The IWMI has encouraged Nigerian farmers to adopt tech-powered irrigation techniques to boost food security within the nation.
IWMI is an international, research-for-development organisation, with offices in 15 countries and a global network of scientists operating in more than 55 countries for over three decades has carried out research results which has led to changes in water management that have contributed to social and economic development.
IWMI Director General, Mark Smith, made the appeal during the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage which was recently held in Abuja.
The IWMI DG emphasised the need to connect farmers with critical resources which include agricultural information, technology, equipment, and financing to support necessary investments as he stressed the importance of providing farmers with efficient irrigation systems to boost productivity while ensuring access to reliable markets.
Smith urged African farmers and government officials to utilize floodwater management techniques for irrigation purposes, thereby converting a persistent problem into a vital asset that can boost agricultural output and enhance harvests.
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As per his view, farmers have multiple approaches at their disposal to handle floodwaters efficiently such as building miniature rainwater collection structures and using surplus water to replenish underground reserves for future watering needs.
As Senior Researcher and Ghana Deputy Country Representative for IWMI, Sander Zwart emphasized digital innovation as a crucial factor when discussing the organization’s most influential projects.
He highlighted the IRRILine service, created in collaboration with Farmerline in Ghana, as an outstanding innovation. This service enables small-scale farmers to obtain irrigation guidance via a helpline that provides them with appropriate technology recommendations, weather forecasts, and agricultural input suggestions.
The IWMI addresses the water and land management issues encountered by impoverished communities in developing nations. In doing so, it helps achieve the Sustainable Development Goals aimed at alleviating poverty and hunger as well as sustaining the environment.
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