Abstract:
Using inputs from Phase 2 and through review of the consistency of respective government policies towards irrigation, agriculture and rural development, this Study (1) proposed institutional cooperative mechanism ('software') for actual projects on the ground (hardware nature) that will give win-win benefit to the countries; (2) identified capacity building needs and (3) proposed future projects with assured benefit and enhanced cooperation. Given that the EN countries have a number of complex challenges ahead of them associated with water scarcity, technology, institutions and socio-economy in their effort to satisfy the increasing food requirement of the growing population (which has exceeded crop production with limited available arable land), and increasing competition for jobs and high unemployment in rural areas, carefully planned and sustainable irrigation development and intensification of the existing irrigated agriculture is crucial in order to increase food security, enhance agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods in the sub-region. This is a key document to streamline national efforts in the field of irrigation and drainage and enhance the cooperation across the region.
