…as IWMI Launches water management strategy

Mariam Sanni

The growing food security crisis in Nigeria as made the president of the federal republic of Nigeria ,President Bola Tinubu to declared a national emergency on food security at the opening of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja on Monday.

Tinubu who was , represented by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, relayed that addressing the continent’s agriculture challenges required urgent action, particularly expanding irrigation infrastructure and adopting innovative water management strategies.

“Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential. This conference offers a vital platform for us to collectively chart a path forward,” Tinubu said, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts across African nations to overcome the hurdles of inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, and climate change.

Also at the conference the international Water Management Institute as launched it’s 2024-2030 Strategy, which , seeks to address water and agriculture challenges head-on, offering solutions aligned with the food security goals set by the Nigerian government. Dr. Mark Smith, Director General of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), introduced the institute’s new strategy, which focuses on four primary areas: watershed restoration, improved irrigation systems, water reuse, and farmer-led irrigation.

These initiatives, he noted, are integral to ensuring food security and resilience against climate shocks, particularly as African nations grapple with rapidly changing climates.

“The IWMI Strategy outlines an ambitious agenda for research and innovation in water security. We are committed to practical, inclusive, and climate-smart solutions to enhance agricultural sustainability,” Dr. Smith remarked. His comments were part of a broader conversation about the need to restore watersheds and improve the management of water resources to optimize agricultural productivity.

As part part of of it’s contribution during the conference, Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, highlighted the achievements made under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.

The project, which has resulted in key infrastructure developments like the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes, has made notable progress in improving irrigation systems across Nigeria. Prof. Utsev also announced that the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, which will be implemented in partnership with the World Bank, will further advance these efforts.

“With the TRIMING project winding down, Nigeria is poised to begin the SPIN project, which will build on our past successes and further expand Nigeria’s irrigation potential,” Prof. Utsev said, emphasizing the need for continued investment in sustainable water management solutions.

In her remarks Dr. Funke Cofie, IWMI’s Africa Director for Research Impact, said that IWMI strategy, which complements Nigeria’s domestic initiatives, also promotes water reuse and farmer-led irrigation practices. She shared examples of successful projects, such as in Ethiopia, where watershed restoration techniques have significantly improved soil quality and increased groundwater recharge.

These interventions, she noted, have enabled farmers to expand irrigable land and improve crop yields, which is critical for ensuring food security in drought-prone regions.
“We are focused on empowering farmers and restoring ecosystems to make agriculture more resilient to climate change,” Dr. Cofie explained. This initiative aligns directly with the Nigerian government’s goal to create a more sustainable agricultural sector.

Addressing the impact of climate change on agriculture, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State warned that unpredictable rainfall patterns and shrinking farming seasons were becoming major threats to food production. He called for more investment in irrigation and innovation, stressing that these measures should not be viewed as luxuries but essential tools for ensuring food security.

“Irrigation is now a necessity, not a luxury. Innovation must not be seen as a privilege of the few—we must empower women and youth who are at the frontline of agriculture,” Gov. Zulum emphasized.

Dr. Marco Arcieri, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), also weighed in on the need for strategic innovation in water management and agriculture.

He emphasized the importance of youth involvement in finding sustainable solutions to Africa’s water challenges, as young professionals will play a critical role in future-proofing agriculture against climate change.

“We’ve set tangible goals to confront Africa’s water challenges. This could be a turning point,” Dr. Arcieri stated, highlighting the growing urgency of addressing irrigation inefficiencies and water scarcity across the continent.

As the conference progresses until April 17, participants will engage in technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to various irrigation sites across Nigeria, fostering a deeper understanding of best practices and innovations that can transform Africa’s agricultural sector.

The partnership between the Nigerian government and the IWMI exemplifies the continent’s collective commitment to improving agricultural resilience and water management. With this newfound momentum, Africa is poised to make significant strides in its fight against food insecurity, climate change, and unsustainable water use.

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