Africa's predominantly rainfed agricultural sector remains highly vulnerable to erratic rainfall and the escalating impacts of climate change. Despite the continent's significant irrigation potential, only a small fraction of its arable land is currently equipped for irrigation.
A new policy brief—"Implementing the IDAWM Framework to Enhance Agricultural Water Management in the African Union"—by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine's Centre on Climate Change & Planetary Health, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the Water Research Commission, and the African Union, explores how effective agricultural water management (AWM) can address these challenges.
Expanding irrigation is a key climate adaptation strategy for de-risking rainfed systems and boosting agricultural productivity. However, the policy brief stresses that irrigation development must be carefully conceptualized and managed to balance trade-offs. These include environmental impacts (land use change, water pollution, over-abstraction), social issues (shifts in power dynamics and gender roles), and governance challenges (water access and rights).
"Sustainable irrigation isn't just about increasing productivity; it's about balancing environmental, social, health, and governance trade-offs to create resilient and inclusive agri-food systems that deliver multiple benefits for people and the planet," said Prof. Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi, Water, Energy, Food and Environment (WEFE) Lead at UNU-INWEH and lead author of the brief.
The brief also cautions against unintended consequences of efficiency improvements in irrigation. In some regions, enhanced irrigation efficiency has paradoxically led to increased water use, rather than conservation, highlighting the complexity of water management interventions.
To guide future efforts, the African Union Commission (AUC) has developed the IDAWM Framework (Framework for Irrigation Development and Agricultural Water Management). This coordinated strategy supports the formulation of evidence-based regional and national policies on agricultural water management, aimed at achieving Africa's food security goals.
The IDAWM Framework offers a structured approach for identifying AWM challenges, setting development priorities, and fostering multi-stakeholder dialogue on sustainable irrigation practices.
"Unlocking Africa's agricultural potential lies in transforming water, energy, and environmental systems," said Prof. Kaveh Madani, Director of UNU-INWEH. "Through systematic and responsible water management, and by thinking beyond water alone, we can mitigate climate vulnerabilities and catalyze food security for millions."
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