Sustainable Water Infrastructure and Ecosystems (SWIE)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/110265
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Item Innovative water management in irrigated rice fields: participatory demonstration approach to promoting alternate wetting and drying and tailwater harvesting in Ghana(Report, 2024-12-30) Amankwaa-Yeboah, P.; Oke, Adebayo; Okyere, H.; Zemadim, Birhanu; Yeboah, S.; Adomako, J.; Ntedwah, A. A.; Offei, M. A.This report highlights the implementation of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and tailwater harvesting technologies in Ghana, targeting sustainable rice production in the Northern and Ashanti regions. AWD, a water-saving irrigation method, and tailwater recovery systems were demonstrated to optimize water use, reduce environmental impacts, and improve farm productivity. The initiative included demonstration plots, capacity-building workshops for Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs), and farmer engagement activities to promote adoption. AWD has been validated to save up to 30% of irrigation water without compromising rice yields, making it a viable strategy to conserve water resources, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and lower production costs. Tailwater harvesting complemented these efforts by facilitating water reuse, enabling year-round agricultural productivity and the cultivation of high-value crops like okra. This diversified farm output improved dietary diversity and household incomes while enhancing the resilience of rice-based farming systems. To ensure broad adoption, a participatory approach was central to the demonstrations. Farmer Field Days (FFD) were organized as key training and knowledge-sharing events, showcasing the application and benefits of AWD and tailwater recovery systems. These events, held on December 4, 2024, in Botanga (Northern Region) and December 6, 2024, in Potrikrom (Ashanti Region), engaged over 100 stakeholders. Participants included farmers, researchers, extension officers, agri-input suppliers, irrigation managers, and policymakers, emphasizing the collaborative efforts required to advance sustainable rice production. Farmers who attended the FFD events gained practical knowledge on implementing AWD and tailwater harvesting to mitigate water stress during critical crop growth stages and improve yields. The events sparked significant interest, with many farmers expressing readiness to adopt AWD and complementary practices, such as tied ridging, to address challenges like erratic rainfall and water scarcity. Additionally, the events facilitated partnerships between farmers, extension agents, and researchers, fostering a collaborative environment essential for scaling sustainable practices across more rice-growing communities.Item Developing a wetland management framework for Colombo’s Wetlands(Brief, 2025-02-13) Jirasinha, Radheeka; Wickramaratne, Chaturangi; Simpson, M.; Amerasinghe, Priyanie H.; McCartney, MatthewItem Mobilizing and supporting a community of practice for scaling sustainable water use in rice production in Ghana(Report, 2024-12-30) Amankwaa-Yeboah, P.; Oke, Adebayo; Yeboah, S.; Zemadim, Birhanu; Okyere, H.; Akwasi, K.; Fati, A. A.; Cofie, OlufunkeRice production is a significant user of global water resources, accounting for approximately 30% of the world's freshwater withdrawals. With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, increasing pressure is being placed on the agricultural sector to reduce its water footprint. This report explores the potential of mobilizing and supporting a community of practice (CoP) to scale efficient water use practices in rice production, promoting sustainable agriculture water use and ensuring food security. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining workshops, focus group discussions, and field visits to mobilize farmers and introduce them to water-efficient irrigation technologies such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and tailwater harvesting. Several meetings were conducted at the community level to build a gradual reintegration process and cooperation among farmers interested in watersaving agriculture. Through the workshops, focus group discussions, and field visits, a total of 150 farmers were mobilized and introduced to water-efficient irrigation technologies in the Kumbungu, Ahafo Ano South East and Ahafo Ano South West Districts of