or in Northern Uganda and we are looking forward to strengthening our experiences and continuing our work in the sector. Especially with MetaMeta from the Netherlands at our side. They have joined the GOPA Group in the beginning of this year and we will collaborate in the areas of water and climate.