International Water Management Institute (IWMI) products

Gender inequity is prevalent in water management and agriculture, but little accurate data are available on gendered aspects of these sectors. In order to improve gender equity in access and decision-making, researchers, policy makers and development investors need better information and a clearer understanding of gender relations in water and agricultural systems. The basin maps on this website aim to provide an evidence base for analysis of gender disparities and new development opportunities. The maps should prove useful for: researchers using evidence-based data to better inform and target their research, policy makers and regional authorities who make water and agricultural management decisions, donors wishing to better target their development initiatives and investments in response to regional demands, civil society groups, who can use the maps for planning and programming, as they work towards gender equality and poverty reduction.

IWMI’s mapping of irrigated areas continues on its priority continents of Asia and Africa. This product updates the previous estimates of irrigated areas by using the relatively higher resolution Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite data and classification methods based on the seasonal profile of vegetation, which has improved the results significantly. IWMI continues to advance its irrigated area mapping products in regions where it works as technology improves.

By offering 1400-2200 hours of reliable, zero marginal cost, green energy for pumping, solar irrigation pumps (SIP) can be a godsend for farmers, especially those faced with rising diesel prices and unreliable farm power supply. It is not surprising then that Indian farmers have taken to solar pumps with much enthusiasm. Thanks to a supportive policy environment and significant reduction in unit prices, the number of SIP has crossed 350,00 in the last decade. Government of India’s ambitious agri-solarization campaign, PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan), will support deployment of more than 3.5 million SIPs in the coming years. This can help significantly expand irrigated area; make irrigation more affordable and accessible for smallholders; reduce pressure on electricity utilities to supply subsidised farm power; eliminate pump irrigation’s carbon footprint; and improve the overall returns from agriculture.