Ghana, resulting in increased awareness for subsequent adoption of AWD and tailwater harvesting practices. The community-level meetings facilitated the reintegration and cooperation of farmers and other relevant stakeholders which is supposed to lead to the formation of a functional CoP with a shared vision for agricultural water management. The CoP is intended to become a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation among farmers, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders, promoting sustainable agriculture and food security in Ghana.Item Multicriteria based priority mapping: charting agroecological pathways in India(Report, 2024-12-30) Kumar, Gopal; Sikka, Alok; Behera, Abhijit; Malaiappan, SudharsanThe report, titled "Multicriteria-Based Priority Mapping: Charting Agroecological Pathways in India," presents a comprehensive analysis aimed at addressing India’s dual challenges of achieving food security and ensuring environmental sustainability. India, with 18% of the global population and access to only 2.4% of the world’s land and 4% of renewable water resources, faces immense pressure to adopt resource-efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. This study employs a robust multi-criteria decision-making framework, integrating diverse datasets and stakeholder inputs, to guide the prioritization of agroecological interventions. Two distinct agroecological priority maps were developed in the study. The first map reflects the priorities of Agricultural System Actors and Stakeholders (ASAS), who focus on rainfed, low-productivity zones to minimize risks to food security. The second map incorporates the perspectives of agroecological advocates, who emphasize the restoration of environmentally degraded, high-input agricultural regions. Both maps integrate critical biophysical, climatic, and agricultural factors, including net primary productivity, fertilizer consumption, rainfall patterns, groundwater levels, and aridity indices, among others. These criteria were weighted using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), ensuring alignment with the specific objectives of each stakeholder group. The study’s findings highlight high-priority zones for agroecological practices that balance yield improvements and environmental restoration. Approximately 1.5% of agricultural land shows overlap in high-priority class between the two stakeholder groups, indicating consensus on some areas. However, the remaining land reveals significant tradeoffs between food security and environmental sustainability objectives, underscoring the complexity of harmonizing these goals. The maps provide insights into spatial prioritization, identifying key zones for targeted interventions, including regions prone to resource degradation and climate vulnerability. This report emphasizes the importance of participatory decision-making, dynamic policy formulation, and periodic updates to the agroecological priority maps. It advocates for enhancing stakeholder engagement through wider consultations and workshops, adopting advanced analytical techniques like Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and integrating new data layers to improve map precision. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for multilocation trials to validate the findings and tailor agroecological practices to diverse agro-climatic conditions. By aligning regional needs with national and global sustainability goals, the proposed methodology offers a pathway to scale agroecological practices effectively. The report concludes with recommendations to refine the priority maps, build capacity and awareness among stakeholders, and integrate findings into national policies and resource allocation strategies. These efforts aim to promote sustainable farming systems, ensuring food security for future generations while mitigating environmental degradation and enhancing resilience to climate variability. This pioneering approach to agroecological prioritization provides a replicable model for addressing similar challenges globally, emphasizing the need for contextual adaptation to local conditions.Item Meta-analysis of yield-emission trade off in direct seeded vs. puddled transplanted rice: towards a cleaner and sustainable production(Journal Article, 2025-03) Reddy, K. S.; Parihar, C. M.; Panneerselvam, P.; Sarkar, A.; Patra, K.; Bharadwaj, S.; Sena, Dipaka R.; Reddy, S.; Sinha, A.; Dhakar, R.; Kumar, V.; Nayak, H. S.Conventional