In collaboration with national agricultural research systems, ICBA is implementing a follow-on project in four sub-Saharan African countries aimed at improving agricultural production and income for smallholder farmers using small-scale irrigation technologies. The project is introducing low-cost and effective irrigation systems to improve crop yield and water use efficiency.
With a goal to involve 1,000 farmers in each of the four countries, ICBA established demonstration fields using Californian systems and solar pumps. The demonstration field for fodder production was gradually expanded to 25 hectares in each country.
The project will also develop policies to encourage investments in these technologies by farmers. It also has a capacity development component, intending to indirectly benefit 20,000 farmers.
The project’s main goal is to create an investment plan to promote small-scale irrigation technologies and best water management practices among farmers to improve their food security and livelihood resilience. It will help to combat hunger, reduce poverty, and achieve economic growth in the region.
Dr. Asad Qureshi (a.qureshi@biosaline.org.ae)
