Also a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is a scientific research organization focusing on the sustainable use of water and land resources in agriculture, and on the water needs of developing countries.

As with the rest of the CGIAR centers, IWMI works with its partners in the South to develop tools and methods to help these countries eradicate poverty through more effective management of their water and land resources. Its research projects span 21 countries in Asia and Africa, and work is coordinated through regional offices located in India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

The objectives of IWMI’s work include identifying issues related to water management and food security, especially those which need to be addressed by governments and policymakers; developing, testing, and promoting management practices and tools that can be used by governments and institutions to manage water and land resources more effectively, and address water scarcity issues; clarifying the link between poverty and access to water; and helping developing countries build their research capacities to deal with water scarcity and related food security issues.

IWMI’s research is organized around five themes: Integrated Water Resource Management for Agriculture; Sustainable Smallholder Land and Water Management; Sustainable Groundwater Management; Water Resource Institutions and Policies; and Water, Health and Environment.

The first theme is of special interest to those working in agricultural biotechnology, as it seeks to influence how investments in irrigation development are made; develop and disseminate research tools to enhance understanding of issues related to the management of irrigation water; and provide tools, processes, and knowledge to adapt and respond to new and changing needs and expectations. Under this theme, the IWMI studies water productivity in India and Pakistan, control of waterlogging and salinity in South Asia, and water saving practices in China, among many other projects.

Visit the institute at http://www.iwmi.cgiar.org

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