rice production through puddled transplanted rice-PTR is tillage, water, energy, and capital intensive. Furthermore, it is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this regard, Direct seeded rice-DSR can be a potential alternative to PTR. DSR can reduce input use and GHGs emissions, while sustaining yields. However, depending upon agroclimatic situation, DSR impact analysis on GHGs emission and yield resulted inconsistent findings, questioning whether it is better over PTR or not. To bridge this knowledge gap, we performed a meta-analysis synthesizing 876 paired measurements from 54-peer-reviewed studies to understand how DSR impacts N2O and CH4 emissions, GWP (heat-trapping potential of greenhouse gases compared to CO2), yield and C-footprint-CFP (environmental impact in CO2 eq. due to concerned activity). Compared to PTR, DSR decreased CH4 emissions by 70%, GWP by 37% and CFP by 34%, despite 85% increase in N2O emissions. However, this shift comes with a trade-off, with 11% decrease in yield. To decipher the primary factors driving these outcomes, we conducted subgroup analyses by taking assorted environmental conditions and management practices as moderators. Low to medium pH soils, zero tillage, puddled soil (wet DSR), conventional flooding, and high nitrogen rates (>200kg/ha) are found to be favourable for DSR with comparable yields but posing a discrepancy with environmental sustainability. Therefore, further research to evaluate DSR across agro-ecologies, management practices, are needed, to optimize yields with lower GWP and CFP.Item AquaCrop modelling for irrigated rice in Ghana: a methodological approach - preliminary inception report(Report, 2024-11-11) Kanda, E.; Zemadim, Birhanu; Oke, Adebayo; Cofie, OlufunkeItem Clarion call to maintain environmental flows to protect Nepal’s rivers(Blog Post, 2024-09-25) K. C., Jibesh; Phuyal, SurendraTwo workshops organized by IWMI in August 2024 highlighted the need for renewed efforts to ensure adequate e-flows to protect the health of rivers in Nepal. There is growing concern that most hydroelectric dams undermine regulations requiring a minimum 10 percent e-flow to sustain local ecosystems.Item Identifying conservation priority areas of hydrological ecosystem service using hot and cold spot analysis at watershed scale(Journal Article, 2024-09-13) Gwal, S.; Sena, Dipaka Ranjan; Srivastava, P. K.; Srivastava, S. K.Hydrological Ecosystem Services (HES) are crucial components of environmental sustainability and provide indispensable benefits. The present study identifies critical hot and cold spots areas of HES in the Aglar watershed of the Indian Himalayan Region using six HES descriptors, namely water yield (WYLD), crop yield factor (CYF), sediment yield (SYLD), base flow (LATQ), surface runoff (SURFQ), and total water retention (TWR). The analysis was conducted using weightage-based approaches under two methods: (1) evaluating six HES descriptors individually and (2) grouping them into broad ecosystem service categories. Furthermore, the study assessed pixel-level uncertainties that arose because of the distinctive methods used in the identification of hot and cold spots. The associated synergies and trade-offs among HES descriptors were examined too. From method 1, 0.26% area of the watershed was classified as cold spots and 3.18% as hot spots, whereas method 2 classified 2.42% area as cold spots and 2.36% as hot spots. Pixel-level uncertainties showed that 0.57 km2 and 6.86 km2 of the watershed were consistently under cold and hot spots, respectively, using method 1, whereas method 2 identified 2.30 km2 and 6.97 km2 as cold spots and hot spots, respectively. The spatial analysis of hot spots showed consistent patterns in certain parts of the watershed, primarily in the south to southwest region, while cold spots were mainly found on the eastern side. Upon analyzing HES descriptors within broad ecosystem service categories, hot spots were mainly in the southern part, and cold spots were scattered throughout the watershed, especially in agricultural and scrubland areas. The significant synergistic relation between LATQ and WYLD, and sediment retention and WYLD and trade-offs between SURFQ and HES descriptors like WYLD, LATQ, sediment retention, and TWR was attributed to varying factors such as land use and topography impacting the water balance components in the watershed. The findings underscore the