Egypt Strengthens ICARDA Cooperation On Solar Irrigation, Water Conservation And Agricultural Productivity

Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, has met with Dr. Nizar Haddad, Director General of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), to discuss expanding cooperation in water conservation, irrigation modernization, renewable energy, and agricultural productivity.

The meeting focused on strengthening ongoing collaboration and accelerating the implementation of the 2025–2027 Joint Work Programme. The programme aims to translate areas of cooperation into practical projects and activities under the Memorandum of Understanding signed during the 7th Cairo Water Week in 2024.

Both sides reviewed activities under the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Water Scarcity Initiative, in which ICARDA participates. Key initiatives include developing a pilot water desalination model at the National Water Research Center’s research station in Wadi El-Natrun. The discussions also covered establishing farmer field schools in Qena and Kafr El-Sheikh to improve agricultural practices and promote efficient water management.

Another area of focus was the application of integrated approaches to soil salinity management, agricultural production, and aquaculture. These efforts aim to address water scarcity challenges while improving the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems.

The meeting also reviewed progress on the “Enhancing Food Security in Egypt” project, implemented in cooperation with the Government of Japan. The project seeks to strengthen climate change adaptation, improve water and agricultural productivity, and support sustainable rural livelihoods.

Key activities under the initiative include solar-powered irrigation systems, improved soil salinity management, enhanced agricultural extension services, capacity building, and the use of digital tools to support farmers and water management.

Prof. Sewilam emphasized the importance of building on the results achieved through existing cooperation, particularly in water productivity, solar-powered irrigation, soil salinity management, agricultural extension, and digital irrigation solutions.

He also highlighted the need to expand successful practices to improve water-use efficiency and strengthen the sustainability of Egypt’s agricultural sector. The continued partnership between the ministry and ICARDA is expected to support efforts to address water scarcity, improve food security, and promote climate-resilient agricultural development across the country.