critical need for targeted conservation efforts to maintain the ecologically sensitive regions at watershed scale.Item Integrated agricultural water management is a game changer in mixed farming systems(Blog Post, 2024-10-14) Birhanu, Zemadim; Michalscheck, MirjaItem Gully rehabilitation in southern Ethiopia – value and impacts for farmers(Journal Article, 2024-09-10) Mekuria, Wolde; Phimister, E.; Yakob, G.; Tegegne, Desalegn; Moges, A.; Tesfaye, Y.; Melaku, Dagmawi; Gerber, C.; Hallett, P. D.; Smith, J. U.Gully erosion can be combatted in severely affected regions like sub-Saharan Africa using various low-cost interventions that are accessible to affected farmers. For successful implementation, however, biophysical evidence of intervention effectiveness needs to be validated against the interests and priorities of local communities. Working with farmers in a watershed in southern Ethiopia, we investigated (a) the effectiveness of low-cost gully rehabilitation measures to reduce soil loss and upward expansion of gully heads; (b) how farmers and communities view gully interventions; and (c) whether involving farmers in on-farm field trials to demonstrate gully interventions improves uptake, knowledge, and perceptions of their capacity to act. On-farm field experiments, key-informant interviews, focus group discussions, and household surveys were used to collect and analyse data. Three gully treatments were explored, all with riprap, one with grass planting, and one with grass planting and check-dam integration. Over a period of 26 months, these low-cost practices ceased measurable gully head expansion, whereas untreated gullies had a mean upward expansion of 671 cm, resulting in a calculated soil loss of 11.0 t. Farmers had a positive view of all gully rehabilitation measures explored. Ongoing rehabilitation activities and on-farm trials influenced the knowledge and understanding of similar gully treatments among survey respondents. On-farm experiments and field day demonstrations empowered farmers to act, addressing pessimism from some respondents about their capacity to do so.Item Reconciling conservation and development requires enhanced integration and broader aims: A cross- continental assessment of landscape approaches(Journal Article, 2024-09-20) Estrada Carmona, Natalia; Carmenta, Rachel; Reed, James; Betemariam, Ermias; Declerck, Fabrice; Falk, Thomas; Hart, Abigail K; Jones, Sarah K; Kleinschroth, Fritz; McCartney, Matthew; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth S.; Milder, Jeff; Quintero, Marcela; Remans, Roseline; Valbuena, Diego; Willement, Louise; Zanzanaini, Camilla; Zhang, WeiExpectations for agricultural landscapes in subtropical and tropical regions are high, aiming for conservation and development amid climate change, unfair trade, poverty, and environmental degradation. Landscape ap- proaches (LAs) are gaining momentum as means to reconcile expectations, although they face multiple chal- lenges, including unclear distinctions among LAs and stakeholder involvement. We studied 380 LAs from three continents via questionnaires with landscape managers (2012–2015 and 2021) and identified three LA types through cluster analysis: an ‘‘integrated’’ type with longer-term, multisectoral goals involving various stakeholders early in the design and two shorter-term types focused on sectoral priorities of preservation or production. Better-performing LAs are associated with longevity, inclusivity, and diversified investments across goals, notably those enabling social justice. International stakeholder analysis shows broad support for LAs but identifies gaps between support and LAs’ needs. The growing interest in LAs is promising. Yet, underpinning effective and lasting LAs that reconcile multiple expectations requires better support.Item Conceptual understanding of Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus(Presentation, 2024-08-08) Mabhaudhi, TafadzwanasheItem Nexus Gains Initiative: trade-offs and synergies(Presentation, 2024-08-05) McCartney, MatthewThis advanced course presentation is designed to help professionals and researchers explore trade-offs and synergies in the water–energy–food–ecosystems (WEFE) nexus. Learners are introduced to integrated tools and approaches to analyze WEFE interdependencies, identify efficient strategies for resource management, and address challenges in optimizing sector interactions under climate crises and resource scarcityItem Focus and impact on environmental health and biodiversity(Brief, 2024-08-05) CGIAR Initiative on NEXUS GainsA NEXUS Gains impact area brief shares how the Initiative’s five work packages aim to increase productivity in food systems while improving environmental systems, including biodiversity.Item Obscuring complexity and performing progress: unpacking SDG indicator 6.5.1 and the implementation of IWRM(Journal Article, 2024-06) Mdee, A.; Ofori, A. D.; Cohen, J.; Kjellén, M.; Rooney, E.; Singhal, S.; Amezaga, J.; Ankush; Figueroa-Benítez, A.; Gupta, S.; Haile, Alemseged Tamiru; Haileslassie, A.; Kongo, V.; Kumar, A.; Noguera, S. A. M.; Nagheeby, M.; Noor, Z. Z.; Polaine, X.; Singh, N.; Sylvester, R.; Wan Ahmad Tajuddin, W. A. N.; Yusop, Z. B.; Zúñiga-Barragán, J.At a rhetorical level, the SDGs provide a unified global agenda, and their targets and indicators are believed to drive action for social and environmental transformation. However, what if the SDGs (and their specific goals and indicators) are more of a problem than a solution? What if they create the illusion of action through a depoliticised and technical approach that fails to address fundamental dilemmas of politics and power? What if this illusion continues to reproduce poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation? This paper addresses these questions through a focus on SDG 6.5.1 – the implementation of integrated water resources management (IWRM), measured on a 0-100 scale through a composite indicator. The paper presents an empirical analysis of SDG 6.5.1 reporting in Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Malaysia, and the UK, drawing on research from the Water Security and Sustainable Development Hub.1 An evidence review and series of expert interviews are used to interrogate the local politics of IWRM measurement, specifically three dilemmas of global composite indicator construction: (1) reductive quantification of normative and contested processes; (2) weak analysis of actually existing institutional capability, politics, and power; and (3) distracting performativity dynamics in reporting. The paper concludes that SDG 6.5.1 is an example of a 'fantasy artefact', and that in all countries in this study, IWRM institutions are failing to address fundamental and 'wicked' problems in water resources management. We find little evidence that these numbers, or the survey that gives rise to them, drive meaningful reflection on the aims or outcomes of IWRM. Instead, they tend to hide the actually-existing political and institutional dynamics that sit behind the complexity of the global water crisis.Item ஈரநிலங்களின் உரிமைகள்: இலங்கையிலுள்ள ஈரநிலங்களுடனான ஓர் புதிய உறவு (In Tamil)(Brief, 2024-07-25) International Water Management Institute (IWMI)Item இலங்கையின் களுஓயா ஆற்றுப்பள்ளத்தாக்கில் உள்ள ஈரநில சுற்றுச்சூழல் அமைப்பின் மாதிரியாக்கமும் மதிப்பீடும் (In Tamil)(Brief, 2024-07-25) International Water Management Institute (IWMI)Item තෙත්බිම් සංරක්ෂණය සඳහා නව දැක්මක් (In Sinhalese)(Brief, 2024-07-25) International Water Management Institute (IWMI)Item ශ්රී ලංකාවේ කළු ඔය ද්රෝණියේ තෙත්බිම් පරිසර පද්ධති ආකෘති නිර්මණය සහ තක්සේරු කිරීම (In Sinhalese)(Brief, 2024-07-25) International Water Management Institute (IWMI)Item Managing the irrigation efficiency paradox to “free” water for the environment(Book Chapter, 2024-06-10) Lankford, B.; McCartney, MatthewReducing water consumption (equivalent to depletion) in irrigated agriculture ‘saves’ water, freeing it up to be allocated to other sectors, for example, to restore environmental flows. However, this task is not straightforward because consumption is difficult to adjust; there are many scales, motives, actors, concepts, calculations and hydrological practices and processes involved. Without a comprehensive approach to managing water, attempts to save water typically result in no observed effect, a reduction in crop production, a redistribution of water, or, paradoxically, an increase in water consumption. To address this challenge, a six-part ‘irrigation savings allocation framework’ (ISAF) to effect consumption-based savings is proposed. It first considers crop water requirements, then field applications, through to intra-system, and then system withdrawals of water. ISAF controls for irrigation consumption rebound and reuse in order to reduce depletion at the basin scale, and it tracks ‘freed up’ water to ensure it can be allocated to nature or other sectors.